Stephen Nelson, MD

An innovator in minimally-invasive hip and knee replacement, Dr. Nelson is a board certified, fellowship-trained arthroplasty specialist. He believes in a patient-centered care model which only considers hip or knee replacement after exhausting all other more conservative measures. His clinical interests include direct anterior hip replacement, robotic knee arthroplasty, partial knee replacement, complex revision hip and knee arthroplasty as well as fracture care.

Primary Specialty

Additional Specialties

Hip
Schedule Appointment 

Hello. I’m Doctor Stephen Nelson. I specialize in Hip and Knee Replacement here at Connecticut Orthopaedics. In specializing in hip and knee replacement, they are such successful procedures that we can take patients who previously were unable to do the activities that they enjoyed and I get to see them back in clinic hearing that they are not only walking, but dancing, hiking, playing with their grandchildren and they’ve completely forgotten about their hip and knee. I specialize in direct anterior approach total hip surgery. It’s a unique type of surgical approach which allows patients to really speed up their post-operative recovery. And it does this because we’re able split the muscles instead of actually cutting them. I also do a fair bit of robotic knee surgery – when it’s necessary. It’s a different type of technology that allows us to collect more clinical data points to allow better clinical outcomes.

Contact

For all general questions, prescription refills or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at:

Phone:
203.407.3565
Fax:
203.466.8521

Education and Training

  • B.S. Biochemistry
  • M.D. University of Connecticut School of Medicine
  • Yale Orthopaedic Surgery Residency
  • Fellowship in Adult Reconstruction at University of Virginia

Hospital Affiliations

  • Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute at MidState Medical Center
  • Connecticut Orthopaedics Surgical Center – Branford

Office Locations

Testimonials

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673 Patient Reviews

4.8  Stars 1 5
Connecticut Orthopaedics
4 Stars
4 Stars Stars

" Got the info I needed , everything was very helpful and professional "

Connecticut Orthopaedics
5 Stars
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" Dr Nelson is a wonderful physician. Thorough, caring, very professional. Excellent communication skills. have recommended him to several friends and colleagues. Grateful that a former patient (physical therapist and athletic trainer) referred me to him. r A few physicians in this practice are rushed and do not make patients feel valued. r "

Connecticut Orthopaedics
5 Stars
5 Stars Stars

" I was pleased with everything "

Connecticut Orthopaedics
5 Stars
5 Stars Stars

" appointment on time staff was professional and dr. nelson understood my needs understanding "

Connecticut Orthopaedics
4 Stars
4 Stars Stars

" I was happy with the staff. Just disappointed in the diagnosis I received. No one's,fault but wasn't the outcome I was hoping for. "

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Conditions and Treatments

Conditions of the Hip

Conditions of the Knee

Treatment

Recovery

Full Biography

Stephen Nelson, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery. Born and raised in Connecticut, he went on to attend Wheaton College (IL) where he played lacrosse and graduated Cum Laude. He earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut where he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He then completed his surgical internship and orthopaedic residency at the Yale University School of Medicine where he received exceptional training involving all aspects of orthopaedics. As chief resident, he served as a clinical instructor of orthopaedics for the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Nelson then completed an additional year of advanced training as an Adult Total Joint Reconstruction Fellow at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Nelson believes in a patient-centered care model which only considers hip or knee replacement after exhausting all other more conservative measures. Once a decision is made for surgery, he utilizes minimally-invasive arthroplasty techniques and technologies to improve outcomes following hip and knee replacement. He performs direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty – a muscle sparing technique which has been shown to expedite postoperative recovery after hip replacement. His clinical interests include direct anterior hip replacement, robotic knee arthroplasty, partial knee replacement, complex revision hip and knee arthroplasty as well as fracture care.

Dr. Nelson has written numerous reports and articles published in leading orthopaedic textbooks and journals. In addition, he has contributed numerous presentations and surgical videos to national orthopaedic conferences. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Dr. Nelson currently lives in Woodbridge with his wife and children and enjoys volunteering his skills and talents out and about within the community.  When he is not working or spending time with family, you may find him mountain biking, running or traveling. He also has interests in woodworking and furniture design.

Associations

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons