Joseph M. Nessler, MD, is a fellowship-trained adult reconstruction surgeon. He manages all general orthopedic conditions with an emphasis on primary and revision hip and knee replacements. Dr. Nessler performs robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements using minimally invasive techniques, such as the subvastus approach to the knee and the direct anterior approach to the hip. He also has special surgical interests in complex hip and knee revision surgery for those patients who are still experiencing pain after their joint replacement, and those dealing with joint replacement infections. Dr. Nessler participates in the TCO EXCEL Surgery and Recovery Program.
Prior to joining TCO, Dr. Nessler completed his fellowship at the University of Louisville and his residency at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs — hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors.
Dr. Nessler is community-minded and welcomes people of all backgrounds into his practice. His goals as a provider are building trust with patients and providing quality care.
Clinical Interest
Ankle Care
Hand Care
Hip Care, including robotic-assisted anterior total hip replacement, revision hip replacement
Knee Care, including robotic partial and total knee replacement, revision knee replacement
Shoulder Care, including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, total shoulder replacement
Sports Medicine, arthroscopic knee surgery, meniscal repair, arthroscopic shoulder surgery
Trauma/Fracture Care
Wrist Care
Education
Certification
Board Eligible, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship
Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Medical School
Doctor of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations
Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center
Lakeview Hospital
High Pointe Surgery Center
Minnesota Valley Surgery Center
Woodwinds Hospital
Professional Affiliations
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
Achievements & Awards
Magna Cum Laude, Undergraduate Honor
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
Research Publications
Nessler JM, Malkani AL, Yep PJ, Mullen KJ, Illgen RL 2nd. Dislocation Rates of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Prior Lumbar Spine Fusion and Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease With and Without Utilization of Dual Mobility Cups: An American Joint Replacement Registry Study. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2023 Mar 1;31(5):e271-e277.
Nessler JM, Nessler JP. The Patient With Chronic Total Hip Arthroplasty Dislocations: A Case Series of Five Patients Who Underwent Revision THA Using Polypropylene Mesh for Capsular Reconstruction.Arthroplasty Today. 2020;6:(655-661).
Nessler JM, Malkani AL, Sachdeva S, et al. Use of dual mobility cups in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with prior lumbar spine fusion. Int Orthop. 2020;44(5):857-862.
Sirignano MN, Nessler JM, Rhea EB, Ong KL, Watson HN, Yakkanti MR, Malkani AL. Incidence of Instability Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Continues to Decline in the Medicare Population. J Arthroplasty. 2023 Jul;38(7S):S89-S94.e1.
Johnson JD, Nessler JM, Horazdovsky RD, Vang S, Thomas AJ, Marston SB. Serum and Wound Vancomycin Levels After Intrawound Administration in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(3):924-928.
I had a great experience with Dr. Nessler and his staff. He is very patient and thorough with assessments and what my expectation should be. I’m only two weeks out from surgery, but I immediately noticed my hip felt better than it has since my hip replacement surgery from another doctor. I’m very impressed with Dr. Nessler and TCO!
April 26, 2024
Valerie N.
After a knee replacement and knee revision surgery a few years ago, my range of motion was not good and not what it should be. I was referred to Dr. Nessler by another orthopedic surgeon. He was very clear as to what approach he would take and this gave me confidence to go ahead with surgery in January. I am pleased with my range of motion now and would highly recommend Dr. Nessler for any consultation on your joint problems.
January 31, 2024
Gary F.
Prior to my left knee replacement, Dr. Nessler explained the procedure and let me know it wouldn’t be easy but that it’d be worth it. Prior to the surgery he also ordered an MRI of my back, which proved to be contributing to my overall health issues. The surgery went very well; there weren’t any complications. Throughout the first 6 weeks post-surgery, Dr. Nessler listened and responded to all concerns with effective advice and/or strategies. He provided clearly defined goals and was very encouraging. Once I was able to look at the X-ray of my new knee, I knew it would just be a matter of time before I would be able to live without knee pain. Lisa (his assistant) was pleasant and always available to answer questions. She was also skilled at knowing when Dr. Nessler was needed for a follow-up which resulted putting me at ease.
I’ve now reached six weeks post-surgery and I’ve successfully rounded a corner. I’ll be continuing PT one time per week with Kyle at TCO Hudson, combined with exercises at home. Kyle was a perfect match for my needs. He’s a competent and enjoyable young man to interact with! I’m planning to have my right knee replaced in October of 2024 (must take advantage of the upcoming golf season of course). I will be trusting Dr. Nessler without hesitation to replace my right knee. I highly recommend him.
January 8, 2024
JoAnne S.
Dr. Nessler did my hip replacement soon after I saw him and it is wonderful. I can walk with no pain. Thank you, Dr. Nessler!
December 29, 2023
Mary K.
I am so happy with my third total knee replacement! I could not straighten my knee for 20 years. I had pain and swelling and had to have it aspirated every 3-4 months. I can now bend my knee and straighten it fully. I’m totally amazed of the outcome. Thank you, Dr. Nessler and team!
December 29, 2023
Robert C.
I just want to thank Dr. Nessler and his team for giving me my life back. I walked in severe pain for two years and I suffered two huge losses this year, my wife and a daughter. I wanted to give up but Dr. Nessler did a wonderful job and I’m able to walk without pain. He gave me a new outlook on life. Thank you so much.
December 28, 2023
Kevin S.
I had to have a total knee revision done on my right knee. My previous surgery was back in 2016 by a different doctor. Dr. Nessler was very clear on what I needed and what it would take to get my range of motion back. The surgery went very well and the follow up has been great. He and his team have been wonderful to work with. Anyone that needs a second knee surgery on the same knee, I would recommend you set up an appointment with Dr. Nessler!
December 19, 2023
Erik C.
I had a great experience. Dr. Nessler and his team are great communicators and fun to work with towards a successful outcome. They are very knowledgeable on the latest technology and techniques, and very positive too! They took a lot of the worry out of the process and continue to do so as rehabilitation continues.
November 28, 2023
Debra B.
I am so thankful for my hip replacement completed by Dr. Nessler. I am not even three weeks from surgery and I am doing great. I look forward to getting back to life!
