I had to get ACL reconstruction of my knee back in August 2016 after I tore it and my meniscus skiing and I haven't had a single problem with my since. I returned to competitive sport non contact 1 year post-op and didn't have a single issue than and returned to competitive sports after 2 years post-op just to make sure it was fully good. My graft after almost 7 years is still as solid and as strong as it first was. He used my hamstring in the same leg for the graft and shaved out the shredded part of my meniscus. Both my physiotherapists then and now think the integrity of my graft is amazing. No pain at all anymore even with my meniscus and I barely had any pain for the first couple months post-op. The staff out in Banff and him are lovely to be around, he was great with my parents especially my Mom who has lots of anxiety about surgeries. Great nurses and anesthesiologist. My ROM in my leg is even better than it was before and they had me walking around immediately. My graft has held up with 4 years of competitive rugby as well. I recently tore my other ACL in my other knee playing rugby and if I need surgery I am definitely going to go back to him. Would recommend for ACL reconstruction for sure!

Submitted Feb. 7, 2023

Update to my February & September 2021 reviews below. It's now two years since my shoulder surgery and I’ve completely recovered. While I had mostly put the injury behind me last year, I hadn't fully regained my original range of motion. Several days ago a small wipe-out while skiing forcefully extended my arm and must have broken up some remaining scar tissue that was limiting movement. I stood up and instantly noticed the difference. It feels 100% now.

Submitted Dec. 7, 2022

Amazing Surgeon! I injured my knee playing competitive sports and had ACL reconstruction 2 years ago and I was able to return to playing at a competitive level 1 year post op. I am now at my 2 year mark and I can say that my knee now feels back to normal, probably even stronger compared to pre-injury. Thank you Dr. Buchko!

Submitted Nov. 23, 2022

Had an ACL reconstruction in April, 2022. Dr Buchko and his staff have been great and my recovery has been going really well. No issues at all, and Dr Buchko has patiently answered all of my questions and concerns.

Submitted Nov. 19, 2022

I've had 3 ACL reconstructions with Dr Buchko and had my 4th complete ACL tear a couple of years ago. After trying to live with it for a while, I called to get a consult just to see what my options were. I told I have to get a referral and see a sports med guy first....for my 4th tear! AFTER HIS SURGERIES.

If I'd have known on my 1st surgery it would continue to fail, I never would have gotten the first one. My knee is worse now than it was then! I can hardly put weight on it without it shifting out. How many failed surgeries does it take to warrant a phone call with this guy?? I guess he only expects his knee reconstructions to last a year or two and doesn't support you after that.

Submitted Oct. 7, 2022

Dr. Buchko and his team are fantastic!! He did orthopaedic surgery on my knee and the experience was the best ever especially for someone that has never has surgery ever. All the staff at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital were great to deal with and very helpful, I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon and surgery team to do the work on me. Dr. Buchko is great to deal with, very knowledgeable and communicates what is going to happen throughout the process. It is well worth the drive out to Banff for this team of professionals!!!

Submitted Aug. 18, 2022

He did a latarjet on my shoulder and did a great job, 3 years later my shoulder is bomb proof and haven’t had any type of issues. I’m back to confidently snowboarding, hockey and swimming without fear of dislocations.
I had close to 20 dislocations in this shoulder over the years and out off the surgery thinking I could just out-gym the problem but I’m glad I got it fixed.

Dr. Buchko was very knowledgeable, had a good sense of humor and genuinely seemed to care. Highly recommended

Submitted Dec. 28, 2021

Update to my review below… now 10 months after my shoulder surgery and I’ve almost completely recovered. I must be at 99% of my original range of motion. there is still some muscle weakness but that’s my fault — I haven’t been doing any exercises over the last 6 months. I have been skiing, jumping in and out of Zodiacs, and mountain biking. Feels great, and the last of the pain disappeared recently. I can imagine a day very soon when I’ll have forgotten all about the break and surgery.

Submitted Sept. 20, 2021

Broke my shoulder in a couple of places and dislocated my arm in a nasty tumble while skiing. Dr. Buchko did an assessment and got me into surgery just days later. After that he saw me twice for followups. In each case he was knowledgable, clear and patient. Three and a half months since the surgery I'm skiing again -- didn't even miss the season. While I haven't (yet?) regained my full range of motion, I'm able to go back to my active mountain lifestyle. It feels bulletproof. I will continue with some physio, as both it and active use of the joint seem to be helping a lot to improve range. (Turns out my next door neighbour had shoulder surgery by Dr. Buchko almost 20 years ago, and she sings his praises too.)

Submitted Feb. 18, 2021

BY FAR, the worst Surgeon there is. He shouldn’t be within 10 feet of surgical tools. His (and his office) communication are horrendous. 1 month after surgery I had a follow up appointment with him out in Banff, which lasted not even 10 minutes. So I drove an hour and wasted gas and time for an appointment that lasted not even 10 mins? The 6 month appointment was fortunately in Calgary and lasted for about an hour or so, however it was his associate, Dr. Heard who facilitated it. (Who was a lot more knowledgeable and informative than Dr. Buchko). COVID hit and everything went online but I managed to get a total of 15 in person physio sessions prior to COVID through separate clinics. A few weeks later I finally get a call from Banff Sports Med informing me that my appointment the next day would be cancelled due to the ongoing Pandemic.... what appointment? There was no email from the office (in Junk, Trash and Inbox) informing me of this Appointment, and there was nothing in writing from the Office informing me that I would have an appointment on this date. If I’d known I had an appointment I would have saved the date, and regardless, you would think they would give you more than 24 hours notice that your appointment is cancelled. Furthermore, ACL Surgery proved to be COMPLETELY USELESS and unnecessary for me (idk about other people and their injuries). As my knee felt perfectly fine and normal right until I laid down in the operating room. From that day on, (Even with the physio they tell u to do) it hurts to sit in a chair with my knee bent, it hurts to drive. Walking long distances is a no go, and the pain comes on even when not doing strenuous activities. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve woken up in pain. Squatting down to see something or fix something is a no go, kneeling is favourable but on my other knee. Furthermore there was no follow up from Him or any of his Associates regarding when I can return to sport (social sport, I’m far from a High Performance Athlete which is another reason idk why I got referred to this guy). Don’t let Dr. Buchko try and tell you that you NEED an elective surgery, because I can honestly tell you I was better off before the surgery than I have been after. And if you do decide to go with him, (Lord be with you) make sure you yourself know that you need surgery, ask yourself “How does it feel?” If the answer is Good, walk away from him. If the answer is bad, then you might just need it, but think long and hard about who performs this surgery.

Submitted Jan. 25, 2021