Dr. Nicholas Francis Matlovich – Orthopedic Surgeon | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Nicholas Francis Matlovich is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Sarnia, ON, Dr. Matlovich is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Matlovich 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. Matlovich 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. Matlovich serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Nicholas Francis Matlovich earned a Medical Degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. Matlovich completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Matlovich brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Matlovich's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Matlovich 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. Matlovich's surgical practice philosophy include: exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey. Dr. Matlovich provides consultations in English.

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

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): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

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. Matlovich, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Matlovich. 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 Francis Matlovich 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 Francis Matlovich's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Matlovich frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run to wellness often involves Dr. Matlovich's dedicated care. The milestone is being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy, which opens the door back to activities such as participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.
• Dr. Matlovich provides dedicated support for patients going through recurrent dislocations of their shoulder or kneecap, always aiming for positive outcomes like improved hand or foot function for daily activities, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life.
• If a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better is preventing you from fully enjoying lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Matlovich offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel) through comprehensive and personalized care.

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

Dr. Matlovich's orthopedic clinic in Sarnia is situated in the Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Bluewater Health Hospital and is easily accessible via Sarnia Transit. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Matlovich do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Matlovich is a medical doctor (physician) specializing 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 does Dr. Matlovich treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Matlovich 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. Matlovich will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Matlovich 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. Matlovich 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Matlovich 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. Matlovich 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. Matlovich 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. Matlovich 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. Matlovich 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.

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

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. Matlovich will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

494 Christina Street North
Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W4

Phone: (519) 491-2398

Dr. Nicholas Francis Matlovich 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: 95541

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Matlovich-Nicholas-Francis/0273593-95541

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Matlovich. Dr. Matlovich 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.