Nicholas Dantzker, MD
Shoulder · Elbow · Sports Medicine
Now scheduling — same-day orthopedic access

Nicholas Dantzker, MD

Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon

Serving patients across Middle Tennessee with Sport Ortho Urgent Care. Fellowship-trained at Columbia in advanced shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine — with both surgical and non-surgical care tailored to each patient.

Portrait of Nicholas Dantzker, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Nicholas Dantzker, MD
Board-Certified · Shoulder · Elbow · Sports Medicine
  • Shoulder & Elbow Specialist
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgical & Non-Surgical Care
  • Sport Ortho Urgent Care
  • Middle Tennessee
About Dr. Dantzker

Specialist-led care for shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries.

Portrait of Nicholas Dantzker, MD

Nicholas Dantzker, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine, with advanced fellowship training in complex upper-extremity conditions. He cares for athletes and active individuals of all ages, helping patients return to the activities that matter most to them — whether competitive sports, recreation, work, or pain-free daily life.

Dr. Dantzker earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he graduated at the top of his class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and went on to fellowship training in shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine at the Columbia University Center for Shoulder, Elbow, and Sports Medicine.

Dr. Dantzker has authored peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and national podium presentations in sports medicine, shoulder and elbow pathology, and outcomes research. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, spending time outdoors with his dogs, and being with his family.

Professional Society Memberships

Active membership in the leading orthopedic, shoulder & elbow, and sports medicine societies in North America.

  • American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) logo
    American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
    ASES
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) logo
    American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
    AOSSM
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) logo
    Arthroscopy Association of North America
    AANA
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) logo
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
    AAOS
  • American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) seal
    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
    ABOS
Past Pro & College Team Experience
  • Volunteer State Community College logo
    Volunteer State Community College
    2023–2026
  • New York City Football Club logo
    New York City Football Club
    2020–2021
  • New York Yankees logo
    New York Yankees
    2020–2021
  • Columbia University seal
    Columbia University
    2020–2021
  • Fordham University seal
    Fordham University
    2020–2021
Conditions Treated

Focused evaluation for shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries.

Focused evaluation and treatment planning for shoulder instability, rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, elbow injuries, and sports-related orthopedic conditions — including but not limited to the conditions below.

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Shoulder Conditions

Evaluation and treatment for the full range of shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions.

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder dislocations & instability
  • Labrum tears
  • Biceps tears
  • Shoulder arthritis
  • Throwing-related shoulder conditions

Elbow Conditions

Focused care for throwing athletes, overuse patterns, and acute elbow trauma.

  • UCL injuries / Tommy John injuries
  • Tennis elbow
  • Throwing-related elbow conditions
  • Elbow fractures & dislocations

Knee & Sports Injuries

Sports-related orthopedic care with structured return-to-play planning.

  • ACL tears
  • Meniscus tears
  • Patellar dislocations & instability
  • Sports-related shoulder & elbow injuries

Fractures & Acute Injuries

Same-day orthopedic access for new injuries, post-imaging review, and second opinions on prior recommendations.

  • Upper-extremity fractures
  • Lower-extremity fractures
  • Acute sports injuries
  • Post-imaging review & second opinions

Want a clear next step?

A focused evaluation, imaging when indicated, and a treatment plan tailored to you — often in a single visit.

Schedule Appointment

Continue to treatments

Procedures

Procedures Dr. Dantzker performs.

Dr. Dantzker performs a focused range of shoulder, elbow, knee, and sports medicine procedures — including but not limited to those below. Every plan begins with a focused evaluation and honest conversation about non-surgical and surgical options.

Shoulder Procedures

From arthroscopic repair to complex replacement — tailored to anatomy and goals.

  • Total shoulder replacement
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement
  • Revision total shoulder replacement
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Shoulder arthroscopic labral repair

Elbow Procedures

Arthroscopic and reconstructive options for throwing athletes and acute injuries.

  • Elbow arthroscopy
  • UCL reconstruction & repair

Knee & Sports Medicine

Reconstruction, repair, and cartilage restoration for athletes of every level.

  • ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus repair
  • Cartilage restoration (OATS) of the knee
  • MPFL reconstruction
  • Achilles tendon repair

Fracture & Trauma Care

Fixation and reconstruction for acute upper- and lower-extremity injuries.

  • Shoulder & clavicle fracture fixation
  • Elbow fracture & dislocation repair
  • Upper-extremity fracture care
  • Acute sports injuries
Care Philosophy

Tailored to the patient — not a one-size-fits-all plan.

Many conditions improve with thoughtful non-surgical treatment, and when that's the best option, Dr. Dantzker is fully committed to it. When surgery is truly needed, his fellowship training in shoulder, elbow, and sports medicine — including minimally invasive techniques and PRP when clinically appropriate — supports a clear, goal-oriented plan.

  • Understand the patient's goals
  • Explain the problem clearly
  • Discuss non-surgical and surgical options honestly
  • Choose the treatment path that best fits the patient's life
Locations

Sport Ortho Locations

Dr. Dantzker sees patients at Sport Ortho Urgent Care clinics across Middle Tennessee. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, request an appointment so the team can route you to the right visit. For urgent same-day or next-day orthopedic care, choose the fastest available option at any location below.

See Dr. Dantzker specifically

Want to see Dr. Dantzker?

If your need isn't same-day or next-day urgent, request an appointment with Dr. Dantzker and our team will help coordinate the right visit at the right Sport Ortho location.

Request Appointment with Dr. Dantzker

Need same-day or next-day care?

If you need urgent orthopedic care and are comfortable seeing the first available Sport Ortho provider, choose a location below to book the fastest available appointment. These urgent slots are not provider-specific and may not be with Dr. Dantzker.

Sport Ortho Urgent Care · Middle Tennessee

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Reviews

Patient trust matters before the first visit.

Many patients look up reviews before booking. Dr. Dantzker sees patients across Sport Ortho Urgent Care's Middle Tennessee clinics — each location keeps its own current Google review page, linked below. After your visit, you're welcome to share your experience.

How we handle reviews

We won't display fabricated star ratings, fake testimonials, or counts that haven't been verified. After your visit, you're welcome to share your experience on the clinic's Google listing.

Dedicated review profile coming soon.

Schedule a visit, then share your experience.

Honest patient feedback helps future patients decide.

Sport Ortho Integration

Sport Ortho is the platform around Dr. Dantzker.

Dr. Dantzker practices through Sport Ortho Urgent Care — a same-day orthopedic network with multi-location access, integrated PT and conservative care, and a clear surgical pathway when needed.

  • Same-day orthopedic access

    Walk-in friendly hours and direct scheduling — see an orthopedic team without the multi-week wait.

  • On-site imaging & MRI

    X-ray on-site, MRI access available — get diagnostic clarity quickly so treatment can move forward.

  • Integrated physical therapy

    Sport Ortho PT keeps surgery, imaging, and rehabilitation aligned under one care team.

  • Convenient Middle TN locations

    Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Mt. Juliet, Antioch, Hendersonville, East Nashville — close to home, work, and school.

Resources

Patient guides from Dr. Dantzker.

Plain-language overviews of common shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries — designed to help you make confident decisions about your care.

View all guides
  • 6 min read

    Rotator Cuff Tear: Surgery or Therapy?

    How to know whether your tear is best treated with rehab or repair — and what each option looks like.

  • 7 min read

    UCL Injury in Throwers: What Parents and Athletes Should Know

    From early symptoms to Tommy John surgery — a clear roadmap for throwing athletes.

  • 5 min read

    When to See a Shoulder Specialist

    Red flags that mean it's time for an orthopedic evaluation, and what to expect at your visit.

  • 8 min read

    Shoulder Arthritis & Replacement Options

    Total, reverse, partial, and revision — modern shoulder replacement explained.

  • 6 min read

    Labral Tears and Shoulder Instability

    Diagnosis, conservative care, and when surgery is the right call.

  • 5 min read

    Getting Back to Sport After an Orthopedic Injury

    Stage-based return-to-play for weekend warriors and competitive athletes.

FAQ

Common questions, answered.

Have a question that isn't listed? The team at Sport Ortho can help — or schedule directly with Dr. Dantzker.

  • In most cases, no. You can schedule directly. Some insurance plans require a referral — please contact the clinic to confirm your specific plan's requirements.
Schedule

Ready to be evaluated by Dr. Dantzker?

Schedule directly with Dr. Dantzker through Sport Ortho Urgent Care. Same-day access, on-site imaging when needed, and a clear plan — often in a single visit.