Dr. Youjin Chang – Orthopedic Surgeon | Oshawa, ON

Dr. Youjin Chang is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Winchester District Memorial Hospital in Oshawa, ON, Dr. Chang is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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. Youjin Chang earned a Medical Degree from University Of Ottawa, graduating in 2015. Subsequently, Dr. Chang completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chang brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Chang's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Chang 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. Chang's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Chang is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

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

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.

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: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

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

• 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.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• 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. Chang. 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. Youjin Chang 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 Winchester District Memorial Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Chang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chang's comprehensive care for chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments is meticulously designed to result in successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf) without musculoskeletal worries.
• Dr. Chang understands that dealing with a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity and feeling their best.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Chang to see patients who were troubled by their spine being curved (like scoliosis) successfully achieve their fracture healing in the correct alignment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.

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

Dr. Chang's practice is located at Winchester District Memorial Hospital in the Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Delpark Homes Centre (formerly Legends Centre) and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

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. Chang 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. Chang 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.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chang do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chang 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. Chang at Winchester District Memorial 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. Chang 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. Chang 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 does Dr. Chang treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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. Chang 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. Chang 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.

Winchester District Memorial Hospital
1 Hospital Crt
Oshawa, ON, L1G 2B9

Phone: (905) 576-8711

Dr. Youjin Chang 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: 105859

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chang-Youjin/0302811-105859

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