Dr. Olivier Yuhan Gauthier-Kwan

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Olivier Yuhan Gauthier-Kwan 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): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• 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).

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): Treating bone death caused by a loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip, knee, or shoulder, which can lead to joint collapse.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

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

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• 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.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gauthier-Kwan. 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. Olivier Yuhan Gauthier-Kwan 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 Niagara Health, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Gauthier-Kwan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems is a common journey for patients under Dr. Gauthier-Kwan's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel), so that daily routines and pleasures like hiking, running, or cycling again become more manageable again.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Gauthier-Kwan to see patients who were troubled by a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better successfully achieve an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes.
• The path to improved musculoskeletal wellness, especially when facing chronic low back pain that shoots down their leg, involves working systematically towards improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely. Dr. Gauthier-Kwan expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up.

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

Dr. Gauthier-Kwan's practice, Niagara Health, is situated in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Golf & Country Club and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Gauthier-Kwan at Niagara Health?

At your first consultation, Dr. Gauthier-Kwan will conduct a thorough musculoskeletal assessment. This involves a detailed discussion of your medical history, the problem (pain, injury, etc.), how it started, what alleviates or worsens it, and its impact on daily life. Dr. Gauthier-Kwan will review previous treatments and perform a physical exam, assessing range of motion, strength, and tenderness. Existing imaging (X-rays, MRI, etc.) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Gauthier-Kwan will discuss their findings, may recommend further tests, and outline potential treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), collaborating with you to set goals.

What are some common conditions an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gauthier-Kwan treats?

Dr. Gauthier-Kwan treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, osteoarthritis (hip, knee, shoulder), sports injuries (ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis or bursitis. The goal is always to restore function and reduce pain.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gauthier-Kwan do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gauthier-Kwan is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, etc.). They manage conditions like fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, and spinal disorders using both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair) and non-surgical (medication, injections, physiotherapy) methods to restore function and alleviate pain.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Gauthier-Kwan?

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the surgery, the area involved, the patient's health, and their adherence to rehabilitation. Minor procedures might take a few weeks, while major surgeries like joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Gauthier-Kwan will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Gauthier-Kwan recommend it?

Joint replacement (arthroplasty) involves replacing damaged parts of a joint (hip, knee, shoulder) with artificial components. Dr. Gauthier-Kwan may recommend it for severe joint pain and loss of function due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injury when non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain and improve mobility.

How does Dr. Gauthier-Kwan treat broken bones (fractures)?

Treatment depends on the fracture's type and severity. Non-surgical treatment may involve realignment and immobilization with a cast or brace. Surgical treatment (internal or external fixation using plates, screws, etc.) might be necessary for complex fractures or those unlikely to heal well without surgery. Dr. Gauthier-Kwan will determine the best approach.

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

Most consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures are typically covered by OHIP in Ontario, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is usually covered. However, some items (braces, orthotics, certain injections) may not be fully covered. Inquire with Niagara Health about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance coverage.

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gauthier-Kwan?

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally required for consultations and surgical treatments covered by OHIP. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Gauthier-Kwan has necessary background information. Discuss with your primary care physician if you need an orthopedic assessment.

Niagara Health
435 King St N, Department of Medicine
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2Z5

Phone: (519) 603-0623

Dr. Olivier Yuhan Gauthier-Kwan 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: 102958

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/GauthierKwan-Olivier-Yuhan/0295290-102958

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