Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang – Orthopedic Surgeon | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Richmond Hill, ON, Dr. Chang is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chang is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in ON. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Chang is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life through both surgical and non-surgical means. Dr. Chang serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang earned a Medical Degree from King’s College London (London), United Kingdom, graduating in 2013. Subsequently, Dr. Chang completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chang brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Chang’s expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chang is committed to ongoing professional development and staying at the forefront of orthopedic advancements to offer the best possible care to patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Chang’s surgical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient’s goals and lifestyle in mind; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Chang provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, which may be surgical or non-surgical, are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chang, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chang. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any procedure or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation.

All surgical and non-surgical treatments by Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Chang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Chang with concerns about their spine being curved (like scoliosis). By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely, making a positive and lasting return to sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up not just possible, but highly feasible.
• The journey from breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed to wellness often involves Dr. Chang's dedicated care. The milestone is a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition, which opens the door back to activities such as participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.
• Patients experiencing a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing often express a desire to improve their physical function and reduce pain. At Dr. Chang's practice, a key objective is alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.

Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Chang, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Chang is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Chang’s practice, an orthopedic clinic in Richmond Hill, is situated in the Central Richmond Hill, Mill Pond neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 404 Access and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Chang recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (like the hip, knee, or shoulder) are removed and replaced with artificial components (prostheses) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Dr. Chang might recommend joint replacement if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function, typically due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments (like medication, injections, physiotherapy) are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

How does Dr. Chang treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Chang are experts in treating all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and the patient’s overall health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and then immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace to allow it to heal. Surgical treatment might be necessary for more complex fractures, open fractures (where the bone breaks the skin), or fractures that are unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, rods, or pins to hold the bone pieces together) or external fixation (using a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Chang will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chang do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chang is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They manage a wide range of conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. While they are surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical methods (like joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (like medication, injections, bracing, or recommending physiotherapy) to treat patients. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Chang?

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery performed (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement vs. fracture fixation), the specific joint or bone involved, the patient’s age and overall health, and their adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may have a recovery of a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months for full recovery and return to all activities. Dr. Chang will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Chang at the clinic?

The first visit will typically involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient’s medical history, the specific problem (e.g., pain, injury, loss of function), how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities and quality of life. Dr. Chang will review any previous treatments and will perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area(s), assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Chang will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with the patient to establish goals.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chang covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chang are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging ordered is also usually covered. However, some specific items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. It’s always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

Unit Unit 10, 10 Trench St, Unit 10
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 4Z3

Phone: (905) 417-2000

Dr. Nicholas Bruce Chang is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 114041

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chang-Nicholas-Bruce/0321669-114041

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Chang. Dr. Chang and the team are dedicated to providing expert orthopedic care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.