Shoulder & Sports Medicine 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.
“Book Fastest Available” finds the Sport Ortho clinic nearest you and opens its booking page. The appointment may be with a different Sport Ortho provider.
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.
Active membership in the leading orthopedic, shoulder & elbow, and sports medicine societies in North America.
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.
Evaluation and treatment for the full range of shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions.
Focused care for throwing athletes, overuse patterns, and acute elbow trauma.
Sports-related orthopedic care with structured return-to-play planning.
Same-day orthopedic access for new injuries, post-imaging review, and second opinions on prior recommendations.
A focused evaluation, imaging when indicated, and a treatment plan tailored to you — often in a single visit.
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.
From arthroscopic repair to complex replacement — tailored to anatomy and goals.
Arthroscopic and reconstructive options for throwing athletes and acute injuries.
Reconstruction, repair, and cartilage restoration for athletes of every level.
Fixation and reconstruction for acute upper- and lower-extremity injuries.
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.
Nicholas Dantzker sees patients at 8 Sport Ortho Urgent Care clinics across Middle Tennessee. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, schedule directly with them. For urgent same-day or next-day orthopedic care, choose the fastest available option at any location below.
Schedule directly with this provider. Available locations and appointment times will be shown in the scheduling experience.
All of our providers are orthopedic specialists and can get you started today. These visits are scheduled by clinic rather than by provider, so you may see another member of the Sport Ortho team.
Sport Ortho Urgent Care · Middle Tennessee
View larger mapUrgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
Urgent same-day or next-day care at this clinic, with the first available Sport Ortho provider. To see Dr. Dantzker specifically, use "Schedule with Dr. Dantzker" above — it is not tied to a single clinic.
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5 out of 5 stars
5.0 average from 6 Google reviews
Showing Google reviews newest first.
Showing 6 of 6 recent Google reviews
5 out of 5 stars
(Translated by Google) The best. I had an excellent experience with Dr. Nicolás during my surgery. I recommend him 100%. My recovery was a complete success. (Original) El mejor. Tuve una excelente experiencia en mi cirugía con el Dr. Nicolás. Lo recomiendo 100% mi recuperación fue todo un éxito.
5 out of 5 stars
Great experience all around!
5 out of 5 stars
He was extremely helpful and thorough with his explanations to what will happen before and after the surgery! He did great and post surgery it’s going great!
5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Dantzker did an incredible job repairing my injured pec. Explained everything that was going to happen very clearly, cleared up any questions I had in regards to the operation!
5 out of 5 stars
Sport Ortho treated with respect and listen to the problem I was having my shoulder. Both the PA and Dr Dantzker look at my radiologist report and Dr. Dankzker check my shoulder by manipulating it to see what the problems were. After agreeing that the shoulder needed surgery to repair the problems it was perform and now almost 12 weeks later my shoulder is doing well with very minor discomfort. As the shoulder heals I am sure I will be completely pain free and able to use the arm at 100%
5 out of 5 stars
I had to have a pretty serious shoulder surgery. Everyone told me it was going to be awful but that wasn't my experience at all. Dr. Dantzker did an amazing job and im recovering much faster than expected
Recent patient feedback from the 8 Sport Ortho Urgent Care clinics where Dr. Dantzker sees patients. Each review is labelled with its clinic and reflects that clinic's overall care experience.
Showing Google reviews newest first.
Showing 6 of 42 recent Google reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Rating only — this reviewer did not leave a comment.
5 out of 5 stars
Staff was friendly,helpful and receptive! Dr. Kaelin was professional courteous and communicative, helpful immediately knew what was wrong with my knee and addressed it. Follow up care and texts were great! Can’t thank the whole staff enough!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Kaelin is the best and the group at sports ortho do a great job! Couldn't ask for any better care! If you need an MRI, the staff and MRI tec are great! Highly recommend Sports Ortho Mt. Juliet!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Great experience, and really nice people to work with. Definitely recommend these guys if your in pain!
5 out of 5 stars
Rating only — this reviewer did not leave a comment.
5 out of 5 stars
Rating only — this reviewer did not leave a comment.
Dr. Dantzker practices through Sport Ortho Urgent Care — a same-day orthopedic network with multi-location access, on-site physical therapy, and a clear surgical pathway when that is the right treatment.
Walk-in friendly hours and direct scheduling — see an orthopedic team without the multi-week wait.
X-ray on-site, MRI access available — get diagnostic clarity quickly so treatment can move forward.
Sport Ortho PT keeps evaluation, imaging, and physical therapy aligned under one care team.
Twelve clinics across Middle Tennessee — close to home, work, and school.
Plain-language overviews of common shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries — designed to help you make confident decisions about your care.
How to know whether your tear is best treated with rehab or repair — and what each option looks like.
From early symptoms to Tommy John surgery — a clear roadmap for throwing athletes.
Red flags that mean it's time for an orthopedic evaluation, and what to expect at your visit.
Total, reverse, partial, and revision — modern shoulder replacement explained.
Diagnosis, conservative care, and when surgery is the right call.
Stage-based return-to-play for weekend warriors and competitive athletes.
Have a question that isn't listed? The team at Sport Ortho can help — or schedule directly with Dr. Dantzker.
See Dr. Dantzker, or book at whichever Sport Ortho clinic is nearest you — same-day access, on-site imaging when needed, and a clear plan, often in a single visit.
Finds the clinic nearest you and opens its booking page. The appointment may be with a different provider.
