Ky M. Kobayashi, MD

Ky M. Kobayashi

Orthopedic Surgeon - Hand & Upper Extremity

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4.9
Based on 571 reviews.
Specializing in Conditions Affecting the Hand & Upper Extremities, Shoulder Reconstruction & Sports Medicine
Fax: 719-623-1051
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

Dana M. Hubbard, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Dana serves as a physician assistant for Dr. Kobayashi specializing in upper extremity and sports medicine orthopedic care. Her duties include managing patients in the clinic, fracture care and assisting cases in the operating room. She is proficient in shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand injuries as well as diagnosis and treatment of chronic orthopedic issues. Prior to joining the upper extremity team, Dana graduated from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ and subsequently completed a 1-year advanced fellowship in orthopedic surgery at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. As a certified physician assistant since 2010, Dana has extensive experience with patient care in both a primary care and orthopedic setting.

Leann Murphy-Steinbeck

Leann Murphy-Steinbeck, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Experience in assisting in surgery, consultations, ER/hospital call, hospital rounds, follow ups, pre-ops, and post-ops. Adept at diagnosing and treating common acute medical problems of primary care including URI, otitis media/externa, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, gastritis, migraines, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and abrasions. Experience understanding the pathophysiology, prevention, diagnosis and management of chronic medical problems such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma, COPD, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disease, and chronic pain syndromes. Experience with the normal process of growth and development in children and demonstrate ability to provide age appropriate anticipatory guidance. Competency with pediatric immunization schedule, Denver development scale, CDC growth charges, and newborn assessments. Deliver patient education regarding nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation and pre-conceptual counseling. Evaluate and manage common clinical problems in women’s health such as abnormal uterine bleeds, STI’s, menorrhagia, and menopause. Experienced with the following procedures: Venipuncture, urinary bladder catheters, pelvic exams, CPR, I&D’s, laceration repair via suture, staples and Dermabond, wound care, and digital nerve block. Strengths: passionate about providing patient oriented care, dedicated to lifelong education, and committed to aiding the medically underserved.

Dr. Kobayashi's Reviews

Richelle B.
3 days ago
Wonderful doctor! I feel incredibly heard, seen, and informed! I would HIGHLY recommend this doctor!
Mary B.
3 days ago
Dr Kobayashi and his staff were excellent. They were professional, friendly and took very good care of me throughout the surgery and recovery. I highly recommend them!
Patty H.
5 days ago
Absolutely a great doctor. Very patient and answered my questions.
Dwight M.
5 days ago
Saw me right away, was very professional, kind and courteous. Scheduled for 11:30, called me back at 11:25.
Bobby D.
6 days ago
Dr Kobayashi explain every detail with the cause of the pain in my trigger thumb and lower joint at the base of my thumb. He injected two different types of pain medication in my thumb. I received excellent patient care from him and his staff.
Jim R.
6 days ago
Dr Kobayashi is a straight shooter clinically ,and is honest. Let's stay with this treatment and do surgery when you will eventually need it.
T Q.
6 days ago
Ky is a great doctor. He has great communication skills and is very friendly and professional. I'm happy he is my surgeon.
Michael P.
6 days ago
Absolutely the best!
Sondra R.
6 days ago
Doctor Kobayashi is very personable and shows concern & compassion. He was thorough in his exam. The office is incredibly well run.
Susan W.
1 week ago
Aside from being a bit late, there is no other doctor I would rather see. Competent, compassionate, and the warmest smile. The best doctor!
Heidi G.
2 weeks ago
Dr Kobayashi and the staff are the best! Professional, caring and compassionate! Highly recommend!
John S.
2 weeks ago
From the moment I walked into his office on my first appointment, I experienced professionalism from all staff. I'm only two weeks after surgery so I'm going through the rest of the procedure as of now. So, more to come as Therapy will start in two weeks. As of now, I'm extremely happy with services/surgery received at Dr. Kobayashi's office.
Richard S.
2 weeks ago
Dr Kobayashi is an amazing doc. He explained everything about the procedure and it went very well.
Ed W.
2 weeks ago
I'm 76 year old man and my hands hurt. I met Dr Kobayashi a year ago, referred by my Optum D.O. First off, I really liked him and his approach to solving my initial problem. We had good repoire and I felt I could trust him. He recommended steroid injections into my trigger fingered joints and it provided wonderful relief. I complained about my hands hurting from riding my bicycle. He recommended an EMG test which showed I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I will get that repaired next month. I like Dr Kobayashi, I respect his medical expertise and will continue to use him for my hand problems.
LANCE B.
3 weeks ago
I am most impressed with Dr. Ky Kobayashi. His credentials are impeccable. In my pre-op appointment with him he seemed genuinely interested and focused on helping me to get better through a well thought out surgical procedure. Dr.Kobayashi, and his whole team, are very welcoming, people-oriented, and professional. Because of the above I feel confident and at peace over my upcoming hand surgery. I know I am blessed to be in the most capable hands!
Geoff C.
3 weeks ago
Dr Kobayashi and his team are very professional knowledgeable and make you feel at ease and comfortable. They take the time to answer your questions and truly everybody is there to help one another.
Dave T L.
3 weeks ago
Dr. Kobayashi is always kind, every visit he has a smile on his face and he tries real hard not to bring discomfort. I get injections, they hurt like crazy in your knuckles but he always says sorry. Lol. Dr. Kobayashi and his staff are a pleasant experience every time.
Michael D.
3 weeks ago
Dr Kobayashi, and his staff are just phenomenal
Joseph F.
4 weeks ago
Kobayashi-San, I had appointment schedule yesterday 2:45pm, I like to share my experience with you. First spoke with Ms Lopez,clinical scheduler than when to office to sign in fill out data sheet and was called in my Ms.Huges,medical asst. after taking care of my medical issues with in mins. Pa-c Mr.Pekari came in and greeted me with a smile and with over my issues on my left hand middle,finder , and thumb a.d his diagnosis was at this time no need for any surgery. Problems can be handled with injections if any problems to call back. If not see me next year. His asst Ms.Auteri(freeze Sprayer)came in again with smile while Tim was giving me the injections she was so funny making me feel easy such a wonderful joy no pain at all. Sir I just wanted to letyou know that your staff is very professional and paientfriendly easy to speak with and explain the procedures. You diffently have a staff makes you feel comfortable and know you get the very best of services. Joseph F Fraile
Michelle
4 weeks ago
Dr. Kobayashi has completed 7 successful surgeries on my wrists and elbow in the last 1 1/2 years. I am gobsmacked by my progress! He is an amazing surgeon, kind and compassionate doctor, and surrounded by a team that operates with excellence. You are in good hands here with him. I am grateful!
Tove B.
4 weeks ago
Always great care
Nancy P.
1 month ago
Words I would use to describe Dr. Kobayashi: Professional, Knowledgeable, Caring, Concerned, and Kind. I appreciate that he treats his patients as equals and shares information freely...(Did you learn all this in the Aurora Public Schools?)
Lisa C.
1 month ago
From reception to the doctor, this practice is the best! Everyone is helpful, compassionate and genuinely concerned with you, the patient. Dr. Kobayashi is fantastic!
Dawn H.
1 month ago
It is always a positive experience at Dr. Kobayashi’s office. The staff is friendly and efficient. The Doctor listens to my concerns and is able to problem solve a solution. I highly recommend them.
Rob C.
1 month ago
Always courteous. Always helpful. Always forthcoming. Answered questions i didnt know i had
Jo K.
1 month ago
since I’ve been going now, everything is on time with very little delays. Staff are friendly and able to help you when you have questions I highly recommend them.
Corrine V.
1 month ago
I have to say, I was was a little apprehensive to do the surgery, I was worried of how long the healing would take, and if I would be able to do the things I do, such as cutting hair, and painting. Dr Kobiashi made me feel very comfortable, and told me not to worry that things are gonna be OK. I took his word on that. I sure enough the surgery was a success. I’m healing very well, and look forward to doing the things of love thank you Dr. so much for your kindness, and your skill to doing such a marvelous job. You’re an awesome physician and I appreciate you. I would recommend you thousands of times and your staff is amazing too very helpful and very kind.
Paul D.
1 month ago
As always, it was wonderful meeting with Dr. Kobayashi. He is the best!
Linda R.
1 month ago
In addition to his personal warmth and thoughtful patient care, Dr. Kobayashi is the master of the hand. He finds creative solutions to mend the broken pieces.
Julie B.
1 month ago
The absolute best!!!!
liz C.
2 months ago
Excellent surgeon! My two surgeries got a little complicated, but he was excellent at troubleshooting. The staff is amazing: Physicians assistant, Nurse practitioner whatever the titles are Leanne and Dana were very helpful, skilled and compassionate. Even the rest of the staff that did scheduling and faxing physical therapy orders, scheduling,etc were very reliable. My surgeries were a reverse shoulder replacement and then I shattered my arm. The second surgery was clearly because of my negligence, but he was able to repair it and now it feels brand new! I’m following the postop instructions as closely as I can, and that seems to be helping a lot Dr K is a very skilled, very professional, very compassionate, very creative. I would recommend him and his staff without any hesitation. Despite the various complications, they always had solutions.
Sunok M.
2 months ago
Dr. Kobayashi was really kind and listen to me carefully with my hands and asked me about where is the pain and I am happy having doctor like him. Thank you very much.
Angel B.
2 months ago
Dr. Kobayashi was so patient and caring during my appointment. He explained things and made sure I understood what we need to do, going forward for my care.
Robin R.
2 months ago
Very thorough , professional and personable.
Mark S.
2 months ago
Ky, as usual, took the time to explain what was going on with my injury, available options and his recommendations. I was not rushed at all and felt like he was concerned for me and my well being. Wish all my Doctors had his demeanor and manners.
J - S.
2 months ago
Dr. Ky Kobayashi is an OUTSTANDING orthopedic doctor!! He is a very thorough & caring doctor who takes the time to listen to his patient's concerns/problems, examines the problem, then gives the patient options. Dr. Kobayashi's Physician Assistant, Dana, & his Staff are AWESOME too - very helpful & supportive!! Thank you so very much for what you do for all your patients!!!!
tobi S.
2 months ago
Dr. Kobayashi and his staff are absolutely wonderful. Dr. K explained everything in a clear and precise manner along with options that might be available. He is great! The entire office is as personable as they are professional!
Deborah M.
2 months ago
Dr. Kobayashi took great care of my shoulder in repairing my rotator cuff and bicep tendon as well as removing arthritis. The healing time was very specific but definitely needed. I have full movement in my shoulder and am very pleased with the outcome. I would highly recommend he and his team for shoulder and hand surgery when needed.
Dave C.
2 months ago
The best hand surgeon on the planet!! Thankyou Dr. Ky Kobayashi..
Richard D.
2 months ago
Dr Kobayashi has an awesome bedside manner. He takes time to explain everything & answer any questions. My experience overall was great.

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.