Dr. Salman Riaz – Orthopedic Surgeon | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Salman Riaz is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Medicine Hat, AB, Dr. Riaz is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Riaz 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. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Riaz 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. Riaz serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Salman Riaz earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Pakistan, graduating in 1994. Subsequently, Dr. Riaz completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Riaz brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Riaz's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Riaz 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. Riaz's surgical practice philosophy include: a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient’s goals and lifestyle in mind; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Riaz is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Hindi, Punjabi, Saraiki (or seraiki) and Urdu.

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

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• 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): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• 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: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.

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

• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical replacement of the knee joint, including total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, for severe arthritis or injury.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Comprehensive care for bone fractures, including closed reduction and casting, as well as surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods, or external fixators.

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

• If chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments is preventing you from fully enjoying participating in fitness classes or going to the gym or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Riaz offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Riaz when they first notice breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed. Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve correction of a deformity (e.g., bunion, scoliosis, clubfoot), enabling them to once again enjoy kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues) without hesitation.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better is a common journey for patients under Dr. Riaz's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling successful healing of their broken bone (fracture), so that daily routines and pleasures like being able to sit comfortably for extended periods (e.g., for work or travel) become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Riaz's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Medicine Hat, is situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood of Medicine Hat. The clinic is conveniently located near Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds and is accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

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

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

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Riaz do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Riaz 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. Riaz 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. Riaz 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. Riaz 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. Riaz 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. Riaz 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.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Riaz 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. Riaz 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. Riaz?

Yes, 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. Riaz 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. Riaz has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

623 4 St SE, 302
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0L1

Phone: (587) 289-2112

Dr. Salman Riaz 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: 019363

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=5723eda4-8127-4cdb-9cbf-9f2000770ca4&i=1225

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