Dr. Ryan Richard Wolek

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ryan Richard Wolek 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.
• 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.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

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): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.

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

• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.

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

• The path to improved musculoskeletal wellness, especially when facing chronic low back pain that shoots down their leg, involves working systematically towards successful healing of their broken bone (fracture). Dr. Wolek expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls.
• When trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Wolek helps patients strive for successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor. This makes participating in activities such as sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up a pleasant and possible experience again.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed, Dr. Wolek offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.

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

Dr. Wolek's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Whitby, is situated in the Downtown Whitby, Port Whitby neighborhood of Whitby. The clinic is conveniently located near Whitby GO Station and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What are some common conditions an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wolek treats?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Wolek treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Common examples include fractures (broken bones), osteoarthritis (particularly affecting the hip, knee, and shoulder), various sports injuries (such as ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, and meniscus tears), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis or bursitis. Dr. Wolek's expertise extends to addressing many other musculoskeletal problems, always aiming to restore function and reduce pain.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wolek covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures performed by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wolek are typically covered by provincial health insurance plans such as the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in Ontario. This coverage is usually contingent upon the patient possessing a valid health card and an appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging ordered by Dr. Wolek is also generally covered. However, certain items, including some braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections, might not be fully covered or may incur additional fees. Patients should always inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket expenses and verify coverage with their private insurance provider (if applicable) for supplementary therapies or devices.

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

Your initial consultation with Dr. Wolek will involve a thorough musculoskeletal assessment. This begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history, focusing on the specific problem (pain, injury, or loss of function), its onset, aggravating and alleviating factors, and its impact on your daily life. Dr. Wolek will review any prior treatments and conduct a physical examination of the affected area(s), assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Existing imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Wolek will share their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (both surgical and non-surgical), collaborating with you to define treatment goals.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Wolek are skilled in managing all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the fracture's type, severity, location, and the patient's overall health. Non-surgical approaches may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical intervention might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures (where the bone penetrates the skin), or fractures unlikely to heal adequately with casting. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, rods, or pins) or external fixation (using an external frame). Dr. Wolek will determine the optimal treatment to ensure proper bone healing and functional restoration.

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

Joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) involves removing damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (hip, knee, shoulder, etc.) and replacing them with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. Wolek may recommend this if a patient experiences severe joint pain and functional loss due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and if non-surgical treatments have proven inadequate. The aim is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

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

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies considerably, depending on the procedure (arthroscopy vs. joint replacement, etc.), the joint or bone involved, the patient's age and health, and their commitment to rehabilitation. Minor procedures might require a few weeks, while major surgeries (like total joint replacements) can necessitate several months for full recovery. Dr. Wolek will discuss the anticipated recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wolek do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wolek is a physician specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal system injuries and diseases (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves). They manage conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons employ both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical (medication, injections, bracing, physiotherapy) methods, aiming to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

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

In Ontario, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally needed to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wolek for consultations and surgical treatments covered by OHIP. This referral ensures the consultation's appropriateness and provides Dr. Wolek with essential medical background information. Consult your primary care physician or referring doctor if you require an orthopedic surgical assessment.

207 Dundas St W
Whitby, ON, L1N 2M4

Phone: (905) 665-3175

Dr. Ryan Richard Wolek 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: 100970

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wolek-Ryan-Richard/0288825-100970

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