Dr. Norah-Faye Matthies – Orthopedic Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Norah-Faye Matthies is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Renfrew Victoria Hospital in Toronto, ON, Dr. Matthies is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Matthies 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.

Dr. Matthies serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care as a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, 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. Norah-Faye Matthies earned a Medical Degree from University Of Alberta Faculty Of Medicine And Dentistry, graduating in 2013. Subsequently, Dr. Matthies completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Matthies brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Matthies's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Matthies 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. Matthies's surgical practice philosophy include: a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind. Dr. Matthies provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Norah-Faye Matthies diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Treating bone death caused by a loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip, knee, or shoulder, which can lead to joint collapse.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
• 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

• 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): Diagnosing and treating tears of major ligaments in the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), shoulder (rotator cuff, labrum), ankle, and elbow, often requiring surgical repair or reconstruction.

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

• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Matthies. 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. Norah-Faye Matthies 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 Renfrew Victoria Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Matthies frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthies when they first notice numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel). Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve improved hand or foot function for daily activities, enabling them to once again enjoy standing for longer periods without discomfort without hesitation.
• When difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to typing, writing, or using tools without hand or wrist pain, Dr. Matthies and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by increased stability in an unstable joint and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
• Overcoming or effectively managing needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis is a common journey for patients under Dr. Matthies's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery, so that daily routines and pleasures like reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Matthies's practice is located at Renfrew Victoria Hospital in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near CN Tower and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Matthies 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. Matthies 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 Renfrew Victoria Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Matthies do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Matthies 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. Matthies?

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. Matthies 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. Matthies at Renfrew Victoria Hospital?

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. Matthies 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. Matthies 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.

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

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

Renfrew Victoria Hospital
399 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8

Phone: (416) 603-5110

Dr. Norah-Faye Matthies 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: 101191

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Matthies-NorahFaye/0289017-101191

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