Dr. Thomas Harold Wallace – Orthopedic Surgeon | North Bay, ON

Dr. Thomas Harold Wallace is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at STSM HGH in North Bay, ON, Dr. Wallace is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Wallace 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. Wallace 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. Thomas Harold Wallace earned a Medical Degree from Schulich School Of Medicine And Dentistry, graduating in 1982. Subsequently, Dr. Wallace completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Wallace brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Wallace's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Wallace 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. Wallace's surgical practice philosophy include: 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. Wallace provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Thomas Harold Wallace 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

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

• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• 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. Wallace. 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. Thomas Harold Wallace 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 STSM HGH, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Wallace frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If their child limping or having trouble with their walking is preventing you from fully enjoying standing for longer periods without discomfort or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Wallace offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Wallace when they first notice a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing. Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve a safe return to work after an injury, enabling them to once again enjoy performing personal hygiene tasks independently without hesitation.
• If a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Wallace develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively.

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

Dr. Wallace's practice, STSM HGH, is situated in the Downtown North Bay, Central neighborhood of North Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Canadore College / Nipissing University Campus and is accessible via North Bay Transit. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

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

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

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

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. Wallace 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. Wallace has the necessary background medical information. Patients should speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

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

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Wallace at STSM HGH?

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. Wallace 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. Wallace 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wallace do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Wallace 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.

STSM HGH
400 Main Street West
North Bay, ON, P1B 2V2

Phone: (705) 476-9895

Dr. Thomas Harold Wallace 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: 59217

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wallace-Thomas-Harold/0045239-59217

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