Orthopedic Surgeon in Nashville, TN: Dr. Damon H. Petty
Whether you are dealing with a sports injury that has sidelined you or joint pain that makes everyday activities difficult, finding the right orthopedic surgeon matters. The right provider listens carefully, explains your options clearly, and recommends a treatment plan based on what your condition actually needs.
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Dr. Damon H. Petty is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist with over 25 years of experience treating knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip injuries. He has served as Head Orthopedic Team Physician for the Tennessee Titans from 2018 through 2026, is Team Physician for Tennessee State University, and was formerly the Head Orthopedic Surgeon for the Nashville Sounds. Dr. Petty practices through Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) in Nashville.
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His approach is simple: listen carefully, make an accurate diagnosis, and design a plan the patient understands. Whether that plan involves physical therapy, regenerative medicine, or surgery, Dr. Petty provides the full spectrum of orthopedic care from a single provider.
Orthopedic Conditions We Treat in Nashville
Sports Injuries
ACL tears, MCL injuries, meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and ligament sprains are among the most common conditions Dr. Petty treats. With years of experience for sports teams at all levels, he brings NFL-level diagnostic precision and surgical skill to every patient. Whether you are a high school athlete trying to finish a season, a weekend runner dealing with a nagging knee, or a competitive player facing a career-limiting injury, Dr. Petty designs a treatment plan around your specific goals and timeline.
Back and Spine
Chronic back pain, disc injuries, and spinal conditions that affect mobility and quality of life. Dr. Petty evaluates the full picture and refers to spine specialists when surgical intervention is indicated.
Fractures and Trauma
Acute fractures of the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow require prompt, expert evaluation. Dr. Petty provides both non-operative management with casting or bracing and surgical fixation with plates, screws, or intramedullary nails depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Timely treatment of fractures is critical to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. If physical therapy alone has not worked, or cortisone shots have stopped helping, an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon is the logical next step.
Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement
Knee Surgery and Knee Replacement
From arthroscopic procedures for meniscus tears and cartilage damage to partial and total knee replacement for advanced arthritis, Dr. Petty offers the full range of knee surgery using minimally invasive techniques. Knee replacement surgery restores function and relieves pain when the joint has deteriorated beyond what conservative treatment can address. Minimally invasive approaches mean smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a faster return to daily activities. Most knee replacement patients are walking with assistance within 24 hours of surgery and return to light daily activities within 2 to 4 weeks.
Hip Replacement and Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy for labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement, and total hip replacement for patients with advanced arthritis or hip fractures. Dr. Petty uses minimally invasive approaches that preserve muscle and soft tissue, allowing faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and smaller incisions. Hip arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure that can address structural problems in the hip joint before they progress to arthritis requiring replacement.
Shoulder Surgery and Shoulder Replacement
Rotator cuff repair, labral repair for pain and instability, and shoulder replacement for severe arthritis or complex fractures. Dr. Petty's advanced training in arthroscopic techniques allows most shoulder procedures to be performed with minimal tissue disruption, meaning less pain and faster recovery compared to open surgery. For patients with end-stage shoulder arthritis or irreparable rotator cuff tears, total or reverse shoulder replacement restores function and relieves chronic pain. Dr. Petty evaluates each patient's anatomy, activity level, and goals before recommending a surgical approach.
Regenerative Medicine: PRP and Stem Cell Therapy
Not every orthopedic condition requires surgery. Dr. Petty offers evidence-based regenerative treatments including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) stem cell therapy for patients with early to moderate joint damage, tendon injuries, and cartilage loss. These treatments are standard in professional sports medicine and are performed by Dr. Petty personally under ultrasound guidance for precision.
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Regenerative medicine can serve as a first step before surgery or as a standalone treatment for patients who want to delay or avoid surgical intervention. For patients whose conditions are too advanced for regenerative care, Dr. Petty provides the surgical expertise to address the problem, all from the same provider.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Petty
Credentials and Training
Dr. Petty graduated from Harvard University (BA with honors) and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic residency at the Cleveland Clinic, one of the top-ranked orthopedic programs in the country, and a highly selective sports medicine fellowship under Drs. James Andrews and William Clancy in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Andrews is widely considered the most prominent sports medicine surgeon in the world, and Dr. Petty trained directly under his mentorship.
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Dr. Petty has two board certifications, in Orthopedic Surgery and in Sports Medicine, and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). He was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society, and received the Sports Medicine Person of the Year award in 2005. He has published research in the American Journal of Sports Medicine on elbow and shoulder injuries in throwing athletes.
Team Physician for the Tennessee Titans
Dr. Petty served as Head Orthopedic Team Physician for the Tennessee Titans from 2018 through 2026. He also serves as Team Physician for Tennessee State University and has provided sports medicine care for the Nashville Sounds, Nashville Metros Soccer, Cumberland University, Trevecca Nazarene University, the Tennessee Diamonds Fastpitch Softball team, and numerous area high schools.
Patient Reviews
"Dr. Petty replaced my shoulder (partial) and hip. Fixed me up so I could return to nearly 100% capable of doing basic life needs and more. He was a blessing to me."
- Healthgrades
"Dr. Petty paid attention. He listened to me, the nature of my injury, and my ultimate goals and with his obvious expertise helped me develop a plan. Couldn't be happier with the experience."
- Healthgrades
"I've been a patient for years. I know the medical field and have had reason to refer patients to nearly every orthopedic surgeon in Middle TN. Dr. Petty is always my first choice."
- Healthgrades
"I came in for a 2nd Opinion on a Shoulder problem. He spent a long time with me answering all questions. I live out of State but definitely will have him do the surgery."
- Vitals
Our Nashville Clinic:
Location and Scheduling
Dr. Petty sees patients through Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) at 8 City Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209 (ONEC1TY). Phone: (615) 329-6600. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Schedule online here.
We serve patients from Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Lebanon, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Dr. Petty also sees patients who travel for world-class care, some from over 500 miles away, including recent patients from Kansas City, drawn by his specific expertise and reputation.
What to Expect at Your First Consultation
Many patients feel uncertain about what happens during their first consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. Some worry they will be told they need surgery immediately. At Dr. Petty's practice, the first consultation is about understanding your condition and exploring all available options. His motto: "Always do what in your heart is best for your patient."
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Evaluation
Dr. Petty listens to your history, examines the affected area, and reviews any imaging you bring. He asks about your activity level, your goals, and what treatments you have already tried.
2.
Imaging
If additional X-rays or MRI are needed, they are ordered during the visit or scheduled promptly. Having accurate imaging is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
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Diagnosis
You receive a clear, plain-language explanation of what is causing your pain and how it is likely to progress without treatment.
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Treatment plan
Dr. Petty presents all options, from conservative care and physical therapy to regenerative medicine and surgery, explains the benefits and risks of each, and answers your questions until you understand the path forward.
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Follow-up
Progress checks, imaging reviews, and treatment adjustments as needed throughout your recovery. You are never left wondering what comes next.