Dr. Zaheer Kukkadi

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

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• 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.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

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. Kukkadi, 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.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kukkadi. 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. Zaheer Kukkadi 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 Near North Medical Clinic, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Kukkadi frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things is preventing you from fully enjoying carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Kukkadi offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Dr. Kukkadi understands that dealing with numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected, helping patients comfortably get back to walking without a limp or significant pain and feeling their best.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon, Dr. Kukkadi offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of being able to sit comfortably for extended periods (e.g., for work or travel).

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

Dr. Kukkadi's practice, Near North Medical Clinic, is situated in a central location within the Chatham neighborhood of Chatham. 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.

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

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. Kukkadi 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. Kukkadi 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. Kukkadi do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kukkadi 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 conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical (medication, injections, bracing, physiotherapy) methods. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kukkadi 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. Kukkadi are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in Ontario, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is also usually covered. However, some items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with Near North Medical Clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Kukkadi at Near North Medical Clinic?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the problem (e.g., pain, injury, loss of function), how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities. Dr. Kukkadi will review previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Kukkadi 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. Kukkadi treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Kukkadi treat 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 immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting. Surgical options include internal fixation (plates, screws, rods, or pins) or external fixation (a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Kukkadi will determine the most appropriate treatment.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Kukkadi 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). Dr. Kukkadi 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 are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

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

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, 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. Dr. Kukkadi will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

Near North Medical Clinic
Unit Suite 201, 857 Grand Avenue West, Suite 201
Chatham, ON, N7L 4T1

Phone: (519) 351-8200

Dr. Zaheer Kukkadi 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: 74482

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kukkadi-Zaheer/0166718-74482

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