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About Dr. Brutus

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Dr. Jean-Paul Brutus and his inspiring career


Dr. Brutus was born in Belgium and graduated from medical school in Brussels in 1995. He developed a passion for hand surgery and completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery in Brussels and also trained for a year at the city’s most prestigious private hand surgery centre. He then completed a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, as well as a research fellowship at the Institute for Human Performance, which is housed at the same school. Dr. Brutus is certified by the Belgian Board of Plastic Surgery and is also fully licensed by the Collège des médecins du Québec. Dr. Brutus moved to Montreal in 2005 when he accepted a position as an Professor of Plastic Surgery at Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, where he taught and practised hand surgery until 2010. During that time, he also practised at Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval.

In 2010, he left the hospital to open his private practice.

Hand surgery research by Dr. Brutus

  • J.P. Brutus, B. Tchiloemba. Peripheral nerve compression as a cause of wrist and hand pain in the athlete. Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal, Volume 13, 2024.

  • J.P. Brutus, M.C. Chang, A. Ahmad, T.Apard. Description of WALANT technique in open bone and ligament wrist surgery 2023. Hand Surg Rehabil. Oct 2023.

  • Tchiloemba B, Chang MC, Ferembach B, Hagert E, Brutus JP. Tremor Induced by Focal Peripheral Nerve Entrapment: A Case Series. J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2023 Aug 25;5(6):841-842. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.07.008. PMID: 38106936; PMCID: PMC10721499.

  • Kong G, Brutus JP, Vo TT, Hagert E. The prevalence of double- and multiple crush syndromes in patients surgically treated for peripheral nerve compression in the upper limb. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2023 Dec;42(6):475-481. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2023.09.002. Epub 2023 Sep 14. PMID: 37714514.

  • J.P. Brutus, T. Trang, M.C. Chang. The lacertus Notch as a Sign of Lacertus Syndrome. 2023. Submitted.

  • Brutus JP, Chang MC. Multiple pilonidal sinuses of both hands in a dog groomer: A case report. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2023 Dec 10:S2468-1229(23)00593-5. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2023.11.010. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38072305.

  • J.P. Brutus, D Lalonde. How to create an exceptional hand surgery patient experience with Walant. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Global open, 10 (11): p e4681, November 2022.

  • N. Hamelin, A. Nikolis, J. Armano, P. G. Harris, J. P. Brutus. Evaluation of factors influencing confidence and trust in the patient-physician relationship: A survey of patients in plastic surgery. Hand Surgery, 2012, 31 83-90.

  • V. St-Supéry, Y. Tahiri, J. Sampalis, J.P. Brutus, P.G. Harris, A. Nikolis. Wound healing assessment: Does the ideal methodology for a research setting exist? Ann Plastic surgery, 2011 (May 16).

  • D. Rizis, J. Bibeau Poirier, A. Nikolis, J.P. Brutus, C. Cordoba. Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery, 2010 (Nov 17).

  • A. Odobescu, A. Radu, J.P. Brutus, M. Gilardino. Modified Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Slip Technique for A4 Pulley Reconstruction. Journal of Hand Surgery, European Volume, 2010 (July); 35 (6): 464-8.

  • S. Cugno, D. Rizis, A. Nikolis, J. P. Brutus, C. Cordoba. Esophageal stricture and metaplasia following abdominoplasty. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2010 (June); 34 (3): 388-91.

  • C. E. Ferron, V. Lemaine, B. Leblanc, A. Nikolis, J. P. Brutus, Recent Canadian Plastic Surgery Graduates: Are they prepared for the real world? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2010 (March), Vol. 125 (3): 1031-1036.

  • W. Daghistani, J. P. Brutus. Merckel cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. Hand Surgery, 2010 (January 2nd), Vol. 29/ pp 128-131.

  • C. E. Ferron, V. Lemaine, B. Leblanc, A. Nikolis, J. P. Brutus. Recent Canadian Plastic Surgery Graduates: Are they prepared for the real world? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2009.

  • M. S. Gilardino, J. B. Loftus, J. P. Brutus. Successful repair of symptomatic extremity muscle herniation with synthetic mesh. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, 2009 (January); 123 (1): 44e-45e.

  • D. M Tremblay, P. G, Harris, A. R. Gagnon, C. Cordoba, J. P. Brutus, A. Nikolis. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome as a cause of flap failure: A report of two cases. Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery, 2008; 61 (1): 78-83.

  • H. St-Amand, G. Gaudreau, J. P. Brutus. Human Papilloma Virus induced Bowen s disease of the finger. Hand Surgery, Eur Vol. 2008 (December); 33 (3): 385.

  • H. St Amand, D. E. Borsuk, J. P. Brutus. A missed scaphoid fracture on a CT scan with an associated trapezial fracture and dorsal dislocation of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint. Hand Surgery, Eur Vol. 2008 (December); 33 (6): 815-6.

  • G. Landes, P. G. Harris, V. Lemaine, I. Perreault, J. S. Sampalis, J. P. Brutus, L. Lessard, T. Dionyssopoulos, A. Nikolis. Prevention of surgical site infection and appropriateness of antibiotics prescribing habits in plastic surgery. Plastic reconstructive aesthetic surgery, 2008 (November); 61 (11): 1347-56.

  • J. Sauvageau, A. R. Gagnon, A. Nikolis, P. G. Harris, J. P. Brutus, C. Cordoba. The pedicled rectus abdominis muscle transposition flap as an adjunct to the unilateral pectoralis major island flap, to reconstruct a full-length sternal defect after postoperative mediastinal wound infection. Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery, 2008; 61 (2): 230-1.

  • G. Landes, P. G. Harris, J. S. Sampalis, J. P. Brutus, C. Cordoba, E. Ciaburro, C. Bernier, Nikolis. Outcomes in the management of sternal dehiscence by plastic surgery: a ten year review in one university center. Annals of Plastic Surgery. Ann Plastic Surgery, 2007 (December); 59 (6): 659-66.

  • J. Bou-Merhi, P. G. Harris, J. P. Brutus. Trigger finger at the wrist due to anomalous insertion of flexor tenon in the carpal tunnel: a case report and review of the literature. Hand Surgery, 2007 (August-October); 26 (4-5): 238-42.

  • V. Lemaine, P. G. Harris, G. Landes, J. Sampalis, L. Lessard, A. Chollet, J. P Brutus, Y. Tahiri, A. Nikolis. Rate of reoperation following replantation and revascularization surgery in the Quebec Provincial Replantation Program. Can Plastic Surgery, 2007; 15 (2): 115.

  • M. E. Slater, S. R. Williams, P. Harris, J. P. Brutus, M. Ruel, F. Girard, D. Boudreault. Preliminary evaluation of infraclavicular catheters inserted using ultrasound guidance: through the catheter anesthesia is not inferior to through the needle blocks. Reg Anesthetic Pain Med, 2007 (July-August); 32 (4): 296-302.

  • W. Short, F. W. Werner, J. K. Green, L. G. Sutton, J. P. Brutus. Biomechanical evaluation of the ligamentous stabilizers of the scaphoid and the lunate: part III. J Hand Surgery [Am], 2007 (March); 32 (3): 297-309.

  • J. P. Brutus, J. Rajkumar, E. Hunt, B. J. Harley, F. Werner. Bone density comparison of selected carpal and tarsal bones: validation for their use in compression fixation studies of scaphoid screws.. Hand Surgery, 2006, Vol 25, pp 77-80.

  • J. P. Brutus, J. B. Loftus. Gerdy’s tubercle as a donor site for cancellous bone grafting in upper extremity surgery: an evaluation of associated morbidity and complications. J Hand Surgery [Am], 2006 (January); 31 (1): 147-9.

  • J. P. Brutus, A. K. Palmer, J. F. Mosher, B. J. Harley, J. B. Loftus. The dorsal tangential view for scaphoid waist fractures: analysis of four cases. J Hand Surgery [Am], 2006 (January); 31 (1): 114-6.

  • R. M. Hermans, J. P. Brutus, J. Rajkumar, F. W. Werner. Bone density comparison of selected carpal and tarsal bones: validation for their use in compression fixation studies of scaphoid screws. J Hand Surgery, Eur Vol. 2005 (October); 30 (5): 472-6.

  • J. P. Brutus, W. Short, F. Werner, J. Green. Biomechanical evaluation of the ligamentous stabilizers of the scaphoid and the lunate: part II. J Hand Surgery [Am], 2005 (November); 30 (6): 1207-13.

  • J. P. Brutus, J. E. Dobyns. Arthroscopically assisted scaphoid nonunion repair: a report of four cases. Hand Surgery, Eur Vol. 2005 (December); 30 (6): 660-3.

  • J. P. Brutus, W. Short, F. Werner, J. Green. Biomechanical evaluation of the ligamentous stabilizers of the scaphoid and the lunate: part I. J Hand Surgery [Am], 2004 (November); 29 (6): 1135-41.

  • J. P. Brutus, J. E. Dobyns. Arthroscopically assisted scaphoid nonunion repair: a report of four cases. Hand Surgery, Eur Vol. 2005 (December); 30 (6): 660-3.

  • J. P. Brutus, W. Short, F. Werner, J. Green. Biomechanical evaluation of the ligamentous stabilizers of the scaphoid and the lunate: part I. J Hand Surgery [Am], 2004 (November); 29 (6): 1135-41.

  • R. M. Hermans, J. P. Brutus, J. Rajkumar, F. W. Werner. Bone density comparison of selected carpal and tarsal bones: validation for their use in compression fixation studies of scaphoid screws. J Hand Surgery, Eur Vol. 2005 (October); 30 (5): 472-6.

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Why choose Dr. Brutus?

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Rapid, Direct Access

Dr. Brutus is the only specialized hand surgeon with a private practice in Canada.

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carpal tunnel
syndrome specalist

Dr. Brutus is recognized as one of the Canadian authorities in the field of carpal tunnel syndrome.

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A Pioneer in minimally
invasive surgery

Dr. Brutus He is among the few surgeons in the world to offer endoscopic trigger finger surgery and one of the few in Canada to offer endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

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98% success rate

After more than 15,000 procedures, Dr. Brutus maintains a satisfaction rating of 98%.

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A true pioneer in its field

Through his clinical and research work, Dr. Brutus has pioneered the practice of endoscopic hand surgery in Canada. He has performed more endoscopic carpal tunnel releases than any other surgeon in Canada and is the first and only surgeon in Canada to use endoscopic release to treat trigger finger. He is also one of the first surgeons to integrate the WALANT method of anesthesia into his common practice.

Dr. Brutus has published more than 35 papers in peer-reviewed journals as well as several books on common hand pathologies and conditions. He has been invited on numerous occasions to lecture internationally and speaks French, English, Spanish, and Dutch.

Dr. Brutus is frequently featured on TV, on the radio, and in print as a consultant and educator. He is rated as a top hand surgeon in Canada on the RateMDs website.

His Mission

Dr. Brutus is dedicated to improving Canada’s standard of care, both for hand surgery specifically and for healthcare as a whole. He believes in a personalized and warm approach to treating the patient, not just the hand.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brutus has touched the lives of thousands of patients from around the world who rely on their hands every day, including entertainers and artists, professional athletes, doctors and dentists, hair stylists, police and military personnel, airline pilots, and flight attendants.

He is persistent, energetic, passionate, and highly dedicated to improving the way care is delivered to patients both in Canada and around the world. He believes there is always a way to improve existing solutions and that no challenge is ever insurmountable.

A passionate
leader

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Welcome hall mission

Dr. Brutus actively supports Welcome Hall Mission, an organization serving Montréal's most vulnerable for which he has organized numerous fundraising and volunteer recruitment campaigns. Fighting poverty, hunger, and homelessness are issues that are close to his heart.

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Incredible books

Helping Hands book

helping hands

In addition to his medical career, Dr. Brutus is an active philanthropist. Among other initiatives, he compiled and published Tendre la main, a unique photography book that depicts hands as tools for helping others. The proceeds from the sale of the book, who was created with the voluntary contribution of 12 renowned photographers and over 40 Québec personalities, were donated to la Fondation Les Impatients to support mental health and artistic expression.

Secrets and Lies from the Operating Room

For most people, having surgery is a confounding, uncomfortable, and even fearful experience. In Secrets and Lies from the Operating Room, Dr. Jean-Paul Brutus separates fact from fallacy and tells you everything you need to know about the world of surgeons.

  • How often do patients wake up during surgery?
  • What happens if a surgeon has a heart attack during a long surgical procedure?
  • Did surgeons really descend from ancient barbers?
  • Do surgeons and nurses hook up as much as they do on Grey’s Anatomy?
  • Do surgeons are tested for drug use and alcohol consumption?
  • What happens if a surgeon makes a mistake?

In a light-hearted tone, and in Q&A format, Dr. Brutus pulls back the curtain and shares personal and poignant stories, humor, and trivia, as well as tips for both patients and surgeons alike on how to connect with each other—not as the next operation but as fellow human beings.

Some may say that surgeons are just as unemotional or uncaring as robots. But Dr. Brutus—a leading plastic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive hand surgery—challenges that notion and shows the humanity behind the mask.

“In a friendly tone, Dr. Brutus thoroughly reveals all aspects of a surgeon’s life and what readers can expect, whether they are surgeon wannabes or surgical candidates, past or future.” —Dr. Roy A. Meals, author of Bones: Inside and Out


Profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the Welcome Hall Mission, a Montreal-based organization that helps families in need, at-risk mothers and youth, and those experiencing homelessness.

Buy This book
Secrets and lies from the operating room
Helping Hands book

Elevating Your Patient Experience from Ordinary to Exceptional: How to Go Beyond Service and Satisfaction by Creating More Happiness, Higher Revenue, and Better Results

Create an outstanding experience for patients, and they will gladly pay. Today's patients, knowledgeable and proactive, expect more from their healthcare provider. This book explains how enhancing the patient experience can increase revenue and satisfaction, both for patients and doctors. It covers improving the work environment, attending to patients' hidden needs, and making every step of the patient journey memorable. It's not just another task; it's integral to all healthcare practices.

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