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Nels D. Leafblad, MD

Home » Physicians » Nels D. Leafblad, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Board Certified Sports Medicine Fellowship

Appointment Info

651-439-8807
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More Information

Areas of Focus

Sports Medicine
Knee Care
Hip Care
Shoulder & Elbow Care
Pediatric Care

Research & Publications

Dr. Nels Leafblad’s Research & Publications

nels leafblad web

Practice Overview

Dr. Nels Leafblad is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, as well as knee, hip, and shoulder replacement. His special interests include hip arthroscopy as well as knee, hip, and shoulder joint preservation including management of complex ligament injuries, meniscus tears, rotator cuff injuries, cartilage injuries, and labral tears. He offers assessment and diagnostic care for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions as well as activity-related sports injuries.

Dr. Leafblad is a Minnesota native and graduated summa cum laude from Bethel University, where he played baseball and started a band. He completed medical school at the University of Minnesota and his orthopedic surgery residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He then completed a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Utah, where he was an assistant team physician for the Utah Jazz (NBA), the University of Utah Utes Football (NCAA Div. I), and Real Salt Lake (MLS). He practices at Twin Cities Orthopedics clinics in Stillwater and Vadnais Heights. He performs surgery in Lake Elmo, Stillwater, and Woodbury.

Outside of work, Dr. Leafblad loves spending time with his wife and children. He enjoys everything the outdoors has to offer, particularly downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, golfing, and hiking. He is also a musician and went to Hollywood as a contestant on American Idol prior to his medical training. He has produced two albums of original music and continues to write music of his own. He has a passion for serving communities both locally and abroad. He has done both medical and faith-based missions in India, Ukraine, and Uganda, and plans to continue doing these in the future alongside his family.

Clinical Interest

Elbow care, including athlete, ligament, tendon, cartilage, and traumatic injuries, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) treatment, and biceps and triceps tendon repair

Hip care, including femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with labral tears, proximal hamstring tendon injuries, hip arthritis, hip arthroscopy for (FAI) and labrum tears, and total hip replacements

Knee care, including ACL injuries, multi-ligamentous knee injuries, meniscus injuries, patellar instability, cartilage injuries, quadriceps and patellar tendon injuries and knee osteoarthritis. Procedures include knee ligament reconstruction (including ACL reconstruction), articular cartilage repair and transplant, meniscus surgery, and total knee replacement

Sports medicine, including non-surgical and surgical treatment of a broad range of sports injuries in athletes of all ages

Shoulder care, including shoulder instability/labral injuries, rotator cuff tears, arthritis, total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, treatment of shoulder instability/labral repair, ligament reconstructions, and treatment of SLAP tears

Pediatric care, including treatment of upper and lower extremity sprains/strains, sport injuries, and common fracture care

Fracture care, including treatment of common orthopedic fractures

Education

Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Fellowship
University of Utah Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, Salt Lake City, UT

Residency
Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Rochester, MN

Medical Degree
The University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN

Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations

High Pointe Surgery Center
Lakeview Hospital
Woodwinds Hospital

Professional Affiliations

American Orthopaedics Society of Sports Medicine, Resident/Fellow Membership
Arthroscopy Association of North America, Resident/Fellow Membership

Achievements & Awards

Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Surgery Trauma Resident of the Year (2020-2021)
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2015)
Gold Humanism Honor Society (2015)
Eben J Carey Award in Anatomy (2013)
UMN Medical School: 1st and 2nd Year Honors (2013-14)

Sports Affiliations

Head Team Physician, Mahtomedi High School (2022-Present)
Assistant Team Physician, Utah Jazz (NBA, 2021-2022)
Assistant Team Physician, University of Utah Utes Football (NCAA Div. I, 2021-2022)
Assistant Team Physician, Real Salt Lake (MLS, 2021-2022)

Staff

Sarah S., MEd, ATC, ATR
Clinical Assistant

Patient Testimonials

March 7, 2025

Jeffrey H.

Many thanks to Dr. Leafblad and supporting staff, at TCO Vadnais Heights and TCO Surgery Center Blaine. The surgery team from start to finish gave me the best of care. Dr. Leafblad clearly explained the procedure and the results afterward. I appreciated being show actual photos of the inside of my shoulder and what was done. Also would like to compliment the front desk staff on the second floor of TCO VH. They dealt with me in a very friendly and professional manner. Thanks again.

March 4, 2025

Ally C.

Dr. Leafblad and his team were absolutely fantastic to work with before, during, and after my hip surgery. I received great communication throughout the whole process to make sure that everything ran smoothly. Dr. Leafblad really listened to my symptoms and concerns pre-op and we were able to come up with a plan efficiently. He answered all questions pre-op and post-op and I highly recommend him, his care is amazing!

December 6, 2024

Pamela

If you are searching for a professional, highly skilled, caring, and thoughtful orthopedic surgeon, look no further than Dr. Leafblad. He replaced my shoulder this past fall, and it is improving daily. I have been very pleased with his care and would recommend him to anyone in need of orthopedic surgery!

May 28, 2024

Steven Q.

Dr. Leafblad was amazing from start to finish. He was very professional and clear with what the problem was and how he was going to fix it. I was very happy with the process, and my shoulder has improved a lot since the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Leafblad for any treatment.

March 19, 2024

Jim

One year ago I had a slip and fall that tore all 4 tendons in my right rotator cuff. Dr. Leafblad performed the required surgery that was very successful, followed up by physical therapy with Kristine Sicora and Tim Hafemeyer. This team made me feel comfortable during each step of the surgery and recovery! There is no question that I will go to TCO Stillwater for any future orthopedic needs.

November 16, 2023

Renee P.

Dr. Leafblad recently did surgery on my knee for a meniscus repair. But he didn’t do that surgery without first thoroughly helping me research and understand all that was happening in my knee joint. Then we could make the best decision for my hoped for outcome. It was very reassuring to find someone that truly listened to me and my concerns. Dr. Leafblad was someone that partnered with me to find the best path for me, which has not been my experience at other medical organizations. I would HIGHLY recommend him!

August 29, 2023

Larry L.

I saw Dr. Leafblad to discuss treatment for my arthritic right shoulder. Dr. Leafblad was very thorough during his examination. He tested the strength and flexibility of that shoulder. He explained my options for treatment very thoroughly. His recommendation was to try a cortisone shot in my shoulder joint to see if it would provide pain relief. He explained that there might be shoulder replacement surgery needed in the future. Dr. Leafblad performed carpal tunnel surgery on both my hands earlier this year, too. He is an extremely caring and kind doctor who puts his patients at ease.

July 7, 2023

Richard C.

I needed help with my left shoulder that had a failed first replacement. I was in a lot of pain and had lessened flexibility. Dr. Leafblad replaced the bad joint with a new reverse joint. The operation was just great. I have no pain now and the shoulder has all of the flexibility, motion, and utility I hoped for.

June 30, 2023

Carol O.

In April 2023 I fell at the gym, landing on my right hip and was in terrible pain. My husband took me to TCO Urgent Care in Vadnais Heights. I was seen right away and X-rays showed a hip fracture. The staff worked hard to find an operating room available for emergency surgery and I was told that Dr. Leafblad would do my surgery the next morning at Hudson Hospital. He talked to me on the phone, explaining the surgery, and after talking to him I felt relieved that there was a good plan in place. We went to the hospital and met him the next morning before surgery. The surgery went well and I have been following up with him at two, six, and twelve weeks post-op. I will see him two more times. Dr. Leafblad is a wonderful doctor and it’s obvious he cares about how I’m recovering from my injury. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Leafblad, his staff, and TCO.

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nels leafblad web

Research & Publications

Dr. Nels Leafblad’s Research & Publications