Dr. Patricia Ruth Farrugia – Orthopedic Surgeon | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Patricia Ruth Farrugia is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Farrugia is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Farrugia 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. Farrugia 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. Farrugia serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Patricia Ruth Farrugia earned a Medical Degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 2009. Subsequently, Dr. Farrugia completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Farrugia brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Farrugia's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Farrugia 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. Farrugia'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. Dr. Farrugia provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Patricia Ruth Farrugia 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): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

Sports Injuries

• 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: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.

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

• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Comprehensive non-surgical management strategies to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing.
• 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.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Farrugia. 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. Patricia Ruth Farrugia 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 Southlake Regional Health Centre, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Farrugia frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear with Dr. Farrugia's comprehensive orthopedic approach often leads to the desired outcome of an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work and social interactions.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Farrugia with concerns about a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain. 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 throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Farrugia helps patients strive for successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor. This makes participating in activities such as climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Farrugia's practice, Southlake Regional Health Centre, is situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near McMaster University (Main Campus) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Farrugia 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. Farrugia 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 Southlake Regional Health Centre 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. Farrugia do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Farrugia 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. Farrugia?

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

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

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Farrugia?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist (e.g., sports medicine physician, rheumatologist) is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Farrugia for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Farrugia has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Farrugia at Southlake Regional Health Centre?

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. Farrugia 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. Farrugia 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.

Southlake Regional Health Centre
403-304 Victoria Ave N
Hamilton, ON, L8L 5G4

Phone: (289) 389-8181

Dr. Patricia Ruth Farrugia 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: 90581

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Farrugia-Patricia-Ruth/0257344-90581

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