Nathan Wanderman, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the surgical and non-surgical management of conditions affecting the spine. He performs surgeries ranging from same-day minimally invasive procedures to complex revisions. He treats spinal disorders of both the neck and back, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal cord compression, spinal deformities, spondylosis (arthritis of the spine), spine tumors, and spine fractures.
Dr. Wanderman uses a targeted stepwise treatment algorithm that emphasizes conservative management first and surgery only when necessary. When recommending surgical treatment, he believes in using the least invasive option to achieve a successful and durable outcome. Dr. Wanderman utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques, including muscle-preserving approaches, motion-preserving disc replacements, stereotactic navigation, and cutting-edge biologics to deliver the best possible surgical outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Wanderman grew up in the west Twin Cities metro, graduating valedictorian from Hopkins High School. He then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a triple major in Economics, Political Science, and American Studies, and was selected to give the commencement address. He stayed at the University of Minnesota for medical school, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society as a junior for graduating in the top 5% of his class. He completed residency in orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic, followed by fellowship at the world-renowned Leatherman Spine Institute, where he trained with both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons to learn the most advanced techniques in spine care. Dr. Wanderman has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and presented his work internationally. He loves hiking, writing music, and traveling with his wife.
Learn More About Dr. Wanderman
Clinical Interest
Spine and neck care, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, myelopathy, spinal deformities, spine tumors, and spine fractures
Cervical surgery, including anterior and posterior decompression of cervical stenosis and herniated disks, artificial disc replacement, cervical fusions, and complex cervical surgery including cervical fractures, and revision surgery
Lumbar surgery, including minimally invasive decompressions and microdiscectomies, muscle spearing fusions for spondylosis and spondylolisthesis, open anterior and posterior fusions, and complex lumbar surgery including treatment of fractures of the lumbar and thoracic spine, and revision surgery
Spinal deformity, including correction of scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis, high grade spondylolisthesis, and flat back syndrome
Spinal tumors and oncology, including primary and metastatic extradural spinal tumors
Fracture care, including operative and non-operative management of cervical, thoracic, and spine fractures
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship
Norton Leatherman Spine Center Fellowship, Louisville, Kentucky
Residency
Residency in Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Medical Degree
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
North American Spine Society
Achievements & Awards
Top Doctor Rising Star: Voted an Orthopedic Rising Star by his peers in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine (2024)
Mayo Clinic Nominee to AOA Resident Leadership Forum (2019)
AAHS, ASPN, ASRM Joint Outstanding Paper Session Podium Presentation (2018)
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; Junior Inductee (Top 5% of Class) (2014)
Summa cum laude, University of Minnesota (2011)
Phi Beta Kappa, Junior Inductee (2006)
I came to TCO to seek help with sciatic nerve pain that I was not able to get addressed in a timely manner in my home area. The time between the first appointment consultation to the recommendation and execution of a cure was less than seven weeks. The result was obtained and allowed me to confidently move on with knee replacement that was also needed. The entire staff of experts I worked with at TCO are excellent and provided me with good information before and after the surgery that was required. I walked in that morning and out in the afternoon pain free. Again, this was all accomplished in a six-week window. Eight weeks sooner than I could even have been seen at our local orthopedic resources.
Thank you Dr. Wanderman and staff!
January 25, 2025
Daniel S.
When my troubles began, I was 3 weeks into paid parental leave in July. I was looking forward to an exciting summer spending time with my newborn baby daughter. One morning I was hit with a crippling pain that began in my lower back and shot down my left leg. I called my wife at work and told her something was wrong and to come home immediately. After 2 visits with my primary doctor, we were referred to TCO and made an appointment with Dr. Nathan Wanderman. At my first appointment, he saw things in my MRI that others had not. It turned out I had a degenerative disc and a bulging disc that was pinching the nerve that ran down my left leg. I was barely able to walk without assistance. Dr. Wanderman was able to get me in for surgery by September and performed a double fusion surgery. He performed a Lumbar 4 – Sacral 1 ALIF and 2 days later performed Lumbar 4 Sacral 1 PLDF. I am so grateful for what Dr. Wanderman has given back to me. I walk with no problems. I’m able to hold my baby again. For being such a scary time in my life, he and his staff really made my wife and I feel that we were making the right decision. Speaking of his staff, I was nearly a weekly caller prior to and after surgery with questions. They were always prompt in returning my call no matter the question and were always happy to answer any concerns my wife and I had. Long story short, Dr. Nathan Wanderman and his staff have given me my life back, and my wife and I couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you again to everyone who made this surgery a success.
October 18, 2024
Thomas T.
I had a great experience with TCO’s Dr. Nathan Wanderman and his team. I set out to take care of my back issues and leg pain, and they did exactly what they explained to me. I am honestly doing much better and feeling comfortable at any sitting or standing position now. l was told my incision was healing great, and l appeared to be showing NO discomfort. I am a happy patient.
May 10, 2024
Denise C.
All I can say is this surgery has been a life changer for me. I have been living with chronic nerve pain since 2019. I decided to get a second opinion after many nerve root injections that helped a little, but not completely. On several different occasions I could not walk. Having this surgery is the best decision I have made. I am now back to walking 2.5-miles without pain with the goal of walking a 5-mile loop soon. I am also biking 15 miles with the goal of biking 20 miles in a couple of weeks. Last year this was not possible. I feel like I have been given my life back. And the best thing – No pain. Thank you!!
March 8, 2024
Patrick P.
I was having a lot of lower back pain, with sciatica pain in the buttocks and down both legs and mostly on right side. I started treatment with Dr. Megan Rhyner. Some days I felt better than others. The injection started to feel better but that only lasted a week. So we proceeded to the next step and I met with Dr. Wanderman. I thought surgery would be a better option and boy it was a great choice. Immediately after surgery, the pain and sciatica pain disappeared. I recovered in the Eagan EXCEL Care Suites and had nothing but great care from TCO. I have nothing but great results from the surgery and have had great checkups with Dr. Wanderman. I’m coming up on my 6 month checkup and I believe all lifting restrictions will be taken away. If you are looking for a great doctor and team, Dr. Wanderman would be the ticket for great results.
March 8, 2024
Missy S.
I cannot say how thankful I am for Dr. Wanderman and his wonderful team! Everyone in Dr. Wanderman’s group at TCO played an important role in getting me back to my best self! I injured my L5-S1 disc 20 years ago, with intermittent conservative treatment I was mostly okay for a long time. In recent years, I had increasing pain and new areas of pain that would not diminish even with the best conservative treatment and significant weight loss. Dr. Wanderman and Kesenya walked me through the surgery itself and the insurance timeline getting there. I had full trust in them to proceed. My surgery was uneventful and I woke up with no more pain shooting down my legs or into my hips! My low back aches have stopped as well. I sleep SO much better now.
I met PA, Megan, at my post-op who is another amazing person at TCO. She has been instrumental in explaining everything post-op related and is always great to meet with. She answers all my questions! All in all, I cannot say enough good about Dr. Wanderman and his people. I have referred several people to Dr. Wanderman and will continue to do so. Thank you all!
July 13, 2022
Heidi B.
After living with chronic back pain for over 20 years, I finally decided to seek help. After meeting with Dr. Wanderman, I found out that my scoliosis had worsened over 25 years to a 55-degree curve and included two herniated disks. Normal daily tasks had become extremely painful and I was preparing myself to accept that living with this pain was something I was going to have to do. Dr. Wanderman changed my life. He is professional, he listens, gives honest feedback, and is an advocate for his patients. My case was major. It included consulting other medical professionals, two surgeries and seven days in the hospital. I am now six months post op and I have zero (I never thought I would say that) back pain. Thanks to Dr. Wanderman, I can enjoy the things I love; spending time with my family, gardening, traveling, hiking, biking and so much more. This Doctor deserves so much praise, he saved my life!
May 15, 2022
David S.
I was treating a 12-year-old neck problem with injections, but they became ineffective. My conditions became severe, and surgery was needed. I had severe neck pain, pain down both arms, and a huge loss of strength in my left arm. I am employed as a pilot, so the loss of strength in my left arm meant that my flying career was over. Dr. Wanderman assessed my problem, performed surgery, eliminated the pain and my arm strength returned. He made it possible for me to keep my job and get out of pain. To me, he is a Superhero! He is one of the kindest, smartest, and most professional doctors I have seen in my 63 years. He provides you with detailed information in a caring manner. Words can’t express the appreciation I have for Dr. Wanderman.
March 28, 2022
Rick C.
Last fall my back was very painful and my ability to walk or stand was limited. I tried injections and various medicines, which had little effect. The condition worsened quickly and I was only able to walk or stand for short periods of time. Then I was referred to Dr. Wanderman. He diagnosed the problem and told me he could fix it, and he did. He performed spinal fusion surgery, which went well. I went home the day after surgery and had immediate relief. I regained my mobility and recovery went very well. I appreciate the care and attention I received from Dr. Wanderman and his staff, before, during, and after the surgery. They responded quickly to any questions that I had. Through the whole process, I felt that I was well taken care of. Thank you, Dr. Wanderman.
January 25, 2022
Mike
I have had lower back pain for years. I learned to live with my pain, using treatments that helped me cope. I have had several epidurals which gave me some relief from the pain, along with a variety of medications. In 2021, my back pain was the worst it has ever been. I love to garden, but found myself avoiding tasks I enjoyed to prevent flare-ups. Simple tasks like cutting the grass would be followed by two or three days of intense pain. I was miserable.
I made an appointment with Dr. Wanderman last fall. When I met him, he said that he was going to fix my back problems with surgery. Last April, my urologist informed me that the prostate cancer I had managed to fight off in 2018 had returned. Dr. Wanderman assured me that after the surgery I would live out my remaining years pain-free. I had my surgery in November 2021. It’s only been a couple months and I am happy to share that I no longer feel that miserable back pain which limited my life activities for so long. I am still on the road to recovery, but I am looking forward to getting back into my garden and yard this spring – pain free.
