719-623-1050

Ky M. Kobayashi, MD

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4.9
Based on 634 reviews.
Ky M. Kobayashi

Orthopedic Surgeon - Hand & Upper Extremity

Specializing in Conditions Affecting the Hand & Upper Extremities, Shoulder Reconstruction & Sports Medicine
Fax: 719-623-1051
Badge for Castle Connolly Top Doc 2026
Ky M. Kobayashi

Dr. Ky Kobayashi is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with dual specialization in disorders of the hand and upper extremity, including complex shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions. Based in Colorado Springs, Dr. Kobayashi is widely regarded for his surgical precision, compassionate patient care, and dedication to restoring optimal function to individuals of all activity levels—from elite athletes to everyday workers.

Dr. Kobayashi holds dual Certificates of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand and Sports Medicine, a rare distinction that reflects his broad and comprehensive expertise across the entire upper limb. His surgical repertoire includes advanced procedures in microsurgery, arthroscopy, nerve repair, tendon reconstruction, fracture management, and total shoulder arthroplasty. His experience encompasses both acute traumatic injuries and chronic degenerative disorders, such as rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and nerve entrapment syndromes.

A distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Kobayashi earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine with honors. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut, followed by a fellowship in hand, wrist, elbow, and microvascular surgery at the Tufts Combined Hand Fellowship in Boston—a program known for its emphasis on complex upper extremity reconstruction from the hand to shoulder.

Dr. Kobayashi is a retired officer in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction in multiple combat zones. His military career included leadership in combat casualty care, limb salvage, and surgical reconstruction, earning him numerous commendations for exemplary service. He has brought these high-stakes surgical skills to civilian practice, offering patients the same caliber of care trusted by military personnel in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Kobayashi has contributed significantly to orthopedic education and professional leadership. He has served as Assistant Program Director for the orthopedic residency program at Wilford Hall Medical Center, one of the military’s most prominent training institutions. He is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado Department of Orthopedics where he continues to mentor the next generation of  orthopedic surgeons.  Dr. Kobayashi has authored peer-reviewed publications, contributed to orthopedic textbook chapters, and delivered national presentations on topics including upper extremity trauma, military surgery, and sports medicine.

Nationally, Dr. Kobayashi is an active contributor to orthopedic innovation and standards of care. He has served on the Board of Specialties for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Military Relations Committee  for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and is a past leader within the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOMOS). His insights and leadership have influenced orthopedic care policy, trauma system development, and surgical education across the country.

Dr. Kobayashi maintains a strong connection to the athletic community. He has served as a team physician for the U.S. Air Force Academy Division I sports teams and is currently an orthopedic consultant for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. His sports medicine practice emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, joint preservation strategies, and return-to-play protocols that prioritize both performance and long-term joint health.

Whether treating an elite athlete, injured worker, or retiree seeking to restore quality of life, Dr. Kobayashi delivers evidence-based, individualized care grounded in experience, innovation, and integrity. Patients benefit from his deep understanding of complex anatomy, advanced surgical techniques, and a collaborative approach that places their goals and outcomes at the center of the treatment plan.

Conditions Treated Include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral nerve compression
  • Trigger finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and overuse tendonitis
  • Fractures and dislocations of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder
  • Shoulder instability, labral tears, and rotator cuff pathology
  • Nerve and microvascular trauma, including brachial plexus injuries
  • Sports-related injuries of the shoulder and elbow
  • Degenerative joint disease and arthritis requiring joint reconstruction or replacement

Request a Consultation

If you are experiencing pain, loss of function, or an injury affecting your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, trust your care to a nationally recognized expert. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ky Kobayashi and take the first step toward restoring mobility, strength, and confidence in your upper extremity health.

Education

  • Fellowship: Tufts Combined Hand/Upper Extremity Fellowship, Boston, MA
  • Residency: Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
  • Medical School: MD: University of Colorado, Denver, CO
  • Undergraduate School: BS: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (ABOS) Diplomate
  • Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand/ Sports Medicine

Team Physician

  • 2015 – Present Orthopedic Consultant, United States Olympic Training Center
  • 2009-2014 Team Physician the United States Air Force Academy Division I Sports

Memberships & Organizations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Colorado Medical Society
  • El Paso County Medical Society

Dr. Kobayashi's Reviews

Lynette L.
2 days ago
I walked in this office in unbelievable pain, I was greeted with compassion and complete understanding of my issue. Words cannot express how I feel about the excellent care, concern and improvement of the use of my arm. Progressing from absolutely NO movement to date(5 months later), I have returned to Silver Sneakers and Pickleball, with a few limited movements. Being able to write, again, has been a heartfelt experience. I expect to continue to improve, patience and time. Dr. Kobayashi and staff all deserve my deepest gratitude. Sincerely, Lynette Legoski
Jo B.
3 days ago
I don’t believe my experience could have been any better - I’m so glad my doctor recommended OCC and Dr. Kobayashi! From the moment I met Dr. Kobayashi, on my first office visit, I was certain he was my choice after seeing 3 other surgeons. He explained everything so completely, waited to hear my concerns and questions to which he gave complete answers and assurances. The surgery went so smoothly and after two weeks my shoulder replacement is healing very nicely and I’m going to enjoy life with a working arm again! Thank You to all his staff because they were also the nicest people.
Marie A.
4 days ago
Awesome 👍 staff You to Dr. Kibayashi
Ross G.
4 days ago
Super friendly and made me feel very comfortable
Shar E.
4 days ago
Dr. Kobayashi is friendly, skilled, and caring.
Gay S.
5 days ago
I thought he was great . He explained everything thoroughly and is very knowledgeable about what he does. I know that he is very caring about his patients. I am grateful that I have him as my surgeon, and I am looking forward to having my new shoulder.
Lynne F.
1 week ago
Dr Kobayashi is so warm and caring !! I have so much confidence in his care! Thank you so much! My surgery went very well and I’m on the mend! Thank you Dr Kobayashi and Dana! You’re the BEST!!!
Ronald B.
1 week ago
I feel Dr Kobayashi is a very good doctor he's very informative and very concerned that you have to be totally prepared physically and mentally for any kind of surgery of this nature with replacement of a rotator in your arm and I believe it's going to be a very successful surgery cuz he just makes me feel like he knows exactly how to take care of the patient.
Linda S.
1 week ago
Dr. Kobayashi listens first to understand and then provides you options for your care that meets your goals. I have ultimate trust in Dr. Kobayashi’s skills- he has operated on both hands and I have full mobility of each. More important to me still is the calm and confidence he instills in me as he communicates the diagnosis as well as the steps to a full recovery.
Jaimer T.
2 weeks ago
Dr. Kobayashi was kind, thorough and caring in treating our family member. He and his team communicated well and answered all our questions. His bedside manner is exceptional.

Dr. Kobayashi's Clinic Locations

CO Springs Briargate

2446 Research Pkwy, Ste 200
Colorado Springs
CO
80920

– ANNOUNCEMENT –
Effective 01/01/2026

United Healthcare HMO and HMO-POS plans require an authorized referral from your Primary care Provider (PCP).

We will honor existing appointments through 03/01/2026 without authorization. However, any planned or ongoing treatment may be delayed if authorization is not received (IE: MRI, Surgery, PT/OT).

Please contact your PCP as soon as possible to obtain an authorization if you wish to be seen today or to avoid delays in care.