THE 5 BEST ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS IN TORONTO
orthopaedic specialists have the expertise to treat a diverse range of patients affected by musculoskeletal injuries — involving joints, muscles, bones, and ligaments. These individuals could be athletes maintaining active lifestyles, seniors more prone to arthritis, trauma victims, and even pediatric patients.
These skilled experts offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions for a variety of concerns stemming from injuries, deformities, chronic pain, fractures, and accidents. If you're seeking medical attention in these areas, we have a good feeling in our bones about these medical professionals!
How We Chose the Best Orthopaedic Specialists in Toronto
How Much Does a Consult with an Orthopaedic Specialist Cost in Toronto?
If you’re a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident, there’s no fee for visiting a orthopaedic surgeon as long as you provide your provincially-registered health card.Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options.
1. Dr. Jihad Abouali
Dr. Jihad Abouali is a Clinical Fellow in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy at the University of Toronto, focusing on minimally invasive camera-assisted surgeries. He successfully completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at McMaster University and now serves as an assistant professor at both institutions, training aspiring orthopaedic surgeons.
Dr. Abouali’s expertise spans arthroscopic knee and shoulder procedures, but he’s also dedicated to regenerative medicine, offering non-surgical alternatives like PRP, nSTRIDE, and hyaluronic acid injections for torn ligaments, tendons, knee injuries, and osteoarthritis.
Of note, he’s a pioneer in Canada for performing nanoscopy, a breakthrough incision-free procedure that requires minimal downtime, available at his private practice. Although this procedure isn’t covered by OHIP, it eliminates the need to get an MRI and speeds up the healing process. All his other treatments take place at Michael Garron Hospital, where he serves as a staff orthopaedic surgeon.
Pros
- Pioneering in nanoscopy for optimal surgical outcomes
- Accessible without a doctor’s referral
- Specialises in treating athletes
- Relatively quick to schedule appointments
- Extensive track record of arthroscopic surgeries
Cons
- Hit-or-miss bedside manners
- Some complaints of rushed appointments
- Inadequate follow-up care for some
Patient Reviews
Exceptional doctor who truly cares about his patients and their well-being.
“I recently had ACL surgery and meniscus repair performed by Dr. Abouali, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for his expertise and care throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the post-operative follow-up appointments, Dr. Abouali and his team were always professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate… He is an exceptional doctor who truly cares about his patients and their well-being.” – Diana Dang, Google Reviews
He helped give me my life back
“Incredible person and doctor. Dr. Abouali completed a meniscus repair for me back in early 2018. He made me feel very comfortable before the procedure, explaining everything in detail and was exceptional during follow-up. My knee feels great almost two years after. He helped give me my life back. He also has done work for many professional sports teams/athletes, and his accolades are impressive in their own right.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
2. Dr. Jacqueline Auguste
Dr. Jacqueline Auguste is a seasoned orthopaedic specialist who completed her orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Calgary. Subsequently, she pursued an extensive post-doctoral fellowship at the U of T, specialising in Musculoskeletal Oncology and Reconstruction, as well as Lower Extremity Reconstruction and Revision Arthroplasty.
Dr. Auguste’s expertise lies in surgically addressing arthritis, trauma, and sports injuries. Her passion for this area stems from her personal background as a former professional figure skater and snowboarder. Adding to her wide range of capabilities, she has also skillfully treated upper and lower extremity injuries, conducted knee and hip arthroplasty, and managed metastatic disease cases.
Her impact extends beyond the medical community; she’s truly cherished by her patients at Humber River Hospital, where she has dedicated nearly two decades of service. Additionally, she is a respected staff member at the Gorman/Shore Sports Injury Clinic.
Pros
- Extensive fellowship in orthopaedic medicine
- Empathetic and caring toward patients
- Over 20 years in practice
- Specialises in arthroplasty and sports injuries
- Effective communicator of complex medical language
Cons
- Limited availability due to high demand
Patient Reviews
She is the smartest and most personable doctor that I know
“Dr. Auguste performed both my knee replacements. She is the smartest and most personable doctor that I know. She thoroughly explained the procedure in a manner that was easy to understand but never condescending. I couldn’t help but be confident in her skill as a surgeon as well as in the rehab work that her team provides post-surgery. Love, love, love this doctor!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Nothing but good things to say about her care, concern, attention to detail
“Dr. Auguste has been my orthopaedic doctor for about 10 years. We first met at Humber River when I broke my ankle playing soccer. I recovered well from that fracture and went back to soccer and then tore my ACL. She fixed that and I went back to soccer after that until I injured my other knee. I have been treated by Dr. Auguste since then and have nothing but good things to say about her care, concern, attention to detail, and the way she worked with me and my physio to get me back to soccer AGAIN!!!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
3. Dr. Duong Nguyen
Dr. Duong Nguyen, a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon, has earned multiple accolades for his contributions to the medical field. Notably, he secured the Best Clinical Paper award from the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the PAIRO award, and the J.C. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Sports Medicine Research.
He graduated from the University of Western Ontario’s medical school, home of the country’s leading orthopaedic surgical programs. He later attained a fellowship status under Charles S. Neer Sports Medicine at Columbia University in New York.
With his extensive background, Dr. Nguyen is equipped to provide attentive care to his patients. His specialties cover ACL reconstruction, arthroscopic labral and rotator cuff repair for cartilage and shoulder issues, and PRP and hyaluronic injections, among others.
Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Nguyen’s active involvement in sports shines through. He generously volunteers and offers his sports medicine proficiency at various Canadian sporting events. He’s also sought after as a consultant for sports organisations nationwide.
Pros
- Extensive range of orthopaedic expertise
- Active in clinical research and education
- Holds multiple awards for excellence in the field
- Impressive medical background
- Wide scope of surgical and non-surgical treatments
Cons
- Hit-or-miss bedside manners
- Few complaints of rude encounters
Patient Reviews
He is an excellent surgeon – very thorough and organised
“He is an excellent surgeon – very thorough and organised. Has a great bedside manner, understands what the patient and parents are going through, uses humour to put everyone at ease, and takes the time to explain MRI images and what he will be doing when he gets in there. He even called after surgery to let me know how my son did. It is all the little things and so much more with this doctor.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Took a genuine interest in diagnosing and solving my problem
“Highly recommend – terrific experience! Dr. Nguyen and his clinical staff took a genuine interest in diagnosing and solving my problem when others would not. Surgery for a torn meniscus and general debridement to clean up damaged cartilage from years of running ultra-marathons was successful. One year out from surgery and just finished a marathon – knee feeling great!!” – Christine Lundvall, Google Reviews
4. Dr. Barry Cayen
Dr. Barry Cayen obtained his medical degree from the U of T, followed by a residency in orthopaedic surgery. He then pursued further medical training, attaining Clinical Fellowships in both Adult Reconstruction and Orthopaedic Trauma at St. Michael’s Hospital, as well as Sports Surgery at the Toronto Western Hospital.
As of current, Dr. Cayen practises at Humber River Hospital and Clearpoint Health Surgical Centre, specialising in caring for sports-related injuries such as ACL tears, trauma, and knee surgeries, both total and partial.
Leveraging his fellowship status, he has developed a niche in total hip replacements using the Direct Anterior approach. This innovative method leads to faster recovery compared to conventional techniques. In addition to surgical interventions, Dr. Cayen offers treatments for musculoskeletal conditions using regenerative medicine, particularly PRP and HA injections.
Pros
- Provides regenerative medicine treatments
- Extensive work on knee replacements
- Excellent doctor-patient relationships
- Compassionate and attentive during appointments
- Helpful clinic staff
Cons
- Not active in clinical research
- Few complaints of long waits
Patient Reviews
Dr. Barry Cayen is an extremely gifted, skillful, and empathetic surgeon
“Dr. Barry Cayen is an extremely gifted, skillful, and empathetic surgeon. I had debilitating osteoarthritis in my hip and my direct anterior hip replacement has been life-changing. The entire process from pre-surgery to surgery to post was excellent. Dr. Cayen, his truly awesome assistant, Metaxia, and his team at Humber River Hospital provided impeccable care and follow up and I am truly grateful.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
My pre-surgery, surgery and recovery have been exceptional
“Dr. Cayen and his entire team brought skill, efficiency, clear communication, compassion, kindness, and utter professionalism to every interaction. My pre-surgery, surgery and recovery have been exceptional. I am so deeply grateful to have found Dr. Cayen and his team. Highly recommend!!!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
5. Dr. Jesse Wolfstadt
Dr. Jesse Wolfstadt is a dedicated orthopaedic surgeon with a strong commitment to patient care. He holds fellowships in three specialised areas: Adult Lower Extremity Reconstruction at Mount Sinai Hospital, Lower Limb Reconstruction and Traumatology at St. Michael’s Hospital, and Traumatology at Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand.
His practice focuses on intricate knee replacements, which include total, partial, and robotic-assisted methods performed at Mount Sinai Hospital. Additionally, he also offers outpatient same-day discharge for hip and knee replacements at the Women’s College Hospital.
In addition to his expertise in rapid recovery and intricate knee replacement surgeries, Dr. Wolfstadt is an assistant professor and Surgical Investigator at the Department of Surgery, University of Toronto. His genuine care extends to research, where he explores patient-oriented co-design strategies to enhance patient outcomes with efficiency and quality.
Pros
- Specialises in complex knee procedures
- Extensive fellowships in orthopaedic surgery
- Dedicated to well-organised and efficient processes
- Prompt and timely appointments
- Accommodating and informative clinic staff
Cons
- Limited scope of specialties
- Appointments are brief for some
Patient Reviews
He gives you time to ask questions and he listens to what you are saying
“I am very thankful to have found Dr. Wolfstadt to perform my knee replacement surgery. He took the time to explain everything and address my concerns to make sure that I was as comfortable with the process as possible. He is very personable and easy to talk to. He gives you time to ask questions and he listens to what you are saying. He works with an amazing team, all of whom are as caring and professional as he is in helping you through the stress of a surgical procedure.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Throughout the whole process, Dr. Wolfstadt was so kind, caring, and accessible
“Dr. Wolfstadt did my left total knee replacement by day surgery at Woman’s College Hospital one year ago. It changed my life. I am back hiking, skiing, and playing tennis. Throughout the whole process, Dr. Wolfstadt was so kind, caring, and accessible. Everything was well explained and the info packages he gives are very helpful.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews