City Name
Temperature
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.
Best Orthopaedic Surgeons

The 5 Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Calgary

Choosing your orthopedic surgeon can be a daunting hurdle. Many people are either hesitant to make a choice, or would not know where to begin. 

Here’s where we come in. 

We’ve handpicked the best orthopedic surgeons in Calgary to aid you. We’ll also provide each of their specializations, experience notes, and patient feedback notes.

How much does orthopedic surgery cost in Calgary?

We’ve provided a list of the most common orthopedic surgery types as well as the approximate fees that you might encounter.

Service TypeFees
Hip Replacement$10,500 - $16,800
Knee Surgery $10,500 - $16,800
ACL Surgery$11,200 - $50,000
Spinal Fusion$4,500-$30,000

Of course, these are estimated prices, as the actual amount you need to save up and pay will depend on the treatment that you will actually need as well as how much your insurance will potentially cover. 

The Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Calgary

Here are our criteria for this list: 

Service Quality: We looked for surgeons who have a lot of experience with complicated or high-risk situations. We also checked out their credentials and their success rate.
Patient Satisfaction: We cross-referenced each patient review from Google and other review sites to come up with a general idea of what their patients think of them, as well as the hospital they are working in. We also tried to visit each doctor’s practice to check their bedside manner.
Hospital Facilities: Where you are going to get your treatment is also important, hence we also take it into account as a big factor in choosing your care provider. We checked equipment, overall sanitation, and so on.
Staff Attitude: Your doctor is not just your only care provider. We make sure to take account of the staff that these doctors have, from their nurses to their receptionists.

1. Dr. Ian K.Y. Lo – Access Orthopaedics 

Dr. Ian K.Y. Lo – Access Orthopaedics
TestInfo
SPECIALIZATIONRotator Cuff Syndrome/Impingement Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Tendinosis, Subacromial Bursitis, Partial Thickness, and Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear, Biceps Tendinopathy and Instability, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis, SLAP Lesions, Labrum Tears, Osteoarthritis & Anterior Shoulder Dislocations
WEBSITEhttps://drianlo.com/
ADDRESS3916 Macleod Trail Suite 300, Calgary, AB T2R 2G5, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS587-355-3090
OPERATING HOURS7AM - 7PM Mon - Sat
CriteriaRating
Service Quality★★★★★ (5/5)
  Credentials and Experience ★★★★★ (5/5)
  Success Rate★★★★★ (5/5)
Patient Satisfaction★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Bedside Manner★★★★★ (5/5)
  Patient Aftercare★★★★☆ (4/5)
Hospital Facilities★★★★★ (5/5)
Staff Attitude★★★★☆ (4/5)

Dr. Ian Lo is a well-known and multi-awarded orthopedic physician in Calgary. His certifications are extensive, as he has medical licenses both here in Canada as well as in the United States.

His accolades are just as impressive. He has won awards both here and in the United States, including the Arthroscopy Association of North America Stephen Burkhard Award, and the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation Legacy Award.

His specialty lies in its arthroscopic treatment of shoulder conditions. So if your concerns are in that area, he’s definitely a great doctor to consider.

It’s worth highlighting that Dr. Lo has a great variety of services that are both conservative and operative. That means, if there are other options for your condition besides surgery, Dr. Lo is likely able to carry it out just as successfully as if it were an operation.

One of the things we like about Dr. Lo is his availability for both public and private practice. Though, it is worth mentioning that if you are in need of immediate care and would want to avail yourself of his expertise, the only way is through private care channels.

Some of his specialized services concentrate on the following: rotator cuff syndrome, frozen shoulder, SLAP lesions, and Acromioclavicular Joint Conditions. 

Another thing we love about Dr. Lo is how his services are also available online. He offers virtual consultations if you’re unable to meet him, as his clinic hours are only on weekdays. 

The former patients we’ve talked to all left glowing reviews about his services, as well as his bedside manner. Access Orthopaedics, the main clinic he is affiliated with, also boasts good reviews about the facilities and staff from their former patients.

Pros

  • Multi-awarded doctor
  • Specializes in the shoulder area
  • Offers both private and public care
  • Online consultation booking available

Cons

  • Immediate treatment only for his private practice
  • No clinics on weekends 

Customer Reviews:

Bar none, the best Orthopedic Surgeon in all of Canada

Bar none, the best Orthopedic Surgeon in all of Canada, he fixed my brother in law up who had major shoulder surgery, he fixed another friend of mine up and then I was lucky to get this incredible Surgeon, I had tears of structures among other issues in my shoulder, Dr. Lo is very compassionate and a incredible human being, he is a leader in his industry, the office staff are absolutely excellent as well, if you get him as a Surgeon your life will be greatly improved.

He is an incredible surgeon as well as a kind and genuine person

It has been 18 months since Dr. Lo repaired my right shoulder. At the age of 64 I was told to just live with it and do shots for pain. But after three shots the pain was to a point I could not function or sleep. So I paid for my own MRI and Dr. Lo decided it was repairable. I now sleep without pain and have 100% use of my arm and shoulder. I thank Dr. Lo in my prayers every day. He is an incredible surgeon as well as a kind and genuine person. I feel blessed to have been his patient.

2. Dr. Iain Russell – Talaris Medical

Dr. Iain Russell – Talaris Medical
TestInfo
SPECIALIZATIONArthroscopy, Achilles Tendon Surgery and Reconstruction, Ligament Repair, Body Conditions, Hand Deformity and Arthritis, Ankle Fusion, Foot and Ankle Pain, Total Achilles and Osteotomy of Heel, Cartilage, Bone Chip & Sprained Feet
WEBSITEhttps://www.talarismedical.com/about
ADDRESS2225 Macleod Trail Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 5B6
CONTACT DETAILS(403) 830 - 6208
OPERATING HOURS9AM to 5PM Mon - Fri
CriteriaRating
Service Quality★★★★★ (5/5)
  Credentials and Experience ★★★★★ (5/5)
  Success Rate★★★★★ (5/5)
Patient Satisfaction★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Bedside Manner★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Patient Aftercare★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Hospital Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Staff Attitude★★★★☆ (4/5)

For two decades, Dr. Iain Russell has been a renowned orthopedic surgeon for Albertans.  He specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, as well as arthroscopic surgery.

What we love about his wealth of experience is that his patients also think that he is very skilled. He is able to suggest two or more options for your condition so you are able to pick what you think is best for you. 

We talked to his previous patients and most have said that Dr. Russell was very patient and straightforward when it comes to all your questions. 

It’s good to note that he has been a family doctor for years as well. So if you have any other questions or concerns that may deviate from your problems with your foot or ankle, he will most likely have an answer or recommendation to that as well. 

Another thing we want to highlight is how great his staff are. His former patients claim that his staff is not only friendly but also caring towards them.

Not only is he affiliated with the Peter Lougheed Center, but he is also the co-founder of Talaris Medical, a collective composed of some of the best orthopedic surgeons in Calgary.

On Talaris, you can arrange your first appointment with Dr. Russell, or any one of their talented roster of doctors. There are steps that you need to take when on the website, as well as a list of the necessary things to bring on your first visit. 

It should be noted that Talaris Medical is a fairly new clinic, so we really didn’t find any feedback regarding it. Thus, we can’t really justify giving it a high score if no one is really talking about their experiences. 

We’re giving them the benefit of the doubt, though! They have great doctors on their team, and if your concerns are concentrated on the ankle or the foot, consider thinking about getting Dr. Russell to take a look at it. 

Pros

  • Best choice for ankle-related issues
  • Over 20 years experience
  • Available for in-person and virtual consultation for Albertans
  • Services available in both public and private practice

Cons

  • Fairly new clinic
  • Up to 7 weeks wait time 

Customer Reviews:

Dr. Russell was professional, pleasant and answered any questions I had.

I had my left ankle fused 1 year ago. From my initial consultation to the monthly follow-ups following surgery, Dr. Russell was professional, pleasant and answered any questions I had. I followed his post-surgery instructions and within 5 months I walked without the pain of any kind, and without a visible limp. I golfed twice a week all summer, and have been walking three miles a day all winter. Excellent surgeon, excellent results.

He has given me another decade and for that I’m grateful.

Hi, I’ve been with Dr Russell for half of his career and rate him the highest possible. I have a very complex case and he has been nothing but professional and gave me the best advice possible. I had my surgery this May 2019 and I’m recovering nicely. I have listened to every word he has said and he has nailed it! I am starting physio soon and hope to run again… All I can say is that I know my ankle and I know Dr. Russell – he has given me another decade and for that I’m grateful. I will put my best foot forward! Thank you Dr. Russell – C Redekopp As for comments on his Admin – she is clearly THE BEST and has helped me more than anyone I know – she is a complete professional and very AWESOME. I’m so grateful for these Amazing people in Calgary, THANK YOU.

3. Dr. Ian Le – Peter Lougheed Center

Dr. Ian Le – Peter Lougheed CenterDr. Ian Le – Peter Lougheed Center
TestInfo
SPECIALIZATIONAnkle Replacement Surgery, Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/Tendinosis, Subacromial Bursitis, Partial and Full-Thickness Tear, Cartiva Cartilage Implant, MTP Fusion, Biceps Tendinopathy and Instability, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis, Advanced Bone Degradation, Osteoarthritis, Fractures, Anterior Shoulder Instability & Dislocations
WEBSITEhttps://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=2
ADDRESS2225 Macleod Trail Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 5B6
CONTACT DETAILS14032218340/ 403-351-8189
OPERATING HOURS9AM to 5PM Mon - Fri
CriteriaRating
Service Quality★★★★★ (5/5)
  Credentials and Experience ★★★★★ (5/5)
  Success Rate★★★★★ (5/5)
Patient Satisfaction★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Bedside Manner★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Patient Aftercare★★★★☆ (4/5)
Hospital Facilities★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Staff Attitude★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Dr. Ian Le is a leading orthopedic surgeon in Calgary, Alberta, specializing in the treatment of foot and ankle problems. He has been practicing since 2006 and has since received multiple awards for his work.

Something we love about Dr. Le is the availability of his services in both public and private care. His private practice is through Talaris Medical, and on their website is a series of concise steps you can take to avail his services through there. 

His public care is through the Peter Lougheed Center, where he has been a trauma surgeon for more than a decade. The reviews for the center are kind of a mixed bag since the patients we’ve talked to were talking about their overall view of the center. 

Some were complaining about their triaged conditions, while others said that the staff could be rude at times. But these reviews are not reflected in all of the offices in the center, including Dr. Le’s.

On Dr. Le’s corner of the center, things are more settled. His former patients had nothing but glowing reviews for both him and his staff. 

So, if you’re on the lookout for a great surgeon with extensive experience in foot and ankle surgery, he’s a good candidate for your concerns related to the area.

Pros

  • Multi-awarded doctor
  • Shorter wait times compared to other doctors
  • Available in both private and public practice

Cons

  • Offers limited non-invasive options
  • Complaints about long wait times and rude staff

Customer Reviews:

Amazing work!

Spent 20 years dealing with a bad ankle and it degrading to a point of replacement. Dr Lee was confident and straight forward in outlining the replacement. Had the surgery in November and completed 50 golf games by September. Amazing work and followup meetings, no pain, no limp and no problems. Amazing work!

I can’t say enough about Dr Le. I’m forever grateful for Dr.Le and his expertise.

I can’t say enough about Dr Le. I’m forever grateful for Dr.Le and his expertise. Dr.Le has helped give me back mobility through the ankle fusion surgery he had completed. He is very thorough in his assessment and wants only the best for his patients. He takes the time to explain procedures in a language that is easily understood. And he is very personable. I had broke my ankle so badly three years ago and have done many surgeries. But I couldn’t walk because I had pain. Dr. Le was the only one he would trust to fix it. Six months later and I’m doing great waking without and boot. It’s been a long road to recovery but Dr.Le was there to guide me every step of the way. He’s a miracle doctor. God bless him.

4. Dr. Jesse Slade Shantz – Acumen Sports and Shoulder Clinic

Dr. Jesse Slade Shantz – Acumen Sports and Shoulder Clinic
TestInfo
SPECIALIZATIONshoulder, knee, elbow concerns, sports-related injury, biologic treatments such as stem cell-related treatments
WEBSITEhttps://acumensportsandshoulder.com
ADDRESS14570 116 Avenue NW Suite null Edmonton, AB, Canada, T5M3E8
CONTACT DETAILS(587) 599-5345 / [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon - Fri
CriteriaRating
Service Quality★★★★★ (5/5)
  Credentials and Experience ★★★★★ (5/5)
  Success Rate★★★★★ (5/5)
Patient Satisfaction★★★★★ (5/5)
  Bedside Manner★★★★★ (5/5)
  Patient Aftercare★★★★★ (5/5)
Hospital Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Staff Attitude★★★★★ (5/5)

Dr. Jesse Slade Shantz is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in both arthroscopic and open shoulder, knee, elbow, and other sports-related disorders. If you’re someone who wants to get back into the field as soon as possible, he’s a great choice to consider. 

His medical background is extensive, as he has degrees from universities in both Canada and the United States. This would explain his deep knowledge, especially in the field of sports medicine. 

One of the things that set him apart from other orthopedics is that he offers Biologic treatments. This would mean that you would get to be exposed to non-invasive treatments besides the usual roster in order to speed up your recovery.

His former patients praise Dr. Shantz on his attentiveness during the whole process and even throughout recovery. Not only that but his staff has a reputation for being caring and very knowledgeable.

The Acumen Shoulder and Sports Clinic people also have glowing reviews from their former patients. Not only are they said to have a great selection of services, but they also boast spacious and clean facilities that can make your recovery experience comfortable. 

Having said this, we would like to highlight that despite his great skill and experience, none of his services are covered by the AHIC. This would mean that any expense that you may encounter with Dr. Slade Shantz’s services, will be paid entirely out of pocket. 

It’s the same for Acumen Clinic. Despite the facility having great all-around services, we won’t give them a perfect rating because their prices are way up there. 

It’s not as if it’s not understandable. However,  being exclusively a private practice doesn’t make services accessible to the greater public.

If you still want to be privy to their prices, their evaluation currently costs $190 for an hour and a half, with the subsequent visits priced at $150. Their reconditioning bundles range from $112.50 to $150 per person per session, depending on the bundle that you avail of.

Pros

  • Great for sports-related injuries
  • Wide range of specializations, from shoulder to ankle
  • Offers non-invasive biologic treatments
  • Spacious facility and clinic
  • Clinic offers various services
  • TeleMedicine and TeleRehabilitation services available for 1 hour

Cons

  • Doesn’t have public practice
  • Services not covered by any health insurance provider
  • Services are by appointment only

Customer Reviews:

Overall the best team.

After waiting 8 months to get to 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 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 stuff are very nice and experienced. Overall the best team.

Dr. Shantz and his team are highly professional and approachable.

I had rotator cuff cuff surgery in March 2020. My goal was to be able to play racket sports again. Dr. Shantz and his team are highly professional and approachable. I am so grateful for the level of care I received and am delighted with the results. Suffice to say that I am happily swinging my tennis racket again!

5. Dr. Marcia Clark – Bone and Joint Clinic: South Health Campus

Dr. Marcia Clark – Bone and Joint Clinic South Health Campus
TestInfo
SPECIALIZATIONSurgical arthritis care and sports medicine
WEBSITEDrmarciaclark.com
ADDRESS600 Crowfoot Crescent Northwest Calgary, AB, Canada, T3G 0B4
CONTACT DETAILS403-956-3768
OPERATING HOURS8AM to 3PM Mon - Fri
CriteriaRating
Service Quality★★★★★ (5/5)
  Credentials and Experience ★★★★★ (5/5)
  Success Rate★★★★★ (5/5)
Patient Satisfaction★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Bedside Manner★★★★☆ (4/5)
  Patient Aftercare★★★★☆ (4/5)
Hospital Facilities★★★★☆ (4/5)
Staff Attitude★★★★☆ (4/5)

Dr. Marica Clark is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in surgical arthritis care and sports medicine. She also has notable work in complex primary hip revision and knee surgeries.

One of her lifelong passions is sports, as she was an elite athlete herself. Therefore we think that if you are also looking into receiving care that can be tailor-fit for athletes, she’s a great choice.

She is even one of the primary care providers for some of the best sports teams in Alberta, like the University of Calgary Dinos and the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. So you can guarantee that if you choose to avail of her services, you will be under her skillful hands. 

What we love about Dr. Clark is that her expertise is not limited to private health services only. That’s because she’s also the Site Lead for Surgery at the South Health Campus Hospital, so if you’re looking to avail of her services through the public healthcare system, you can go through there. 

Speaking of the South Health Campus, it’s a great public health facility. Former patients praise it for how great the staff is and how clean and well-maintained the facilities are. 

They have a spacious parking space for their patients, and handicap parking is also available. Some, however, mention that their food isn’t great so you may need to watch out for that. 

The Bone and Joint Clinic is an outpatient department, though. So, apart from Dr. Clark’s sparse clinic schedules, they are also closed on the weekends and on holidays, which can be inconvenient.

Pros

  • Great option for any sports-related injuries
  • Specializes in complex primary hip revision and knee surgeries
  • Services available both in private and public clinics
  • Spacious parking space with handicap parking available

Cons

  • Long wait times
  • Clinic open only on Tuesdays and some Fridays

Customer Reviews:

Dr. Clark truly has the magic touch when it comes to surgery. 

It has been one year to the day that Dr. Clark replaced both my knees. I am extremely fortunate to have had her as my surgeon, as well as being able to have the surgery completed prior to the covid cancellations. I found Dr. Clark to be caring, straight forward ( which I really appreciated ). I have no pain and a speedy recovery since day one. Dary was great. The nursing staff at South Health Campus were fantastic. DR. Clark truly has the magic touch when it comes to surgery. Thank you very much Dr. Clark.

I feel fortunate to have had Dr Clark do the surgery.

Dr Clark and her team did a great job on my messed up ankle in 2018. Things healed up exactly like she said they wood and it’s now as good as new (took over a year, but I was told to be patient). No limitations now with running. skiing and whatever. I feel fortunate to have had Dr Clark do the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions


And that concludes our list of the best orthopedic surgeons in Calgary. 

Do you know other orthopedic surgeons who deserve a spot on our list? Send us a message and we’ll check them out right away!

Experiencing other body pains you’d like to solve? Check out our other recommendations:

Leave a Comment