Dr. Stephen Ira Halman – Orthopedic Surgeon | Woodbridge, ON

Dr. Stephen Ira Halman is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at OATC Bracebridge in Woodbridge, ON, Dr. Halman is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Halman 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. Halman 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. Stephen Ira Halman earned a Medical Degree from Mcgill University Faculty Of Medicine And Health Sciences, graduating in 1993. Subsequently, Dr. Halman completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Halman brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Halman's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Halman 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. Halman'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. Dr. Halman provides consultations in English.

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

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.

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.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.

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

• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• 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.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• 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. Halman. 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. Stephen Ira Halman 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 OATC Bracebridge, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Halman frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their fingers getting stuck in a bent position (trigger finger), Dr. Halman provides solutions that lead to alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
• A key objective when treating a torn ACL or meniscus in their knee from a sports injury at Dr. Halman's welcoming clinic is achieving learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like walking without a limp or significant pain.
• Managing their spine being curved (like scoliosis) effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Halman and the medical team. The clear aim is always significant pain relief in their affected joint or limb, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively and their daily routines without severe physical hindrance.

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

Dr. Halman's practice, OATC Bracebridge, is situated in a central location within the Woodbridge neighborhood of Woodbridge. 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Halman at OATC Bracebridge?

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. Halman 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. Halman 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. Halman 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. Halman 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 OATC Bracebridge about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Dr. Halman addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, aiming to restore function and reduce pain. Some common examples include fractures (broken bones), osteoarthritis (especially of the hip, knee, shoulder), sports injuries (like ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis or bursitis.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Halman do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Halman 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 is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Halman 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. Halman 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

OATC Bracebridge
8333 WESTON ROAD
Woodbridge, ON, L4L 8E2

Phone: (416) 745-9195

Dr. Stephen Ira Halman 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: 66882

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Halman-Stephen-Ira/0052918-66882

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