Dr. Tommy Kwok-Chiu Chan – Orthopedic Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Tommy Kwok-Chiu Chan is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Ottawa General Hospital in Toronto, ON, Dr. Chan is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Tommy Kwok-Chiu Chan earned a Medical Degree from Schulich School Of Medicine And Dentistry, graduating in 1979. Subsequently, Dr. Chan completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chan brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Chan's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chan 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. Chan's surgical practice philosophy include: a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Chan is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Chinese.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Tommy Kwok-Chiu Chan diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• 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.
• 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

• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• 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.

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

• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• 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.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chan. 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. Tommy Kwok-Chiu Chan 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 Ottawa General Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Chan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Are you struggling with difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear? Dr. Chan partners with patients to target a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as standing for longer periods without discomfort a much more achievable reality.
• Dr. Chan often consults with patients whose their child limping or having trouble with their walking significantly limits their enjoyment of confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve the ability to participate more fully in family and social life and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For individuals troubled by their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems, Dr. Chan's approach is focused on delivering feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity with restored musculoskeletal health.

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

Dr. Chan's practice is located at Ottawa General Hospital in the Downsview East (CFB Toronto) neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan?

In Ontario, 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. Chan for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Chan has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan is a medical doctor 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. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical methods (like joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (like medication, injections, bracing, or recommending physiotherapy). Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Chan at Ottawa General Hospital?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities. Dr. Chan will review any previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination. Any prior imaging will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Chan will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (non-surgical and surgical), working with you to establish goals.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Chan are experts in treating fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and the patient's health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone and immobilizing it with a cast or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures or those unlikely to heal well with casting. Surgical options include internal fixation (plates, screws) or external fixation (a frame outside the body). Dr. Chan will determine the most appropriate treatment.

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

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the specific joint or bone, the patient's age and health, and their adherence to the rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may have a recovery of a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Chan will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chan 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. Chan are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging 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. Inquire with Ottawa General Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Chan recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. Dr. Chan might recommend joint replacement if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Ottawa General Hospital
Unit Room 1566A, 1017 Wilson Avenue, Room 1566A
Toronto, ON, M3K 1Z1

Phone: (416) 636-9963

Dr. Tommy Kwok-Chiu Chan 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: 50382

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Tommy-KwokChiu/0036406-50382

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