Andrew J. Nelson, MD

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Get to know Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Andrew J. Nelson, who serves patients in New Britain, Connecticut.

Recognized as a top professional in the field of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, Dr. Nelson is a part of the team of providers at Starling Physicians. He sees patients in New Britain, Connecticut and operates at the Southington Surgery Center and The Hospital of Central Connecticut.

With his advanced training, Dr. Nelson performs both simple and complex reconstruction of fingers, hand, wrist, and elbow as well as microvascular surgery. His interests include simple and complex hand and wrist trauma, wrist fractures, endoscopic (limited incision) carpal tunnel surgery, endoscopic cubital tunnel surgery, wrist arthroscopy, and Dupuytren’s disease treated with needle aponeurotomy or Xiaflex enzyme injection or open surgery.

Going above and beyond to deliver a better healthcare experience, Starling Physicians is one of the largest physician-owned multi-specialty groups in Connecticut. It is proud of its renowned medical providers, wide range of services, coordinated approach to care, and strong focus on building enduring relationships with patients. Convenient onsite services including diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, physical therapy, infusion centers, and dialysis access care. 

Originally from Chicagoland, Dr. Nelson came east to attend Brown University where he studied Biomedical Engineering and Biology in preparation for medical school. At Brown, he was also on the crew team. He earned his medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine where he also completed his residency in orthopedic surgery. 

After four years in the United States Navy in Charleston, South Carolina he returned to Providence, Rhode Island where he completed a year-long fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery at Brown University/ Rhode Island Hospital.

With a focus on surgery of the hand, wrist and elbow, the doctor is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS). The ABOS is an organization with the goal of establishing educational and professional standards for orthopedic residents and surgeons as well as evaluating the qualifications and competence of orthopedic surgeons.

Recognized numerous times as one of Connecticut’s “TOP DOCTORS”, Dr. Nelson has practiced for over 25 years, most recently at Neurosurgery, Orthopedics & Spine Specialists, PC in Waterbury, and prior to that at the Hand to Shoulder Center, also in Waterbury. 

With wide-ranging upper extremity experience, he is a firm believer in providing both non-operative as well as operative solutions. He is committed to the value of patient education in order to maximize each patient’s understanding of their condition or injury, their options, and their overall health. He also provides expert services, including independent medical evaluations and medical record reviews.

Licensed by the state of Connecticut, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Connecticut Children’s, St. Mary’s Hospital-Waterbury, Waterbury Hospital, and Southington Surgery Center.

In direct affiliation with his industry, he is an active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (Fellow), the Connecticut Orthopedic Society, the Connecticut State Medical Society, and the New Haven County Medical Association.

Orthopedic surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.

Outside of the office, Dr. Nelson enjoys spending time with his friends, hiking, cooking, gardening, and woodworking with his best friend.

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