Dr. Pierre Luc Charlebois

As an Chirurgien orthopédiste, Dr. Pierre Luc Charlebois diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• 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.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.

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

• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical reconstruction of the hip joint, including total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty, for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Charlebois. 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. Pierre Luc Charlebois adhere to the scope of practice for Chirurgien orthopédistes in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Charlebois frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Charlebois understands that dealing with their child limping or having trouble with their walking can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely, helping patients comfortably get back to participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking and feeling their best.
• When difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to participating in fitness classes or going to the gym, Dr. Charlebois and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by successful healing of their broken bone (fracture) and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
• Dr. Charlebois provides dedicated support for patients going through numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel), always aiming for positive outcomes like being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as performing personal hygiene tasks independently.

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

Dr. Charlebois practices at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, situated in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near Cathédrale Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

In Quebec, 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. Charlebois for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Charlebois has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Charlebois covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Charlebois are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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. Inquire with Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement vs. fracture fixation), the specific joint or bone, the patient's age and health, and their adherence to post-operative rehabilitation. Some minor procedures may recover in a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months for full recovery. Dr. Charlebois will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Charlebois at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu?

The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily life. Dr. Charlebois will review previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Charlebois will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), working with you to establish goals.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu for Dr. Charlebois?

We understand unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 72 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Charlebois. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 72 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee. We appreciate your cooperation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Charlebois do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Charlebois is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves). They manage conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (medication, injections, bracing, physiotherapy). Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Charlebois 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). Dr. Charlebois might recommend joint replacement if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Charlebois are experts in treating 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 immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, rods, or pins) or external fixation (using a frame outside the body). Dr. Charlebois will determine the most appropriate treatment.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu
920 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3A 1B7

Phone: (450) 359-5000

Dr. Pierre Luc Charlebois is a licensed Chirurgien orthopédiste in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 14211

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14211

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