Dr. Thomas Marceau-Côté

As an Chirurgien orthopédiste, Dr. Thomas Marceau-Côté diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).

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.

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): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.

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

• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• 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.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Marceau-Côté. 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 Marceau-Côté adhere to the scope of practice for Chirurgien orthopédistes in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CSSS de Montmagny-l'Islet, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Marceau-Côté frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear is preventing you from fully enjoying reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Marceau-Côté offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely through comprehensive and personalized care.
• For individuals troubled by a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing, Dr. Marceau-Côté's approach is focused on delivering a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls with restored musculoskeletal health.
• If recurrent dislocations of their shoulder or kneecap has unfortunately put participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Marceau-Côté works closely with patients towards attaining increased stability in an unstable joint, effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.

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

Dr. Marceau-Côté's practice, CSSS de Montmagny-l'Islet, is situated in a central location within the Montmagny neighborhood of Montmagny. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Marceau-Côté do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Marceau-Côté 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Marceau-Côté covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Marceau-Côté are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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 CSSS de Montmagny-l'Islet 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. Marceau-Côté at CSSS de Montmagny-l'Islet?

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. Marceau-Côté 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. Marceau-Côté 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.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Marceau-Côté?

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. Marceau-Côté 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. Marceau-Côté?

Yes, in QC, 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. Marceau-Côté for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Marceau-Côté 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. Marceau-Côté treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Marceau-Côté 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. Marceau-Côté 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.

What should I bring to my orthopedic appointment with Dr. Marceau-Côté?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports AND the actual images if on a CD/USB (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – images are very important for orthopedic review), and any pertinent test results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s) (e.g., shorts for a knee problem). If you use any braces, splints, or assistive devices, bring those as well.

CSSS de Montmagny-l'Islet
350 boul Taché O
Montmagny, QC, G5V 3R8

Phone: (418) 248-0630

Dr. Thomas Marceau-Côté is a licensed Chirurgien orthopédiste in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 16152

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16152

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