719-623-1050

Ky M. Kobayashi, MD

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4.9
Based on 663 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

Denise S.
15 hours ago
Absolute best doctor in the world staff is great also
Tony J.
20 hours ago
Very professional and patient oriented.
Julie B.
1 day ago
The absolute best!!!!
Mike
2 days ago
I have had only one visit with Dr. Kobyashi. I found his manner instilled confidence that he would be able to help me recover normal use of my hands & wrists. He injected a steroid in my right wrist during this initial visit. A nerve study will be performed to give a clearer picture of what steps to take in resolving the pain and flexibility issues Iexperience.
liz C.
3 days 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.
Lisa V.
3 days ago
Dr Kobayashi is a very skilled surgeon and cares about his patients
Vincenza L.
3 days ago
My visit yesterday with dr Kabiashi was great I felt very relaxed and reassured
Jeff J.
4 days ago
Informative during the whole process. Very friendly guidance by all involved. Highly recommend
Susan A.
4 days ago
Dr Kobayashi just did carpel tunnel surgery on my left hand. I could not be more pleased. My hand feels totally normal and I knew I was in good hands with Dr Kobayashi. Highly recommend!!
tim F.
4 days ago
As a former Orthopedic Reconstruction and Trauma surgical representative with over 24 years of experience and 25,000 surgical cases under my belt, I have worked alongside some of the finest surgeons in the field. In my professional opinion, Dr. Kobayashi exemplifies pure excellence in both technical surgical skill and patient care! I completely destroyed my right shoulder back in mid March of this year. I had it surgically repaired with Dr. Kobayashi in early May and the results have been outstanding-successful tissue healing, significant symptom relief, and zero complications. Now, five months post-op, I am fully healed with a complete range of motion and I am actively rebuilding my strength. I cannot thank Dr. Kobayashi and his team enough. If you are in the Colorado Springs area and need an upper extremity specialist, he is the clear choice!

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.