Dr. Pierrette Girard – Orthopedic Surgeon | Pointe-Claire, QC

Dr. Pierrette Girard is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Clinique Médicale McDermot in Pointe-Claire, QC, Dr. Girard is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Girard is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in QC.

Dr. Girard serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care as a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, 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. Pierrette Girard earned a Medical Degree in 1986. Subsequently, Dr. Girard completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. With over 39 years of specialized surgical practice since 1986, Dr. Girard's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Girard 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. Girard'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; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Girard offers consultations in French.

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

Bone Joint Disorders General

• 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.

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

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

• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.

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

At Clinique Médicale McDermot, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Girard frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When patients discuss difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Girard outlines a path to learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition, aiming to restore not just musculoskeletal health but also the ability to comfortably enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity.
• Effectively addressing trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run with Dr. Girard's comprehensive orthopedic approach often leads to the desired outcome of correction of a deformity (e.g., bunion, scoliosis, clubfoot), enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in performing personal hygiene tasks independently and social interactions.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around is a common journey for patients under Dr. Girard's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor, so that daily routines and pleasures like opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues) become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Girard practices at Clinique Médicale McDermot, centrally located in the Pointe-Claire neighborhood of Pointe-Claire. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Girard at Clinique Médicale McDermot?

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. Girard 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. Girard will discuss her 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Girard 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. Girard 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. It's always best for patients to inquire with Clinique Médicale McDermot about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Girard do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Girard 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 does Dr. Girard treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

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

Clinique Médicale McDermot
37 Av Donegani
Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 2V7

Phone: (514) 697-8242

Dr. Pierrette Girard 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: 86174

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=86174

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