John R. Shank, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon - Foot & Ankle Specialist

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4.9
Based on 700 reviews.
Specializing in Reconstruction Foot & Ankle Surgery, Trauma & Total Ankle Replacement
Specialties:
Fax: 719-623-1051
John R. Shank

Dr. John Shank is a Fellowship-Trained, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in the treatment of foot and ankle injuries and disorders. Dr. Shank has treated numerous high school, collegiate and professional athletes including Olympic medalists, MLB, NFL and NHL players.

Dr. Shank has served as Foot and Ankle Consultant for both the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos and currently serves as Foot and Ankle Consultant at The Olympic Training Center and Colorado College.

Dr. Shank treats traumatic injuries, sports injuries and performs both simple and complex foot and ankle reconstructions. He performs procedures for arthritis, sports and athletic injuries, cartilage injuries, fractures, trauma and deformity. His specialized services also include total ankle arthroplasty (ankle replacement) and revision total ankle arthroplasty. Dr. Shank performs the most total ankle arthroplasties in southern Colorado and utilizes the most advanced CT guided technology available.  He particularly enjoys complex, challenging, foot and ankle traumatic injuries, reconstructions and revision surgeries.  In addition, he regularly performs minimally invasive and other current, evidence-based techniques.

Dr. Shank attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and performed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Colorado. He completed a foot and ankle fellowship at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington under the instruction of the revered Sigvard T. Hansen, Bruce Sangeorzan and Stephen Benirschke. He then completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas under the guidance of Richard Hawkins.

Dr. Shank has been regularly named Top Foot and Ankle Surgeon by Colorado Springs Style magazine and has been named Top Orthopedic Surgeon for Business Executives by Colorado Business Journal.

Active in research and education, Dr. Shank serves as AO faculty and author and is involved in resident education.  He is published in numerous orthopedic journals and has attended and spoken at numerous national and international meetings.

Dr. Shank and his family live in Colorado Springs where he enjoys the outdoors, music, cooking and traveling the world. Dr Shank is well respected in the orthopedic community, by his patients and at CCOE and is known for his kind and calm demeanor.

Education

  • Fellowships:
    • Foot & Ankle Reconstruction, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA
    • Sports Medicine, Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Spartanburg, SC
  • Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
  • Medical School: MD: University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
  • Undergraduate School: BS: Natural Science, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Team Physician

  • Orthopedic Consultant, United States Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs – 2006-Present
  • Team Physician, Colorado College – 2006-Present
  • Foot and Ankle Consultant, Denver Broncos – 2007-2012
  • Foot and Ankle Consultant, Colorado Rockies – 2007-2012

Clinical Interests

  • Ankle replacement and revision ankle replacement
  • Foot and ankle trauma
  • Fracture care
  • Arthroscopy and ligament repair
  • Deformity correction
  • Fusion and treatment of arthritis
  • Achilles and minimally invasive Achilles repair
  • Revision surgeries
  • Tendon disorders and treatments
  • Forefoot and bunion surgery
  • Charcot reconstructions

Memberships & Organizations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • American Foot and Ankle Society
  • American Medical Association
  • Colorado Medical Society
  • AOFAST
  • El Paso Medical Society

 

Leadership & Outreach

Miyoko Green, MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Miyoko Green is a board-certified physician assistant and has worked with Dr. Shank at Colorado Center of Orthopedic Excellence since 2013. She assists Dr. Shank during surgical procedures and diagnoses and treats patients in the clinical setting. Miyoko and Dr. Shank work closely together and employ a team approach to their patient care. In addition to being trained directly by Dr. Shank, she frequently attends orthopedic and foot and ankle educational events to further her knowledge and provide the best and up to date care for her and Dr. Shank’s patients. Her clinical interests include surgical wound closure and wound care, injections including viscosupplementation, fracture care and assisting with pre-surgical planning. Miyoko enjoys working with all patients including Olympic, professional and collegiate athletes and returning them to play. Miyoko is a compassionate care provider and is cherished by the patients and staff of CCOE.

Dr. Shank's Reviews

michael B.
Dr Shank has been a pleasure having being the surgeon who operated my shattered calcaneous bone. It was a terrible open fracture that was excpected to have all the hardware in for at least a year but we took it out 9 months in and I am farther along in my recovery time than anticipated. Thanks for getting me back my feet!
Shane Y.
Caring, to the point, no BS and very nice person.
Nathassia H.
Fantastic doctor! My surgery went extremely well and he provided fantastic post op care!
Tracy E.
Dr. Shank and his team was wonderful to work with. Instructions were clear and concise. I’ve had a wonderful outcome to my surgery!
Reggie B.
Dr. Shank is a great surgeon, Very caring and understanding. Will return if needed down the road.
Russell R.
Great team of people. Excellent care. Surgery went very well. Thank you guys.
Richie M.
Dr. Shank is an amazing orthopedic! When I ruptured my achilles at the age of 51, I immediately started researching the best orthopedic in Colorado to have a consultation with and Dr. Shank's name was on top of the search results. My consultation with Dr. Shank was better than what I could have ever expected. Dr. Shank looked at the results of my x-ray and MRI and he immediately scheduled me for surgery to repair my ruptured achilles. Surgery went well and I am now on my road to recovery. I can not thank Dr. Shank and his surgical staff enough for taking care of me so quickly and in a professional manner. Dr. Shank definitely lives up to being the BEST orthopedic surgeon when it comes to foot and ankle related injuries! Thank you Dr. Shank!
Jeff B.
Dr. Shank’s office is ran very professionally, and Dr. Shank has great bedside manners. You can literally tell that he cares for you as a patient. I would highly recommend him in any situation.
Joanne B.
DR. Shank has got to be one of the kindness Dr.'s I have ever met, and I have met lots! He knew I was very upset about the pain I was in. He found a way to connect with me that made me smile. A simple question, Boston, or New York? With a smile I replied Boston. Then his next question was "do you miss it" I said in no way that's why I live in Colorado! His next inquiry was "how about the food" laughing I admitted that now he had me. So you have been there. Like myself he said he missed the food in Boston. Instantly I relaxed, agreed to have an injection in my ankle, and knew this is a very kind, caring Doctor. Who was more interested in my peace of mind, than rushing my appointment. So Thank you Dr. Shank, and im looking forward to my next appointment! I thank you for taking your time to read my review!
Kristi H.
Dr. Shank and his staff are very professional and kind. De. Thank takes the time to explain everything so you understand.
Laura D.
Very professional and kind
Joan M.
Very good experience. Would recommend Dr. Shank.
Carol W.
Great experience from a caring team!
Dennis P.
Staff very friendly, helpful , and informative. Just the usual delays at a drs office
Anne M.
Very caring and personable. Knew this journey for me I could trust Dr Shank and his team
ryan P.
Dr Shank is extremely knowledgeable, very personable, and quickly gets results. Had xrays and an MRI on the same day . . usually takes weeks to get done. Surgery went very well and recovery has been phenomenally pain free. I asked for the best and I got the best! Highly recommend Dr Shank for any kind of foot issues.
Brad K.
Dr. Shank truly cares for his patients outcome. He is compassionate and thorough in his addressing the situation and the successful result.
David B.
Best doctor I've seen in a long time!
Rena Q.
They were a blessing for me!! I do not have to have surgery on a foot with 9 fractures because they knew how to perform their job with skill and accuracy!! They were very professional and courteous!!
Jaclyn B.
Very informative honest, encouraging and helpful!
Kevin S.
Dr. Shank is awesome!!
Ed S.
Great doctor found my problem right away to x-ray in scheduling surgery and very nice office staff very respectful and kind
Jack V.
Dr Shank went over my MRI in detail and explained my options. With those options I can make decisions that will work for me. I really appreciate DR Shank explaining the information where I can understand it.
Jim W.
Dr.Shank and his staff have treated me very well. They have been accommodating, honest and on point with every aspect of my treatment.
Brad M.
Had an awesome experience with your staff thank you I pray that the treatment will last as long as the last thank you again!!
Stephanie
I highly highly recommend Dr. Shank. He has a wonderful bed side manner, a great team, and I’ve been blessed to have him as my orthopedic surgeon.
T G.
Honest with Integrity, that’s just a couple of words on how I describe Dr. Shank! He is very knowledgeable, friendly, honest and NOT out to just make money on a surgery!! Dr. Shank was my 2nd surgeon as the first one (UC Health ortho at Streadman-Hawkins location on Inverness) preformed a foot surgery that was never going to solve my problem! I ended up having worse problems and had a consultation with Dr. Shank based on google reviews, he was the best! Well all of your google reviews were a blessing! I had a second survey that Dr. Shank performed and he corrected the original surgery mishap! I recommend Dr. Shank hands down to any other foot surgeon! He knows what he’s doing, he’s honest, doesn’t treat you like dollar signs in his pocket and helped me!! I never felt like a number or dollar sign. I encourage any one who’s reading this review to call and get a consultation with Dr. Shank and don’t go to anyone else! He is a great ortho surgeon!!
C A.
I am so grateful for Dr. Shank and his PA, Miyoko! They took their time explaining everything, answered all my questions, and made me feel ready and at ease for ankle surgery. Dr. Shank’s expertise is apparent and my surgical result confirms this. Highly recommend!
baby L.
Dr. Shank is outstanding physician with exceptional expertise and integrity. He repaired my daughter osteochondral lesion with excellent results and we have felt truly supported throughout the entire process. He always takes the time to explain everything clearly and honestly which gave us great reassurance as parents .His professionalism, accessibility and patient -centered approach inspires deep trust and confidence. We are truly grateful for his care.
He is always responsive and takes the time to answer our emails and questions .
Dr Shank is the best.
Patricia C.
Dr. Shank
Was attentive, informative, and laid out a good plan moving forward to take care of me.
Deb B.
Got in within a reasonably short period of time for a new referral. Not too long in the waiting room, and expeditious treatment in the exam room. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
EUCH
Dr. Shank is awesome, takes his time to listen and shares in an way that is easy to understand. My ankle was pretty bad but feeling really good now and getting back to things I haven't done in years. I always do alot of research to find the best I can, willing to drive anywhere. Dr Shank and his staff definitely met the requirements.
Robin M.
Calm, relaxed great bedside manner. Great surgeon for toe joints!
frank B.
Dr.John Shank and his crew are awsome,, i have a chance to the VA to replace my right ankle for no charge but i chose to go with Dr.Shank and his crew!!!!
Laura H.
Awesome experience as far as ligament surgery goes. The nurses were amazing prior to surgery. Dr. Shank did an awesome job. About 24 hours later I have minimal pain. Haven't looked at my ankle yet but I am sure its going to heal fast. If they recommend a scooter get it. Worth every penny. Thank you Dr. Shank
Phyllis D.
Dr Shank has been my families surgeron for quite a while. He is compassionate, clear in his explanation of what needs to be done. He is honest and straight forward about what follow up is necessary. I would recommend him to anyone.
J B.
Lovely experience. Dr. Shank was everything I wanted in a physician. He did not push for an unnecessary surgery, answered questions and had relevant suggestions. Thank you.
OCC has the best group of doctors, PA's, nurses, x-ray techs and support staff I have had the pleasure of working with.
Karen J.
Dr. Shank fixed a mess and painful experience I had with another doctor 2 years ago. After removing all hardware in surgery one and two weeks later replacing the hardware with what will hopefully let me get back to life and be able to walk again. Looking forward to finish healing and getting on with life. Dr. Shank and all of his staff have been amazing throughout this whole process.
Jennifer J.
Dr. Shank is personable and explained my procedure and follow-up well . I was treated respectfully by everyone from the front desk to the medical assistant to the X-ray tech and the doc.

Dr. Shank'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.