719-623-1050

Ky M. Kobayashi, MD

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4.9
Based on 580 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
Castle Connolly Top Doc
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

Sunok M.
3 days 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.
Judy H.
4 days ago
I really like my Doctor. Dr. Kobayashi is a very caring person and always makes you feel comfortable. He really listens to what you're telling him about how you are feeling. I know I'm in good hands when I see Dr.Kobayashi.
Leonard A.
4 days ago
The friendliest Dr's office I've been to in awhile. Dr Kobayashi talks to you in a way that makes it easy to understand. He answered the few questions that I had, I didn't have many questions because he explained what I needed, everyone from the girls that check you in all the way up to and including Dr Kobayashi make your experience great
Amber M.
5 days ago
Dr. Kobayashi is amazing and he really truly cares about his patience! He takes time to make sure that they feel special and heard!! He is a very talented doctor and loves what he does.
Kathie V.
6 days ago
Dr Kobayashi is the absolute BEST doctor for the hand! He is incredibly knowledgeable! He takes a conservative approach, rather than jumping to surgery. Wish I would have found him years ago! I trust him completely.
Joe T.
1 week ago
Dr. Kobayashi performed a partial fusion on my left wrist and a total fusion on my right wrist due to arthritis pain and deterioration. Both surgeries were very successful and eliminated my pain and discomfort. I’ve been able to resume my physical lifestyle and activities without any pain or swelling which was common prior to both wrist surgeries. I’m very pleased with Dr. Kobayashi and his staff. They are all very professional, highly skilled and they treat their patients with kindness, compassion and respect. I highly recommend Dr. Kobayashi and OCC for any and all orthopedic needs.
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!!!
Jess G.
2 weeks ago
Kobayasi is the first Dr. In my life to offer a comman knowledge discussion about a health concern to me. Thanks Dr K
Linda J.
2 weeks ago
Really like Dr Kobayashi. He performed a total reverse shoulder replacement on my right shoulder in February. My physical therapist has told me what a good job Dr. Kobayashi did. I have one more week of rehab and have really good range of motion and flexibility thanks all to Dr. Kobayashi.
Theresa F.
2 weeks ago
Everyone from the schedulers to the PA to Dr. Kobayashi make the office very welcoming. No one rushes you through. They take time to ensure all questions are answered. Great experience!
Char I.
2 weeks ago
Excellent experience from start to finish. Dr. Kobayashi he took the time to listen to my concerns about my shoulder pain and explained everything clearly. Dr K is genuinely cares about his patients. I came in with severe shoulder pain and finally feel relief after the replacement and it went well and I feel great All of the staff are friendly, appointments were smooth, and I never felt rushed. Definitely a 5-star ! Thank you all
Richelle B.
3 weeks ago
Wonderful doctor! I feel incredibly heard, seen, and informed! I would HIGHLY recommend this doctor!
Mary B.
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks ago
Absolutely a great doctor. Very patient and answered my questions.
Dwight M.
3 weeks ago
Saw me right away, was very professional, kind and courteous. Scheduled for 11:30, called me back at 11:25.
Bobby D.
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks 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.
3 weeks ago
Absolutely the best!
Sondra R.
3 weeks ago
Doctor Kobayashi is very personable and shows concern & compassion. He was thorough in his exam. The office is incredibly well run.
Susan W.
4 weeks 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.
4 weeks ago
Dr Kobayashi and the staff are the best! Professional, caring and compassionate! Highly recommend!
John S.
4 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.
4 weeks ago
Dr Kobayashi is an amazing doc. He explained everything about the procedure and it went very well.
Ed W.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month ago
Dr Kobayashi, and his staff are just phenomenal
Joseph F.
1 month 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
1 month 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.
1 month ago
Always great care
Nancy P.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months ago
Always courteous. Always helpful. Always forthcoming. Answered questions i didnt know i had
Jo K.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months ago
As always, it was wonderful meeting with Dr. Kobayashi. He is the best!
Linda R.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.

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.