About
Dr. Stephen John French is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Stephen French Clinic Calgary in Calgary, AB, Dr. French is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. French 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. French 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 John French earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Memorial University, graduating in 1999. Subsequently, Dr. French completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. French brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. French's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. In addition to core qualifications in Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgeon may hold or have completed further certifications/training such as: LMCC. Dr. French 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. French's surgical practice philosophy include: a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind. Dr. French is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Stephen John French diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:
Bone Joint Disorders General
- Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
- Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
- Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
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.
Sports Injuries
- Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
- Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
- Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
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. French, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
- Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
- General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
- Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
- 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.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. French. 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 John French adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
At Stephen French Clinic Calgary, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. French frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Many people seek Dr. French's professional help and expertise when dealing with a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling more confident in their physical abilities, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
- If a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems is preventing you from fully enjoying getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty or causing significant discomfort, Dr. French offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy through comprehensive and personalized care.
- Through Dr. French's skilled guidance and modern surgical techniques, patients suffering from numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) often find they can readily achieve feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain.
Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. French, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. French is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.
Stephen French Clinic Calgary is situated in the SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Connects North/South and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.
- What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. French do?
- An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. French is a medical doctor (physician) specializing 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.
- How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. French?
- Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement), the specific joint or bone, the patient's age and health, and their rehabilitation adherence. Some minor procedures may take a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. French will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.
- How does Dr. French treat broken bones (fractures)?
- Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. French treat fractures based on type and severity, location, and patient health. Non-surgical treatment might involve realigning the bone and immobilizing it with a cast or brace. Surgical treatment (internal or external fixation) may be necessary for complex fractures or those unlikely to heal well with casting. Dr. French determines the most appropriate treatment for proper healing and restored function.
- Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. French covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?
- Most consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. French are typically covered by provincial health plans like AHCIP in AB, with a valid health card and referral. Diagnostic imaging is usually covered. However, some items like certain braces or injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with Stephen French Clinic Calgary about potential out-of-pocket costs and check private insurance coverage.
- What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. French at Stephen French Clinic Calgary?
- The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, the problem, and its impact. Dr. French will review past treatments, perform a physical examination, and review imaging. Based on this, Dr. French will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), working with you to establish goals.
- What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. French recommend it?
- Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint with artificial components. Dr. French might recommend it if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
Stephen French Clinic Calgary
4448 Front St SE, Rm 310193
Calgary, AB, T3M 1M4
Phone: (403) 956-3868
Dr. Stephen John French 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: 23342
Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a67c8e72-4214-4f38-aea8-edfe425b9e2d&i=486
A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. French. Dr. French 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.