Matthew Nies, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee joint replacements for patients with hip and knee arthritis.
Originally from Michigan, Dr. Nies worked as a nursing assistant at a local hospital during his undergraduate years in order to gain experience for medical school. His first assignment as a nursing assistant was on an orthopedic surgery floor. It dealt exclusively with patients recovering from total joint replacement surgery.
“It was a really positive experience for me, and it helped me focus my existing aspirations for a career in medicine into a goal to specialize in hip and knee replacement,” Dr. Nies said.
Background and experience
After graduating from Michigan State University with his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Nies continued on to medical school at Michigan State. He then completed residency training in orthopedic surgery at the University of Wisconsin, where he served as administrative chief resident. After residency, he pursued a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, giving him the opportunity to focus exclusively on total joint replacement, including total knee replacement and total hip replacement.
“Adult reconstruction is a subset of orthopedics that I feel particularly drawn to and connected to. My fellowship work gave me the opportunity to get a lot more experience doing only total joints for a whole year, including primary surgeries as well as revision surgeries for people who have problems with their total joints,” Dr. Nies said.
Although joint replacement is most common among people older than 65, Dr. Nies has performed joint replacements on patients as young as 14. Today’s implants are lasting longer than ever, and many patients are enjoying their new joints for 20 or 30 years.
Dr. Nies’s approach to care
Dr. Nies’s practice philosophy revolves around shared decision-making. “I give patients the options, and we make a decision together about what the best route for the patient as an individual is going to be,” he said. “I take a conservative approach, reserving surgery as a last resort.”
When he’s not working, Dr. Nies enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and hunting. He also enjoys traveling.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of a select few nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.
Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
