Dr. Pierre-Marc April

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• 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.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

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

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.

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

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

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed at Dr. April's practice is consistently achieving their fracture healing in the correct alignment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.
• Effectively addressing chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments with Dr. April's comprehensive orthopedic approach often leads to the desired outcome of reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel), enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects and social interactions.
• If recurrent dislocations of their shoulder or kneecap has unfortunately put feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. April works closely with patients towards attaining alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention, effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.

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

Dr. April's practice, Hôpital de Saint-Eustache, is situated in a central location within the Saint-Eustache neighborhood of Saint-Eustache. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. April at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache?

Your first visit will 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. April will review any previous treatments and 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. April will discuss their 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. April do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. April 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) to treat patients, aiming to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. April 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. April are typically covered by provincial health plans such as RAMQ in QC, with a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is usually covered. However, some items (certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with Hôpital de Saint-Eustache about potential out-of-pocket costs and check private insurance coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache for Dr. April?

We understand unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 72 business hours' notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. April. 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.

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

In QC, 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. April for consultations and surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. April has necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

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

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, 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. Dr. April will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. April recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint are removed and replaced with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. April 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 no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Hôpital de Saint-Eustache
520 boul Arthur-Sauvé
Saint-Eustache, QC, J7R 5B1

Phone: (450) 473-6811

Dr. Pierre-Marc April 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: 18667

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18667

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