Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine of Kansas City
Evidence-Led Care for Complex Injuries

Joshua Nelson, M.D., PharmD

For orthopedic surgeon Joshua Nelson, M.D., PharmD, medicine begins with a simple principle: people taking care of people. At Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine of Kansas City, that belief guides clinical decisions, surgical planning, and patient relationships.

“We are an independent practice that emphasizes evidence-based medicine, careful evaluation, and treatments designed to improve outcomes rather than follow commercial trends,” says Nelson.

Established in 2021, the practice draws on Nelson’s more than two decades of experience serving Kansas City and surrounding communities. His training includes residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center and a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Virginia. Earlier in his career, he worked in academic medicine, caring for professional athletes and helping develop sports medicine programs.

Today, he brings that academic perspective to a focused private practice, where clinical evidence and individual patient needs remain central to care.

A Specialized Approach to Orthopedic Care

Sports medicine forms the core of the practice. Nelson treats athletes, working professionals, business owners, and families, including patients who travel from neighboring states for specialized evaluation. The practice accepts a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offers cash discounts and payment arrangements to help patients access care.

Its clinical focus includes complex knee injuries, ligament reconstruction, meniscal repair, cartilage restoration, rotator cuff procedures, elbow conditions, and patellofemoral stabilization. Nelson particularly welcomes challenging cases, including injuries that require revision surgery or patients whose previous procedures have not delivered the expected results.

This expertise allows the practice to address injuries that may involve several structures rather than a single damaged ligament or joint. Each case requires a detailed assessment of the injury, the patient’s functional needs, and the available treatment options.

Evidence Guides Every Decision

Nelson believes patients deserve to understand the reasoning behind their treatment. When considering conservative management or surgery, he discusses the available medical literature, outcome data, and potential risks and benefits. Patients receive information that helps them weigh their options and participate meaningfully in decisions about their care.

Because many orthopedic procedures are elective, this shared decision-making process matters. Surgery is not presented as an automatic response to injury. Instead, the choice depends on the evidence, the patient’s circumstances, and the likely long-term outcome.

Technology also plays a role, but Nelson approaches new developments critically. Advances in equipment and surgical techniques can improve precision, reduce tissue trauma, and support recovery. Yet he believes physicians must distinguish genuine clinical benefits from products promoted primarily for commercial gain. For the practice, innovation earns its place when it serves patients.

Restoring Function, Rebuilding Confidence

A recent case illustrates this approach. A firefighter in his mid-40s had sustained an ACL injury during high school and undergone reconstruction. Although he initially managed the injury, persistent instability eventually affected his function. Further evaluation revealed an incompetent ACL, a partial posterolateral corner injury, and a full-thickness cartilage defect.

Nelson performed revision ACL reconstruction, repaired the posterolateral corner, and completed an osteoarticular transfer to address the cartilage damage. Following appropriate rehabilitation, the patient returned to work as a firefighter and recovered well. His subsequent referrals of fellow firefighters reflect the value of addressing complex injuries through a coordinated surgical plan.

Independent Practice, Personal Commitment

The clinic deliberately maintains a small team, allowing Nelson to remain closely involved in patient care. Rather than pursue expansion for its own sake, the practice prioritizes a manageable structure, current medical knowledge, and a working environment that supports patients, employees, and their families.

Named Best Orthopedic Care Clinic 2026, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine of Kansas City reflects a model built around clinical judgment, informed patient choice, and specialized sports medicine expertise. Its guiding measure of success remains clear: helping people recover function and return to the lives they value.