Dr. Robert Koon Wah Chan

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Robert Koon Wah Chan 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): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.

Traumatic Injuries

• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.

Sports Injuries

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

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

• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chan. 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. Robert Koon Wah Chan adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

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

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Chan when they first notice a growth or lump on one of their bones or in their muscles. Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve the ability to participate more fully in family and social life, enabling them to once again enjoy dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes without hesitation.
• Overcoming or effectively managing having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful is a common journey for patients under Dr. Chan's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition, so that daily routines and pleasures like opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues) become more manageable again.
• Dr. Chan's comprehensive care for a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems is meticulously designed to result in significant pain relief in their affected joint or limb. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life without musculoskeletal worries.

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

Dr. Robert Chan MD is situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert. The clinic is conveniently located near St. Albert Centre Mall and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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 Dr. Robert Chan MD 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. Chan?

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Chan at Dr. Robert Chan MD?

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. Chan 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. Chan 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.

Dr. Robert Chan MD
230-625 St Albert Trail
St. Albert, AB, T8N 3L3

Phone: (780) 569-5494 | Website: http://www.cpsa.ab.ca/PhysicianSearch/PhysicianProfile.aspx?PhysicianId=000010315225

Dr. Robert Koon Wah Chan is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 15584

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=39c30937-3197-4133-b6af-d1183f754952&i=261

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