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
May 23, 2025
Carole T.
Highly recommend Dr. Leafblad and the TCO staff. I had my shoulder replaced in February 2025 and now I am done with physical therapy. They are great with all they do. I couldn’t be more satisfied.
May 12, 2025
Daniel F.
I was suffering from extreme shoulder pain in both shoulders for about 7 years which got progressively worse over time. It was caused purely by arthritis with no history of damage from an accident or injury. I went to my local TCO clinic in Vadnais Heights for an opinion by a trained physician and was introduced to Dr. Nels Leafblad.
During the appointment, I was impressed by his medical background and that he treated damaged shoulders. A thorough evaluation determined my need for a total replacement of both shoulders. Feeling more at ease with Dr. Leafblad, we both agreed to replace one shoulder in 2024 and the other in 2025 if the first was successful. A great decision! Dr. Leafblad’s confidence and positive manner led to a very positive outcome.
Now, here I am in May 2025 with two newly replaced shoulders, a good attitude, and most importantly, no pain. I am completely back to performing house and year work while being also to play golf again. I feel like I was led to TCO and Dr. Leafblad. Now I have a new lease on life at age 78.
May 3, 2025
Elizabeth
I highly recommend Twin Cities Orthopedics for joint replacement surgery. Dr. Leafblad and his staff did an excellent job with my total reverse shoulder replacement in March 2025. The pain from bone spurs is now completely gone in my shoulder. With physical therapy, I am making good progress toward increasing mobility. I am looking forward to having my other shoulder replaced within the next year.
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.
