Sports Orthopedics & Spine

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Keith D. Nord, MD — Orthopedic Surgeon in Jackson, TN

I’m Keith D. Nord, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Sports Orthopedics & Spine in Jackson, Tennessee. My practice focuses on arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery for active adults, athletes, and anyone who wants to stay mobile with less pain. Patients often come to me when pain, instability, or loss of motion is starting to limit work, sports, or daily life. My goal is to give you a clear diagnosis, explain your options in plain language, and create a treatment plan that gets you safely back to the activities you enjoy.

Offices: Jackson & Dyersburg, TN  |  Phone: (731) 427-7888

About Dr. Keith D. Nord

As an orthopedic surgeon, I specialize in diagnosing and treating problems of the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, with a particular focus on the shoulder and knee. Over the years, I have cared for competitive athletes, weekend warriors, and patients who simply want to walk, work, or sleep without pain. I believe in a practical, conservative approach whenever possible, using surgery only when it is the safest and most effective option.

My medical training began at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, the United States military medical school. That experience shaped the way I practice today: attention to detail, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the right thing for each patient. I completed my orthopedic surgery residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where I gained extensive experience in treating complex injuries and conditions in active-duty service members.

At Sports Orthopedics & Spine in Jackson, TN, I continue to use that training and military precision to help patients with shoulder and knee problems, often using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to reduce pain, protect healthy tissue, and speed recovery.

I am also proud to practice alongside my son, Dr. K. Michael Nord, a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon at our practice. Together, we provide comprehensive care for shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand conditions for patients across West Tennessee.

Education & Training

  • Medical School (MD): Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
  • Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX
  • Board Certification: American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Teaching: Arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery for physicians and trainees

This background allows me to offer up-to-date, evidence-based care for conditions such as shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears, knee pain, and meniscus tears, tailoring treatment to your specific goals and activity level.

Areas of Expertise

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Much of my practice is devoted to arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder. Through a few small incisions, I use a camera and specialized instruments to treat conditions such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder instability, and bone spurs causing impingement. Arthroscopy allows me to thoroughly evaluate the joint, address multiple problems at once, and often shorten recovery compared with open surgery.

Common shoulder conditions I treat include:

  • Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis
  • Shoulder impingement and bursitis
  • Labral tears and SLAP lesions
  • Recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability
  • Arthritis and stiffness of the shoulder

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

I also perform a high volume of arthroscopic knee surgeries. These minimally invasive procedures are used to diagnose and treat problems such as meniscus tears, cartilage injuries, and ligament problems. When appropriate, arthroscopy can relieve pain, improve function, and help delay or avoid more extensive surgery.

Common knee conditions I treat include:

  • Meniscus tears
  • Cartilage damage and early arthritis
  • Ligament injuries, including ACL and PCL tears
  • Loose bodies and mechanical locking
  • Persistent swelling or pain after injury

Sports Orthopedics & Injury Prevention

Many of my patients are active adults or athletes who want to return safely to the field, court, or gym. I work closely with our therapy team to design rehabilitation plans that restore strength, stability, and confidence. We also talk about training modifications, bracing, and steps you can take to reduce the risk of future injury, whether you are recovering from a knee ligament injury or a shoulder instability problem.

Non-surgical options are always part of the discussion, including anti-inflammatory medications, targeted physical therapy, injections when appropriate, and activity modifications tailored to your lifestyle.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Nord

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon: Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, with years of experience focused on shoulder and knee problems.
  • Fellow of the AAOS: Active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, committed to ongoing education and best practices.
  • Military medical training: Trained at the U.S. military medical school and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, emphasizing precision, discipline, and team-based care.
  • Expertise in arthroscopic surgery: Extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures that can reduce pain, limit scarring, and support a faster recovery.
  • Teacher and mentor: Involved in teaching arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery, which requires staying current with the latest techniques and evidence.
  • Family legacy of orthopedic care: Practices alongside his son, Dr. K. Michael Nord, offering coordinated care for complex upper extremity conditions.
  • Personalized, realistic guidance: Clear explanations of your diagnosis, all reasonable treatment options, and what you can expect at each step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Keith D. Nord

What does Dr. Keith D. Nord specialize in?

I specialize in orthopedic surgery with a focus on arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery. Much of my practice involves diagnosing and treating conditions such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder instability, meniscus tears, cartilage injuries, and ligament problems that cause shoulder pain and knee pain. I also care for a wide range of sports-related injuries and overuse conditions.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive way to look inside and treat a joint using a small camera and specialized instruments. Instead of a large incision, I make a few small incisions around the joint. The camera projects a clear image onto a monitor, allowing me to see the structures inside your shoulder or knee in detail and repair damaged tissue. Arthroscopy often results in less pain after surgery, smaller scars, and a quicker return to daily activities compared with traditional open surgery.

Is Dr. Nord accepting new patients?

Yes. I am accepting new patients at Sports Orthopedics & Spine in Jackson and Dyersburg, TN. Whether you have had a recent injury or long-standing shoulder or knee pain, our team will help you schedule an appointment and gather any previous imaging or records that may be helpful.

Where are Dr. Nord’s offices located?

I see patients at Sports Orthopedics & Spine in Jackson, TN, with an additional office in Dyersburg, TN. When you call (731) 427-7888, our schedulers can help you choose the location and appointment time that works best for you and explain parking and check-in details.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

At your first visit, we will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and goals, and perform a focused orthopedic exam. If you have prior X-rays or MRI scans, please bring them with you. In some cases, we may order new imaging to fully understand your condition. I will explain your diagnosis, outline both non-surgical and surgical options, and answer your questions in detail so you can make an informed decision about your care.

How soon can I get back to sports or work after surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of injury, the procedure performed, and your overall health. Many arthroscopic procedures allow a quicker return to daily activities than traditional open surgery, but full return to sports or heavy work can still take weeks to months. Before surgery, I will review a realistic timeline with you and coordinate with physical therapy to guide your return to activity safely.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Keith D. Nord

If shoulder or knee pain is limiting your life, we are here to help. Call (731) 427-7888 or use our secure online form to request a visit with Dr. Nord at our Jackson or Dyersburg office.

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