Melanie MoralesSticks and stones may break your bones, but orthopedic surgeons can put them back together.
Finding the right doctor for an orthopedic concern can be tricky. Fixing up your muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, and nerves takes a lot of skill.
This is why we’re going over the best orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton today – to help you out with that.
How Much an Orthopedic Surgery Costs in Edmonton
There are different kinds of orthopedic surgery. The total cost of each procedure is relative to your particular case.
Generally, you will have to pay for several things when going in for an orthopedic procedure. The list includes the consultation fee, anesthesia, diagnostic exams and assessments, and the procedure itself.
The consultation fee is what you will pay your surgeon who will assess your case and plan the surgery. This usually amounts to $100 to $500 depending on the surgeon.
Anesthesia costs between $2,000 and $4,000 for orthopedic procedures. However, depending on your case you may not need this at all.
Meanwhile, the necessary laboratory assessments will depend on your surgeon. We recommend reading this article on the best diagnostic laboratories in Edmonton for a better idea of how this will cost.
Beyond all that, the place where you will be having your orthopedic surgery matters, too. You may have it in a private clinic or a local hospital.
The amenities of each location differ, so the cost will probably differ, too.
If you need orthopedic surgery, you may want to have a consultation with any of the surgeons on our list.
At the same time, we recommend you check in with your insurance provider. Orthopedic surgeries are considered a medical necessity, so chances are you’re covered.
As an Albertan, you’re also covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. For instance, medically required diagnostic services are fully covered as long as you’re registered.
While we cannot give an accurate quote of the total cost you may have to pay, we have listed the average cost of the most common orthopedic procedures to give you an idea.
The Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Edmonton
If you need orthopedic surgery, you need to really weigh your options.
This is why to give you the top orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton, we chose those who excel in the following criteria:
With that, we’re ready to present the best orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton.
1. Dr. Jesse Shade Shantz
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| HEALTHCARE AFFILIATIONS | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Jesse Shade Shantz has been practicing orthopedic surgery for over ten years, and he has results to show for it. We went through reviews of his past clients on different websites and found them to be positively glowing.
In effect, we cannot recommend Dr. Shantz enough. His experience and qualifications are top-notch, and as we stated in our review criteria those are two things we really look for in a surgeon.
We like knowing that he has extensive experience working with multiple hospital groups and clinics over the years.
In the years 2012 to 2013, he was a fellow affiliated with Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center which handles all major traumas that happen within the city limits.
He has also worked in University Health Network as an Orthopedic Sports Fellow. Later he would work with the University of California (San Francisco), OMSignal, and Lakeridge Health.
He has also co-founded Acumen Clinic where he acts as Chief Medical Officer and Orthopaedic Surgeon. Acumen Clinic focuses on sports-related injuries.
We like that Acumen Clinic has qualified staff all around as well, which means you can get the best care from the moment you book an appointment towards the end of your recovery.
Currently, he is affiliated with the Arthroscopy Association of North America, Canadian Orthopedic Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Ajax and Pickering hospital at Lakeridge Health.
Due to his private practice, you can easily schedule your surgery with Dr. Shantz. However, it is important to note that Dr. Shantz has opted out of medicare billing in Alberta.
This means all incurred charges for his services will be billed directly to the patient.
Nonetheless, this means that you can get rapid access to surgery for many orthopedic conditions treated with arthroscopic surgery.
Just the same, we feel that Dr. Shantz remains one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton.
Pros
- Has extensive experience as an orthopedic surgeon
- Specializes in shoulder and sports injuries
- Easily accessible through Acumen Clinic
Cons
- Has opted out of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan
Patient Reviews:
Great, extremely experienced, and knowledgeable in sport-related surgeries
“After waiting 8 months to get to a public hospital for arthroscopic surgery, finally I decided to go private. I was introduced to Dr. Jesse Shantz. It took him only 2 weeks to do surgery on my shoulder. I had a large tendon tear which unfortunately MRI did not see well. Dr. Shantz did surgery on me and now I feel my arm motion is coming back and the pain is completely gone. That was probably the best decision of my life. I rate Dr. Shantz the best, five over five. He is great, extremely experienced, and knowledgeable in sport-related surgeries. His staff are very nice and experienced. Overall the best team.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Strives to use the best methods and systems to ensure recovery
“I tore my ACL and meniscus at work and was referred to Acumen by my doctor after an MRI showed some pretty serious damage. My experience at Acumen from initial consultation, surgery with Dr. Jesse and the long road to recovery has been nothing short of 5 stars. This isn’t a standard physio clinic, they strive to use the best methods and systems to ensure that recovery is done to return their clients to the best life possible. Everyone who works here is insanely qualified, passionate and most of them are kinesiology super nerds (especially LeeAnne, who I have been doing my training and therapy with and deserves 6 stars).” – Shawn Day, Google Reviews
2. Dr. Carlo Panaro
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| HEALTHCARE AFFILIATIONS | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Carlo Panaro used to be an athlete, but now he’s spending his time fixing up athletes left and right. He studied medicine at the University of Alberta where he now works as a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Surgery.
He has been performing surgeries for over 10 years, which gives him ample experience to become one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton.
Aside from that, he is also certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and the Workers Compensation Board of Alberta.
His practice focuses on trauma, arthroplasty, sports medicine and general upper and lower extremity orthopedics, but he also provides legal consultation as a medical-legal expert.
We do think he can appear to be intimidating and have heard several reports of his bedside manner needing improvement. However, his skills can speak for themselves, and he has shown to be caring for his patients in his way.
We appreciate him being easy to follow up with after each procedure, and his team seems to be commendable overall in making sure his patients are well-cared for.
His office doesn’t seem to have a website, something we would have appreciated. However, we still feel that Dr. Carlo Panaro is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton.
Pros
- Specializes in trauma, arthroplasty, sports medicine and general upper and lower extremity orthopedics
- Is a medical-legal expert
- Has been performing surgeries for over 10 years
- Accepts Alberta Health Insurance Card
Cons
- Can appear to be intimidating to patients at first
- No website for his practice
Patient Reviews:
Caring doctor and caring team
“Did my total hip replacement surgery about 40 days ago, at the recovery period now but I can feel excellent results, caring doctor and caring team, very easy to follow up with and willing to help. Thank you.” – Al Allos, Google Reviews
Absolutely incredible for both of my hip surgeries
“Dr. Panaro was absolutely incredible for both of my hip surgeries. Answered all of my questions and made sure I was comfortable. I received multiple phone calls from him to ensure I was doing ok. His staff was always quick with email responses and beyond helpful! Great experience overall.” Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
3. Dr. Martin Bouliane
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING | ★★★★☆ (5/5) |
| HEALTHCARE AFFILIATIONS | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Martin Bouliane is the surgical co-director at Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic. He graduated from the University of Alberta where he now also functions as an assistant clinical professor.
We like that he pursued further education in Nice, France and Perth Australia for surgical fellowships in Shoulder Surgery (Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty) and Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy, respectively.
He has been performing surgeries for over 20 years, which we feel helped him hone his craft. His practice focuses on dealing with the musculoskeletal system, including the joints, bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
We like that his team in Glen Sather is filled with professionals such as physicians and therapists who can provide all-around care for each patient, from diagnosis and pre-op to post-op recovery.
On the other hand, we do think Dr. Bouliane could use some work in terms of his bedside manner. Most of his reviews have cemented the fact that he has great skills as a surgeon, and any negative feedback often stems from how he talks to his patients.
It is worth noting, however, that the majority of his patients seem to see no problem with his attitude at all, or don’t mind it so much in light of his skills.
Nonetheless, we appreciate that Glen Sather accepts multiple payment options such as Mastercards and American Express along with health insurance billing for Alberta or other provincial health care systems except for Quebec.
All in all, we feel that Dr. Martin Bouliane remains one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton.
Pros
- Surgical co-director at Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic
- Glen Sather also offers physical therapy
- Accepts Alberta Health Insurance Card
Cons
- Several complaints about attitude
Patient Reviews:
Extremely knowledgeable and gifted surgeon
“I have very complex shoulder issues and Dr. Bouliane has been a real blessing. Unfortunately, I have several Orthopedic surgeons for various issues however the surgeons I have are the best of the best. Dr.Bouliane is an extremely knowledgeable and gifted surgeon. His concern pre-op is genuine and his post-op follow-through is second to none. His surgical coordinator and administrative assistant are very thorough and professional as well. A class act all the way through.” Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Took special care to ensure that scars were small as possible
“Incredible doctor and surgeon! Recommended that we wait to see if my broken bones would heal on their own before invasive surgery. When they didn’t he took special care to ensure that my scars were as small as possible. He is kind and compassionate, while surgery makes me quite nervous, his knowledge and demeanour left me at ease!” Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
4. Dr. Sukhdeep K. Dulai
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| HEALTHCARE AFFILIATIONS | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Dulai also graduated from the University of Alberta, but she took the path of Paediatric OrthopaedicSurgery, and we cannot be happier.
She is currently working at Stollery Children’s Hospital as a Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, and at the University of Alberta as an Associate Professor.
She was the President of the Canadian Paediatric Orthopaedic Group (CPOG) in the years 2015 to 2019 and is an active member of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association.
We believe that her background is part of why she’s such an effective doctor, having had her fellowships in Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia and BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
She also has a master’s degree in clinical epidemiology from the University of British Columbia.
With all that said, we would have appreciated having a website to contact and get information regarding Dr. Dulai’s schedule. As it is, we can only presume there may be a bit of a waitlist to get her services, particularly because Stollery is such a big hospital.
On the bright side, however, you can just as easily get her information from Stollery. We also love that she’s such a gentle person, and has a great bedside manner which is a definite advantage when working with kids.
Taking all these into account, we feel confident to suggest that Dr. Dulai is one of the best orthopedic surgeons you can go to in Edmonton.
Pros
- Specializes in pediatric orthopedic surgery
- Was the President of Canadian PaediatricOrthopaedic Group (CPOG)
- Works in Stollery Children’s Hospital
Cons
- May have a bit of a waitlist
- No website
- Great bedside manner
Patient Reviews:
Made my son feel comforted when he scared
“She is really kind and gentle and made my son feel comforted and heard when he was scared with his broken arm. I was really impressed with her demeanour and compassionate nature.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Extremely knowledgeable, empathetic, and patient with kids
“Extremely knowledgeable, empathetic, and patient with kids. My son saw her for emergency surgery for his arm and she was outstanding. Still going through the process but very happy she was the surgeon with him!” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
5. Dr. Eric Huang
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| EXPERIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING | ★★★★☆ (5/5) |
| HEALTHCARE AFFILIATIONS | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Dr. Eric Huang is a University of Alberta alumni. He specializes in spine injuries, which can be very risky depending on the procedure.
We feel that his success in this regard makes him one of the best surgeons to go in Edmonton. However, we appreciate that in cases where surgery may not be required, he will take the time to educate his patients about their options.
We also appreciate that he has been conducting surgeries for years, and has surrounded himself with a great team. With the number of times his assistant/coordinator, Alice has been commended next to him, we realize that his success can only be brought about by his great eye for people.
We have had no complaints regarding Dr. Huang’s bedside manner. He seems to be a patient, compassionate man. We also like that he’s working for Alberta Health Services, meaning most of his procedures will be billed to insurance.
In this case, however, having your surgery conducted may take some time due to the waitlist in the public health system.
We do feel that Dr. Huang is worth the wait and he remains one of the top orthopedic surgeons on our list.
Pros
- Accepts Alberta Health Insurance Plan
- Specializes in spine surgery
- Has a great team and coordinator
Cons
- Surgical schedule may take some time due to waitlist
Patient Reviews:
Saved me from a life of pain and suffering
“I had back surgery back in 2019 performed by Dr. Huang and have had appointments with him since around 2017. Dr. Huang and Alice are the most amazing team in the world. He truly cares about his patients and I always look forward to my appointments with him. My surgery went flawlessly and now around 2 and a half years post-op I feel amazing. I cannot thank him enough, he saved me from a life of pain and suffering and kept a smile on my face the whole time.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
Bedside manner is next to none
“Outstanding surgeon, outstanding assistant. I have been in the medical system for many years but have never seen a team work together like these two. I didn’t need surgery but Dr. Huang went to great lengths to explain why and offered other options. His bedside manner is next to none. Alice was absolutely supportive in the entire process. I have nothing but positive to say here. Again, an amazing team.” – Anonymous, RateMDs Reviews
FAQs About the Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Edmonton
That’s it for the top orthopedic surgeons in Edmonton. For other medical concerns, check out the links below:
