The 5 Best Orthopedic Specialists in Nashville to Trust With Your Joints

orthopedic-specialists-in-nashville
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Experience and track record: We first reviewed their years of experience, expertise, and testimonials from previous and regular patients.

Approach: Next, we assessed their communication skills and bedside manner.

Clinic: We also considered their clinic’s maintenance, atmosphere, comfort, and access to advanced technology.

Accessibility: Also, we checked if their booking process, schedule, and location were accessible.

Affiliations: Our choices also favoured those who were affiliated with various hospitals and clinics that offer more treatments and resources.

Fees: Lastly, we checked if their fees were covered by insurance or if they were transparent and affordable for self-paying patients.

One of my realisations as a young adult is that a daily routine can take a toll on my joints—I can’t even remember how many times I’ve muttered “gosh, I’m getting old”. Between going to the gym and simply sleeping on the wrong side, I could wake up the next day feeling sore!

Fortunately, Music City is home to just as many trusted and reliable orthopedic specialists as there are live music venues and karaoke spots. So, whenever I feel these “signs of aging”, I can count on them to keep me moving like I’m in my twenties!

With my team’s help, we’ve listed and reviewed them, so you won’t have to sort through Google results or user testimonials. We know this process can be just as painful as your joint pain. Continue reading to find the doctors who can help you get back on your feet!

What is the average cost of orthopedic specialists in Nashville?

The average cost of orthopedic specialist visits in Nashville for self-paying patients ranges from $110 to $300 or more for basic checkups. This excludes additional services, such as surgeries, X-rays, MRIs, etc.

1. Dr Jacque Hunter Myatt – Orthopaedic Specialists

dr-jacque-hunter-myatt-orthopaedic-specialists

Services: Physical therapy, shoulder replacement, bone marrow injection, sports medicine

Location: 1912 Charlotte Ave.

Contact: +1 615-590-8000

Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

Jacque Hunter Myatt was recommended to us because of her courteous and concerned bedside manner during consultations. Our interviewees noted how they felt cared for, as Dr Myatt attentively listened during initial check-ups.

Patients also appreciated how the Doctor proposes various conservative treatments first before resorting to surgery. Some of them even told us that other clinics they had visited had already advised them to undergo expensive surgeries before visiting Orthopaedic Specialists.

Dr Myatt also has over 20 years of experience up her sleeve, and she demonstrates this in multiple treatments, including shoulder replacement, physical therapy, sports, medicine, etc.

We also did an ocular, and we weren’t surprised to see how well-maintained the facilities were. Plus, they were equipped with advanced technology for more seamless processes for laboratory requirements, such as MRIs, X-rays, etc.

Lastly, we appreciate the convenient online booking system. However, we did hear discrepancies regarding confusing scheduling and delays from those who booked via phone.

Pros

  • 24+ years of experience
  • Complete set of services
  • Convenient online appointment system
  • Well-maintained and equipped facility

Cons

  • Scheduling via phone could improve

High standard of care!

“Absolutely the best experience I’ve had with an orthopedic specialist, they were all so nice and held a very high standard of care! Will most definitely recommend this place to anyone!”

Mel Collins, Google Review

Very nice and pleasant

“Everyone was very nice and pleasant. The doctor was very courteous & concerned about my right knee, and he suggested the appropriate steps to take before deciding on any surgery to see if it improved.

 I would recommend them to my family and friends. I look forward to my continuing care at  their office.”

Covetta Dunbar, Google Review

2. Burton F. Elrod, M.D. – Elite Sports Medicine

burton-f-elrod-m-d-elite-sports-medicine

Services: Injections, physical therapy, sports medicine, hip replacement surgery

Location: 2004 Hayes St, Suite 200

Contact: +1 615-324-1600

Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website

Dr Burton F. Elrod of Elite Sports Medicine caught our attention for his 19-year tenure as an official physician for the NFL. This explained why his specialty included sports medicine and a range of common sports-related surgeries.

We reached out to his previous and regular patients, who includes athletes, and they said that Dr Elrod was the only one who could properly diagnose their injuries. They highlighted that he worked seamlessly throughout the consultation period and offered multiple solutions.

Dr Elrod has also performed numerous reconstructive surgeries, most commonly ACL reconstructions. We spoke with these patients, and they reported significant improvement in their recovery compared with the same surgery performed by a different doctor.

Elite Sports Medicine is also one of the most reputable clinics for sports injuries, which is why Dr Elrod has access to the complete equipment required for accurate imaging.

The only downside is that the Doctor is almost always fully booked. Fortunately, it’s easy to schedule an appointment if he’s free through the online appointment system.

Pros

  • Multiple specialisations
  • 19 years as an NFL physician
  • Covered by over 30 types of insurance
  • Kind bedside manner
  • Complete selection of equipment

Cons

  • Can be difficult to book

Very knowledgeable

“Love this place. My coworker told me to go here instead of TOA, and I’m glad I did. They have great bedside manner, are very kind, and I really liked everyone I met there. Dr Elrod is very knowledgeable. 

He did my ACL reconstruction, and the recovery was better than others with the same surgery from TOA/other docs at my PT place. He recommends red light therapy, vitamin C, collagen, etc, for post op. I think that helped me a lot.

His PA, Steven, was also great. Glad this was where I went. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”

Diana Mesaros, Google Review

Highly recommend

“I had an excellent experience with the entire team at Elite Sports Medicine. I have been battling a shoulder injury for three years, and I was not getting the care I needed from my previous provider. 

Dr Elrod was able to quickly deduce what was wrong, and now I’m on the road to recovery. Highly recommend everyone at Elite Sports Medicine.”

Kyla Byard, Google Review

3. Dr Wesley H. Mayes – Vanderbilt University Medical Centre

dr-wesley-h-mayes-vanderbilt-university-medical-centre

Services: Joint replacements, ACL reconstruction, MCL treatments, meniscus pain treatment

Location: 1211 Medical Centre Dr

Contact: +1 615 322 5000

Website

Based on our interviews with his previous patients, Dr Wesley H. Mayes is a fantastic orthopedic specialist with high success rates. Unfortunately, his skills may be overshadowed by the clinic’s reputation, Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, which is slightly negative.

One of the main factors our interviewees brought up about Dr Hayes is his wide area of expertise. They highlighted how he can cater to different types of pain and injuries, such as hip, knee, meniscus, and ACL.

We spoke to those who had reconstructive surgeries on their MCLs, and they shared how sturdy they felt after recovery. They also shared that Dr Hayes opted for multiple non-surgical treatments.

Some of our interviewees have also undergone joint replacements and shared how the Doctor and his entire care team provided a safe and calming experience throughout the surgery.

It’s also relatively easy to book an appointment with Dr Hayes as well, thanks to his convenient scheduling system online.

Pros

  • Solid selection of expertise
  • Expert diagnostic process
  • Impressive after-care service
  • Convenient booking system
  • Caters to different pains and injuries

Cons

  • The medical centre has a slightly negative reputation

Five stars plus

“I can’t express how excellent the staff is at Vanderbilt Medical. I have undergone life-changing operations with them. I would want to be nowhere else but here. The team of doctors, nurses, nurse assistants, the nutrition team, and the janitorial team has been five stars plus. 

They have restored my beautiful energy and made me the happiest, most stunning woman I am—much love to everyone and their kind energy at Vanderbilt Hospital. Highly recommend going out of your way to be treated by them if you need treatment. 

Thanks so much, Vanderbilt staff. Y’all are absolutely amazing”

Chrissy Miller, Google Review

This hospital is awesome!

“I come from Mississippi once a year to get a check-up. 4.5 hrs on my drive to get here, and it is worth every minute of it. This hospital is awesome! From the doctors all the way down to the people who park your car. I love it there.”

Carlos Harris, Google Review

4. Dr Brian D. Dierckman – TriStar Centennial Medical Centre

dr-brian-d-dierckman-tristar-centennial-medical-centre

Services: ACL reconstruction surgery, hip procedures, knee replacement surgery, sports medicine

Location: 2300 Patterson St

Contact: (615) 324-1600

Website

Dr Brian D. Dierckman was among the most recommended orthopedic specialists by our interviewees, who were either athletes or engaged in athletic hobbies. 

They shared how impressed they were with his knowledge regarding sports and workout-related pain and injuries, noting how he could diagnose them almost immediately. 

We were further impressed by his range of procedures when we learned about the different conditions our interviewees had. Some underwent hip surgeries; others had knee replacements; all reported complete recovery.

They also highlighted that they felt the Doctor and his entire care team were concerned about their situation. Moreover, Dr Dierckman was praised for his attentiveness during pre- and post-surgery check-ups, with clients saying that he didn’t provide any cookie-cutter solutions.

Dr Dierckman is also affiliated with other hospitals and clinics, including the aforementioned Elite Sports Medicine, which can also provide patients with additional resources and treatment options.

Our only gripe is that there’s no available online booking option on the Doctor’s page.

Pros

  • Wide variety of surgeries and treatments
  • Affiliated with other hospitals and clinics
  • Impressive proven work
  • Caring bedside manner

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer online booking

The most wonderful experience

“We had the most wonderful experience at TriStar Centennial Medical Centre. Going in, we truly had no idea what to expect, and I was filled with anxiety—but our amazing team of nurses and doctors made all the difference. 

Every single person we encountered was kind, patient, and attentive, and they always took the time to explain what was happening and what we could expect next, which brought so much comfort and reassurance. 

We couldn’t have asked for anything to have gone better, and we are so deeply grateful for the entire experience. Thank you to the incredible staff who made such a meaningful impact on our growing family!”

Megan Geiger, Google Review

Caring and attentive

“From intake through surgery, and to discharge, the team at Tri Star was phenomenal. The doctors were great, the nurses were caring and attentive, and the entire support team was top-class. I am very appreciative of their efforts on my behalf.”

Mike Dwyer, Google Review

5. Dr Tiffany Feltman Meals – Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics

dr-tiffany-feltman-meals-hughston-clinic-orthopaedics

Services: Joint reconstruction, total joint replacement, arthroscopic treatments

Location: 3443 Dickerson Pike, Suite 190

Contact: +1 615-860-1580

Website

Dr Tiffany Feltman Meals is one of Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics’ most qualified specialists. For starters, she’s an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and fellowship-trained, which means she’s completed additional intensive training in orthopaedics.

We also wanted to include her because of her impressive track record among her previous customers. They underwent different procedures, such as joint reconstruction and replacements, and they shared how everything went smoothly, from diagnosis to rehab, etc.

Previous clients also highlighted how the care team embodied their responsibilities and provided a safe and worry-free experience and environment throughout the surgery. We were also pleased to discover that Dr Meals was also attentive and caring during the initial consultation.

Most of our interviewees were also sporty and said Dr Meals’ expertise in sports-related injuries was the main reason they chose her. However, some potential patients may not consider Dr Meals, as she primarily focuses on the aforementioned field.

Pros

  • Caring and knowledgeable
  • Highly experienced in sports injuries
  • Impressive track record
  • Easy to book
  • Fellowship trained

Cons

  • Mostly focuses on sports-related trauma

A doctor who really cares

“Dr Tiffany was wonderful!! She did all that she could to make me comfortable and help with the pain. I recommend that if you want a doctor who really cares, she’s definitely the one to see. Wonderful doctor”

Candice Dillard, Google Review

Professional and knowledgeable

“Love Dr Meals! Professional and knowledgeable, as well as very personable. Her nurse/staff are awesome as well! Will be visiting her again (unfortunately, as my body hates me) for orthopaedic issues in the future!”

Kristen Porter, Google Review