Dr. Thomas Zochowski – Orthopedic Surgeon | Oakville, ON

Dr. Thomas Zochowski is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at St Michael's Hospital in Oakville, ON, Dr. Zochowski is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zochowski 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. Zochowski 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. Zochowski serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Thomas Zochowski earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2012. Subsequently, Dr. Zochowski completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zochowski brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Zochowski's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zochowski 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. Zochowski's surgical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Zochowski provides consultations in English.

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• 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: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.

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

• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.
• 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.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Comprehensive care for bone fractures, including closed reduction and casting, as well as surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods, or external fixators.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Zochowski. 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 Zochowski 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 St Michael's Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Zochowski frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon is a primary concern, Dr. Zochowski focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty.
• Many people seek Dr. Zochowski's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a work-related injury to their bones or joints, Dr. Zochowski offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues).

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

Dr. Zochowski's practice, St Michael's Hospital, is situated in the West Oak Trails, Glen Abbey West neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near Oakville Place Mall and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Zochowski 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. Zochowski 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 does Dr. Zochowski treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Zochowski at St Michael's Hospital?

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. Zochowski 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. Zochowski 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. Zochowski?

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zochowski 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. Zochowski 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 St Michael's Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zochowski do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zochowski 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.

St Michael's Hospital
3075 Hospital Gate, Department of Family Medicine
Oakville, ON, L6M 1M1

Phone: (289) 813-5075

Dr. Thomas Zochowski 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: 98487

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zochowski-Thomas/0280981-98487

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