Dr. Susan Elizabeth Vokey – Orthopedic Surgeon | Sudbury, ON

Dr. Susan Elizabeth Vokey is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Thompson Medical Centre in Sudbury, ON, Dr. Vokey is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Vokey 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. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Vokey 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. Vokey serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Susan Elizabeth Vokey earned a Medical Degree from Memorial University Of Newfoundland Faculty Of Medicine, graduating in 1987. Subsequently, Dr. Vokey completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Vokey brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Vokey's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Vokey 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. Vokey's surgical practice philosophy include: providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind. Dr. Vokey provides consultations in English.

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

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.

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

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• 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.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Vokey. 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. Susan Elizabeth Vokey 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 Thompson Medical Centre, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Vokey frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain under Dr. Vokey's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty without the former limitations or discomfort.
• The journey from having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful to wellness often involves Dr. Vokey's dedicated care. The milestone is improved hand or foot function for daily activities, which opens the door back to activities such as sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up.
• Are you struggling with a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain? Dr. Vokey partners with patients to target a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf) a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Vokey's practice, Thompson Medical Centre, is situated in the Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, Ramsey Lake Area neighborhood of Sudbury. The clinic is conveniently located near Cambrian College and is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Vokey 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. Vokey 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 Thompson Medical Centre about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

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

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Vokey do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Vokey 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. Vokey at Thompson Medical Centre?

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. Vokey 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. Vokey 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.

Thompson Medical Centre
2120 Regent Street South
Sudbury, ON, P3E 3Z9

Phone: (705) 522-9101

Dr. Susan Elizabeth Vokey 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: 66152

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Vokey-Susan-Elizabeth/0052173-66152

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