Board Certified, Fellowship Trained

Shoulder & Hand Doctor

What Our Patients Are Saying

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Sharon Richards profile picture
26 October 2026
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Dr. Nelson was very informative about my procedure and the process of surgery and the recovery period. He listened to my questions and treated me with respect.
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Maria Gallardo profile picture
17 October 2026
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Super professional charismatico y amable,con un acento Hispano de confiansa, gracias Dr.
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Elaine Harris profile picture
9 October 2026
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He listened carefully to my concerns, gave a thorough examination and offered optional treatments. He was kind, professional and so very easy to work with and understand. When the time comes for surgery, he will be my choice by far!
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Donna Lin Cerca profile picture
9 October 2026
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This is my third appointment with Dr. Nelson. He takes the time to explain your condition to you. Unlike most doctors, he takes care of the problem if possible the day of your appointment instead of booking another visit. In my case it was for cortisone injections. His staff is pleasant, and they work together like a well oiled machine. I’ve never been kept waiting in the office for a long period of time, in fact today I was seen early. I highly recommend Dr. Nelson.
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Cassie Blackwelder profile picture
5 October 2026
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Dr. Nelson has been great to work with for a repair of my rotator cuff supraspinatus and bicep tendonesis. He was recommended to me by my physical therapist. Originally we went the conservative route and did an ultrasound and shot, but after the paid returned, he ordered an MRI and got right to work repairing my shoulder. I felt well informed, and he provided everything I needed for my recovery. Thanks Dr. Nelson!
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Bethany Sorrell profile picture
1 October 2026
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I’m two weeks post-op and so grateful I chose to have carpal tunnel surgery with Dr. Nelson. I felt completely confident in his care. He explained everything clearly, answered my questions, and made me feel like I was in excellent hands from start to finish. I would highly recommend him!
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J profile picture
J
16 September 2026
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Dr Nelson is a phenomenal surgeon and goes above and beyond for his patients. He always fully explains things and in a manner that is easily understood. I have nothing but good things to say about him and his staff. EDIT: and it only took Dr Nelson 5 years to respond to my review 🤷‍♀️
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Romin Ghassemi profile picture
11 September 2026
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I’ve worked with Dr. Nelson on patient cases for years, and I can say without a doubt that he’s the absolute best upper extremity doctor out there. He’s also taken care of my own family and friends, and they always talk about how down-to-earth and caring he is. He never rushes you and makes sure all your questions are answered before he walks out the door. Anytime someone asks me for a shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand specialist, he’s IMMEDIATELY who I tell them to see.
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Paul Pendergrrass Sr profile picture
4 August 2026
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Was suffering with Carpal tunnel for a good while, finally had my surgery with Dr. Nelson and he was thorough in all explanations, and recommendations. I had surgery in both wrist and everything went well and healing was as expected. Thank you Dr. Nelson.
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curtis brooks profile picture
3 August 2026
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Dr. Nelson did great repairs to my arm. He took care of it when others said it would be a big problem.
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John Holt profile picture
31 July 2026
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Dr. Nelson examined me for my Dupuytren's Contracture. He assured me that my condition was not severe enough yet for treatment and that the disease progresses slowly. He could have done an unnecessary surgery and I would have agreed, but he chose a conservative plan.
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Carolyn Bost profile picture
13 July 2026
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Dr Nelson was very knowledgeable and understanding of my concerns. Took time to listen and helped me get better
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Ryan Kennedy profile picture
12 July 2026
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Knowledgeable, fun but yet very to the point
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Marlys de Alba profile picture
11 July 2026
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I very much appreciated Dr. Nelson giving my shoulder a sonogram himself, and diagnosing my issue on the spot. At the same time he showed me the screen so I could see the problem too. What a great way to clearly explain everything to a patient!
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lora millard profile picture
3 July 2026
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Very positive experience. He was genuinely concerned and took time to explain things and then referred me to someone he thought could help my diagnosis. Would highly recommend!
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Wendy Runyon profile picture
2 July 2026
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He’s so nice. On time. Kind.
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LaTasha Jeffers profile picture
2 July 2026
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Dr Nelson is amazing. Thank you 😊
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Diana Coidan profile picture
2 July 2026
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I have already done this and not sure how many times you’re gonna be sending this
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Mary Booth profile picture
30 June 2026
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Dr. Nelson was very caring and informed me of what was going on with my hands (Carpal tunnel syndrome (including trigger finger). He took the time to explain what was going on, provided exercises, etc., and for that, I am grateful.
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Joyce Ciaravino profile picture
31 May 2026
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In today’s often impersonal and rushed health care system, it was so refreshing to be treated with understanding and compassion. Dr Nelson takes the time to listen, explain, and is an expert in his field. I highly recommend him!!
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James Morizio profile picture
11 May 2026
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excellent doctor with very good help
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Mary Moxin profile picture
6 May 2026
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The procedure was exactly like Dr Nelson said it would be
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I highly recommend Dr. Nelson. He is one of the best if not the best shoulder doctors and surgeons on the East Coast definitely in North Carolina.
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Steve Crist profile picture
4 May 2026
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Working with Dr. Nelson is great. He listens and is always ready to answer questions and has good explanations.
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Ellen Zimmerman profile picture
30 April 2026
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Dr. Nelson was efficient and explained everything very clearly so that I could care for my wound correctly during the healing process. My follow up visits have been informative and thorough. I feel confident that everything that needs to be done or addressed has been covered.
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Cathy a.k.a Chaka Khan profile picture
30 April 2026
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Dr. Nelson is an Outstanding doctor that listens and come up with a treatment plan for your condition.
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Bob Twillmann profile picture
20 April 2026
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Terrific doctor
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Gregg Davis profile picture
12 April 2026
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Johnny is a great surgeon, performing minimally invasive procedures. He educates his patients on procedures and expectations.
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Roni Boberg profile picture
7 April 2026
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Quickly accessible and highly recommended Dr. Nelson was very thorough and took the time to explain what he found and guidance on next steps. I look forward to seeing him again.
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Ana Porfidio profile picture
24 February 2026
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Dr. Nelson is very professional explaining the treatment I needed which it has helped me do much. I definitely recommend to a 💯

Meet Dr. Nelson

Dr. Johnny T. Nelson is a board-certified, dual fellowship-trained orthopaedic doctor specializing in all arm conditions from shoulder to the hand. He is the first and only orthopaedic surgeon in the Piedmont to offer ultra-minimally invasive carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US). He also offers advanced "point-of-care" ultrasound examinations to patients with shoulder and arm problems, helping them to avoid many unnecessary MRIs, CTs, and other expensive studies. His areas of focus include shoulder arthritis and replacements, rotator cuff and labral repair, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Dr. Nelson is published in multiple highly-respected journals including HAND, Journal of Hand Surgery, Muscle and Nerve, and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. He frequently lectures on the topic of ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures, and teaches ultrasound-guided surgery techniques to other orthopaedic surgeons.

Dr. Nelson is a Raleigh native and a second-generation orthopaedic surgeon. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Dallas, where he played starting flanker for the university's rugby football club. He earned his medical degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he graduated at the top of his class and was inducted into the AOA medical honors society. Between medical school and residency, Dr. Nelson devoted a year to research at the Laboratory for Regenerative Technologies in Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, which resulted in numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. After completing orthopaedic surgery residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, Dr. Nelson was selected for a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. There he was trained by the nation's top experts in shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery. He then completed his training at the internationally-renowned Shoulder Unit of the Centre Orthopdique Santy in Lyon, France, with a focus on advanced shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff repair, open and arthroscopic treatment of shoulder instability, and shoulder replacement.

He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedics Surgery (ABOS), and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand (CAQH). He is also a candidate member of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES).

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Dr. Johnny T. Nelson was recently featured on CBS17’s My Carolina.

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FEATURED SERVICES

Rotator Cuff Repair

Shoulder Replacement

Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

Thumb Arthritis

Second Opinion

Why Choose Us?

Johnny T. Nelson, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, elbow, hand & wrist surgery at the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is qualified to manage any condition from the shoulder to the fingertips in all age groups, from small children up to end of life. Dr. Nelson is deeply patient-oriented and enjoys his time with each and every patient, not only treating their conditions and curing physical pain, but also learning their story and telling stories of his own.

It's important to keep in mind that not every visit with an orthopedic surgeon means that you're going to have surgery. There are methods and treatment options at our disposal to treat orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems without surgery. Surgery is a last resort. Contact us today to see how Dr. Nelson can help treat your condition.

Latest Blog Posts

What's New?

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Risks

What Are the Risks of Carpal Tunnel Release?

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How Long Do I Have To Wear My Sling after Shoulder Surgery?

How Long Do I Have To Wear My Sling after Shoulder Surgery? If you are reading this, you have probably ...
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Can I Have Carpal Tunnel Release On Both Sides At Once?

Can I Have Carpal Tunnel Release On Both Sides At Once? Unfortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome is very common. One out ...
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Will My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Come Back After I Have A Carpal Tunnel Release?

Will My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Come Back After I Have A Carpal Tunnel Release? This is a question that North ...
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When Can I Return to Work after My Carpal Tunnel Release?

When Can I Return to Work after My Carpal Tunnel Release? When Raleigh, North Carolina Carpal Tunnel Specialist Dr. Johnny ...
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I Have Shoulder Pain: Who Should I See?

I Have Shoulder Pain: Who Should I See? Studies estimate that about 15% of people experience shoulder pain at any ...
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