Private Shoulder Stabilization

The surgery itself is no different from what’s performed in the public system. Surgeons use the same techniques, implants, and safety standards. The operation often takes 1–2 hours (longer for Latarjet/bone procedures).

Typical steps:

• Anesthesia: Usually general anesthesia. Many patients also get a nerve block for pain control.
• Incisions: Small cuts (arthroscopy) around the shoulder; sometimes a larger incision for bone‑block procedures.
• Repair/tightening: The surgeon reattaches the labrum with small anchors, and tightens the capsule if needed.
• If bone loss: A bone‑block procedure may be done to make the socket “bigger” and more stable.
• Close and dressings: Skin closed, bandage applied.
• Sling on: You’ll usually leave in a sling the same day with a written rehab plan.

Your clinic should give you a detailed recovery plan (pain control, physio, restrictions, and follow-ups). Recovery varies depending on the procedure and your sport. Follow the protocol closely—this is one surgery where rehab rules really matter.

Some private clinics offer virtual follow-ups; others coordinate with your local providers in your home province.

Semaine 1

Goals: Pain control, protect the repair, manage swelling.
What it’s like: Sleeping can be awkward; the sling is annoying but important.
Activities: Sling full-time (usually), gentle hand/wrist/elbow motion, short walks, wound care.

Weeks 2–6

Goals: Protect healing tissue, start safe range of motion (ROM) as directed.
Activities: Physio begins (timing varies). ROM is often limited early to protect the repair. No lifting, pushing, or sudden reaching.

Weeks 6–12

Goals: Gradually restore ROM, start strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles.
Activities: Sling often comes off around this phase (depends on procedure). Strength work progresses slowly and should be pain‑guided.

Mois 3–6+

Goals: Build strength, control, and confidence; sport-specific training.
Activities: Return to sport depends on sport type:

• non-contact activities often earlier
• contact/collision or overhead sports often closer to 4–6+ months
  Your surgeon/physio should give criteria (strength, ROM, control), not just dates.

Red flags—seek help

Fever, increasing redness/drainage, severe worsening pain, new numbness/hand weakness, shortness of breath, or the shoulder dislocating again.

Exact prices depend on the procedure (arthroscopic repair vs Latarjet), number of anchors, facility fees, anesthesia, and whether imaging and follow-ups are bundled.

Cost in Canada

Typical range: $7,000 - $20,000+‍

(Latarjet/bone procedures can be higher than a straightforward arthroscopic Bankart repair.)

What’s included (most quotes)

• Surgeon and anesthesiologist fees
• Les frais d'établissement ou de salle d'opération et les soins infirmiers.
• Arthroscopy equipment and standard supplies
• Implants (anchors) — confirm this line item
• Immediate post-op care and follow-up visit(s)

Ce qui n’est généralement pas inclus

• MRI/X-rays done outside the clinic
• Sling/brace (sometimes included, sometimes not)
• Physiotherapy after discharge
• Medications at home
• Travel/accommodation if out-of-province

Insurance and financing

• Private insurance often covers parts (physio, imaging), but not always the private surgical fee—confirm with your plan.
• Some clinics offer payment plans.
• Eligible out-of-pocket costs may qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)—keep itemized receipts. Learn more about the METC here.

Choosing your surgeon is one of the benefits of going private. For instability surgery, correct procedure selection (Bankart vs Latarjet, etc.) matters as much as technical skill.

Ce qu'il faut rechercher

Expérience et volume d'interventions

• How many shoulder stabilizations do they do yearly?
• How many are Bankart repairs vs Latarjet/bone‑block procedures?
• Do they treat athletes in your sport (contact vs overhead)?

Qualifications et formation

• Confirm licensure with the provincial college (e.g., CPSO, CPSBC, CPSA).
• Look for FRCSC-certified orthopedic surgeons, ideally with fellowship training in shoulder/elbow or sports medicine/arthroscopy.

Learn more about surgeon credentials, read How to Understand Surgeon Credentials in Canada.

Outcomes and safety‍

Ask for their rates of:

• recurrent instability/dislocation
• l'infection
• nerve injury (rare, but important)
• stiffness/frozen shoulder
• reoperation

Imagerie et planification

A good program reviews the actual images (not just reports):

• MRI/MRA for labrum and soft tissues
• CT (sometimes) to measure bone loss if instability is recurrent

Facility accreditation‍

Choose an accredited surgical facility (e.g., Accreditation Canada / CAAASF standards) with clear emergency pathways.

Intégration en réadaptation

You want:

• a written phased protocol
• coordination with your local physio if travelling
• clear return-to-work/sport milestones

Questions to ask at your consultation

• What is causing my instability: labrum tear, loose capsule, bone loss, or all three?
• Am I a better fit for a Bankart repair or a Latarjet, and why?
• How many anchors do you expect to use, and are they included in the quote?
• What are my chances of redislocation in my sport?
• How long will I be in a sling? When can I drive, return to work/school, and return to training?
• If I’m from another province, how are follow-ups handled?