Dr. Roxanne Mary Chow – Orthopedic Surgeon | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Roxanne Mary Chow is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Chow is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chow is licensed by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in AB.

Dr. Chow, as a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, is 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. Chow serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Roxanne Mary Chow earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Uofa - University Of Alberta, graduating in 2007. Subsequently, Dr. Chow completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chow brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Chow's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chow 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. Chow's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Chow provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Roxanne Mary Chow 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: 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.
• 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

• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• 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).

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• 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.

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

• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• 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.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chow. 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. Roxanne Mary Chow 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. Roxanne Mary Chow's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Chow frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chow understands that dealing with their spine being curved (like scoliosis) can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation, helping patients comfortably get back to standing for longer periods without discomfort and feeling their best.
• Are you struggling with their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems? Dr. Chow partners with patients to target their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as hiking, running, or cycling again a much more achievable reality.
• If having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Chow 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 gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.

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

Dr. Chow's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Old Strathcona Historic Area and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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. Chow 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chow 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. Chow 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 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 does Dr. Chow treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chow do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chow 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 should I bring to my orthopedic appointment with Dr. Chow?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports AND the actual images if on a CD/USB (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – images are very important for orthopedic review), and any pertinent test results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s) (e.g., shorts for a knee problem). If you use any braces, splints, or assistive devices, bring those as well.

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

In AB, 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. Chow for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Chow has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

8440 112 St NW, 2C3.46 Walter Mackenzie Centre
Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 407-6641

Dr. Roxanne Mary Chow 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: 024797

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ff358ca8-f9a4-4c73-b7b9-99e2baadd3ca&i=293

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