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.
Fastest available prioritizes the closest clinic and the soonest opening, and 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.
Choose the closest or earliest available Sport Ortho appointment. These urgent slots are not provider-specific and may not be with Dr. Dantzker.
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.
Prefer to browse every clinic? Find your nearest location
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 48 recent Google reviews
4 out of 5 stars
I’ve been coming to the Mt. Juliet clinic for physical therapy for several months, and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve worked with both Abby Howard and Helena Aiyad, and I couldn’t be happier with the care I’ve received. They are both knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and have played a significant role in the progress I’ve made. I frequently recommend them to others because I truly feel I’m receiving excellent care during every appointment. Unfortunately, I have had a very different experience with another therapist at the clinic, Casey. During my visits, I’ve overheard comments regarding politics, patients’ weight, and gender that I felt were inappropriate for a healthcare setting. I’ve also noticed food left out on one of the treatment beds in the back of the clinic, which raised concerns about cleanliness and professionalism. In addition, he is often on the phone and does not appear to be giving his full attention to his patients. Because of these experiences, if Abby or Helena are unavailable, I choose to postpone or decline my physical therapy appointments rather than be scheduled with Casey. I have always appreciated the exceptional care I’ve received at the Mt. Juliet clinic, which is why I wanted to share this feedback. My hope is that these concerns are addressed so that every patient can have the same positive experience I’ve had with Abby and Helena.
5 out of 5 stars
Rating only — this reviewer did not leave a comment.
5 out of 5 stars
Sherry at the front desk is so amazing! She always helps. Take care of any issues I have and helps get my paperwork taken care of in a timely manner.
1 out of 5 stars
I was referred here for an issue with my elbow. It’s been hurting for several weeks. I had to pay 200$ just to be seen by a PA with an unfriendly attitude like she didn’t want to bother with me. She said I could do an MRI but most insurances don’t cover it so she wouldn’t even bother. Although I pay good money for good insurance. Then she told me I should just stop whatever I’m doing that’s aggravating it or go to PT. I’ll never be back.
1 out of 5 stars
Don’t go for x-rays after 5:00. Drove from Lebanon to Mount Juliet to get an x-ray for what I think is a broken ankle or bad sprain and was told the tech left early for the day and nobody could help me.
5 out of 5 stars
This place is wonderful they are all very nice and helpful except for the lady at the front desk. I thought it was me but I have had several appointments there and her attitude never changes comes off very rude and I wish I didnt even have to interact with her but everybody has always been very nice and helpful in anyway very polite it's really a good place if u can just ignore the all that attitude at the front desk. Im very thankful for Erica and her team fir helping get thur my surgeries
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.
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 rehabilitation 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 take the soonest appointment across Sport Ortho Urgent Care — same-day access, on-site imaging when needed, and a clear plan, often in a single visit.
Fastest available prioritizes location and availability, and may be with a different provider.
