Dr. Ronald Vandersluis – Orthopedic Surgeon | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Ronald Vandersluis is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Scarborough, ON, Dr. Vandersluis is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Vandersluis 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. Dr. Vandersluis 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. Ronald Vandersluis earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1989. Subsequently, Dr. Vandersluis completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Vandersluis brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Vandersluis's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis'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; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Vandersluis is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Dutch.

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

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.
• 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.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• 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.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

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

• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• 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. Vandersluis. 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. Ronald Vandersluis 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 Dr. Ronald Vandersluis's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Vandersluis frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If a work-related injury to their bones or joints is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Vandersluis develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their spine being curved (like scoliosis) with Dr. Vandersluis'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 reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) once more.
• At Dr. Vandersluis's clinic, addressing trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run means focusing on patient goals. Achieving increased stability in an unstable joint helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding.

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

Dr. Vandersluis's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Scarborough, is situated in a central location within the Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, 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 the clinic 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. Vandersluis?

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

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis 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.

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

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. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Vandersluis at the clinic?

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. Vandersluis 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. Vandersluis 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Vandersluis do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Vandersluis 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.

4040 Finch Avenue East, PO Box 31023
Scarborough, ON, M1S 4V5

Phone: (416) 335-5055

Dr. Ronald Vandersluis 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: 60972

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Vandersluis-Ronald/0046994-60972

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