Dr. Paul Robert Thomas Kuzyk – Orthopedic Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Paul Robert Thomas Kuzyk is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Compass Dermatology in Toronto, ON, Dr. Kuzyk is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Paul Robert Thomas Kuzyk earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2002. Subsequently, Dr. Kuzyk completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kuzyk brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Kuzyk's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk'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; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey. Dr. Kuzyk provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Paul Robert Thomas Kuzyk diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• 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.

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.

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. Kuzyk, 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): Comprehensive care for bone fractures, including closed reduction and casting, as well as surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods, or external fixators.
• 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: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical replacement of the knee joint, including total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, for severe arthritis or injury.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kuzyk. 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. Paul Robert Thomas Kuzyk 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 Compass Dermatology, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Kuzyk frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kuzyk provides dedicated support for patients going through a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better, always aiming for positive outcomes like improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child limping or having trouble with their walking with Dr. Kuzyk's dedicated support and surgical expertise. This often leads directly to being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child running and playing with friends without limitations once more.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident at Dr. Kuzyk's practice is consistently achieving an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity.

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

Dr. Kuzyk's practice, Compass Dermatology, is situated in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto City Hall and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Kuzyk at Compass Dermatology?

The first visit will typically involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your 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. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk will discuss his diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with you to establish goals.

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

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. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kuzyk do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kuzyk 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.

What should I bring to my orthopedic appointment with Dr. Kuzyk?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports AND the actual images if on a CD/USB (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – images are very important for orthopedic review), and any pertinent test results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s) (e.g., shorts for a knee problem). If you use any braces, splints, or assistive devices, bring those as well.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk might recommend joint replacement if you have 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. Kuzyk 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. Kuzyk are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided you have 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. Inquire with Compass Dermatology about any potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Kuzyk are experts in treating all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and your 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. Kuzyk will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

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

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, your age and overall health, and your 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. Kuzyk will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

Compass Dermatology
Unit Unit 8, 600 University Avenue, Unit 8
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5

Phone: (416) 586-4653

Dr. Paul Robert Thomas Kuzyk 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: 77950

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kuzyk-Paul-Robert-Thomas/0191164-77950

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