Nathan Faulkner, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon - Sports Medicine

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4.9
Based on 143 reviews.
Sports Medicine, Minimally Invasive & Microscope Assisted Techniques, Shoulder Procedures, Knee Procedures, Musculoskeletal Conditions, Fractures, Arthritis
Fax: 303-369-7776
Nathan Faulkner

Dr. Nathan Faulkner is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in comprehensive shoulder and knee surgery, sports medicine, fractures, arthritis, and uses minimally invasive and microscope techniques. He received a BS in biochemistry from the University of Utah, where he also graduated from medical school and was inducted into the esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha honors society.

He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Wisconsin where he received several education and research awards. He received specialty training in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy during his fellowship at the world-renowned Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) in Los Angeles. Dr. Faulkner is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. He is actively involved in the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Faulkner has been involved in research and has authored several original scientific articles and book chapters. His work, demonstrating a technique for grafting complex rotator cuff tears, has been highlighted at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery national meeting. He has volunteered to train orthopedic surgeons from all over the world in advanced shoulder surgery techniques at the Orthopedic Learning Center in Chicago. He has extensive experience covering high school, collegiate, and professional sports, and formerly served as associate team physician for the professional lacrosse team Denver Outlaws. In his free time, Dr. Faulkner enjoys mountain biking, fly fishing, golfing, and skiing. He also enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and children.

“I am dedicated to providing the highest quality and most advanced orthopedic care to facilitate a quicker recovery and the best outcome for my patients. I truly enjoy educating my patients and their families about their orthopedic injuries. As your orthopedic surgeon, you can count on me to listen to your concerns and provide a thorough evaluation of your condition/injury. We will partner together to come up with an individual plan for getting you back to doing the things you love,” said Dr. Faulkner.

To learn more about Dr. Nathan Faulkner, please visit: https://www.nathanfaulknermd.com/

Education

  • Fellowship: Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy, Southern California Orthopedic Institute, Van Nuys, CA
  • Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI
  • Medical School: MD, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Undergraduate School: BS, Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Memberships & Organizations

  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • The University of Utah
  • University of Utah School of Medicine
  • University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
  • Southern California Orthopedic Institute
  • The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine

Interests & Hobbies

  • Enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with his wife, Jacey and their two children.
  • Fly Fishing
  • Skiing

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Leadership & Outreach

Dr. Faulkner’s Testimonials


Knee Fixed. Ironman gets back in the Race! “Hey Dr. Faulkner! 16 months post ACL surgery and I am an Ironman! Knee felt great the entire day. Thanks for fixing me!”

Eric Nielson


Incredible Outcome for Cyclist! “The level of care I received from Dr. Faulkner was stupendous. Even with a 2nd ACL reconstruction…Thank you for an incredible outcome and getting me back to doing what I love!”

Cyrus Pearo


“Dr Faulkner is an amazing & professional doctor. I underwent surgery for a torn rotary cup & he clarified specific details so I could comprehend everything. He takes the time to listen to your concerns which leaves you feeling positive with the care you will obtain. He’s very knowledge in the medical treatments confirming his understanding of your current circumstance(s). Due to his surgical abilities, I was able to attend physical therapy for 3 mo instead of 6 mo! Thank you for everything!”

LJ Dixon | Aurora, CO


“I was involved in a motorcycle accident and Dr. Faulkner performed surgery to repair a broken arm and broken leg. The injuries were pretty dramatic but he did an excellent job of repairing the limbs. I am anticipating total recovery because of his knowledge and surgery skills. I can recommend him without any reservations!”

John | Centennial, CO


“Dr. Faulkner truly is one of the most sincere, kind, compassionate, patient, professional, and detail-oriented health care providers I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. He takes the time to listen to all of your concerns and leaves you feeling confident in the care you receive. By not only confirming his understanding of your current medical state with verbal responses he physically checks the joints to explore movement and to “feel” what your concerns are. His level of care is special and rare.”

Thankful Patient | Colorado


“Dr. Faulkner is amazing. From the first time I met him he was truly concerned about my care. I fractured my knee cap and he fixed it. You can hardly see where the incision was. His staff is also very friendly and they are right there for you.”

Michele | Aurora, CO


“I have been a past patient of Colorado Orthopedic Consultants, this was my first time seeing Dr. Faulkner and it was a great experience. His office staff are great, very professional and patient being that I was going through Workers Comp. My shoulder surgery went great, no complications. I would definitely recommend Dr. Faulkner to family and friends. “

Jose R. | Aurora, CO


 

Cara Patton

Cara Patton, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Cara Patton is a board-certified Physician Associate. She attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Health and Exercise Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine. She went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Des Moines University in Iowa. Cara graduated among the top 5 students in her class in June 2019 and began working for Colorado Orthopedic Consultants with Dr. Nathan Faulkner. Cara evaluates patients in the clinic treating a variety of orthopedic conditions. In addition, she first assists Dr. Faulkner in the operating room for total shoulder and knee arthroplasties as well as some arthroscopic procedures. She is a member of Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery (PAOS) as well as American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Dr. Faulkner's Reviews

E W.
32 minutes ago
Dr Faulkner is awesome, Cara is great she has the greatest personality there is no way anyone could not smile when she is around no matter how bad of day you could be having . Very nice and caring people
Gary G.
3 weeks ago
The service that I received was excellent. I was treated with respect and sympathy for my injuries.
melissa C.
1 month ago
Dr. FAULKNER AND CARA have been amazing. I will refer this clinic because the entire team has compassion, patience and very welcoming. I'm happy with the services that have been provided to me.
Debbie P.
2 months ago
Love Dr. Faulkner, he’s cute too. Dr. Faulkner continues to advise me on rotator cuff decisions.
Fred J.
2 months ago
I personally I WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND OCC for any work. Aspecially Dr Faulkner. Professional and quite personable. He and his staff actually make you feel as you're the most important person they treat.
A_C_O_T_L_G
3 months ago
I was referred to Dr. Nathaniel Faulkner, by my previous ortho surgeon who I've trusted for many years. He was retiring and personally referred me to his associate, Dr. Nathan Faulkner. Since seeing him, I've become extremely comfortable with him, his PA, and his entire staff. They all have taken the time to really get to know me, who and what I'm about, and with their expertise, experience, compassion, and personalities, put together a specific plan just for me and all my lifestyle activities and quirks... which are a lot!

I would highly refer and recommend him and his staff to anyone who needs upper body surgery and goal needs. I know this because he discusses with me about my entire treatment plan.

If I could give them 20 stars, I would, but since I can't, I'll just give them a "5AAAAA+".
Cecelia D.
4 months ago
Always the best possible care & attention ! Pleasant compassionate knowledgeable professionals with heart & humanity ..Feel so blessed to have found them & have been a patient for years now because they don't come any better than Dr.F , Cara & total TEAM !
OBVIOUSLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!! CECE DUNN
M K.
4 months ago
I came into the office as a last minute patient in extreme pain and I was treated with courtesy and respect and had my issue resolved by the time I left the office with a clear diagnosis and treatment. My experience there was amazing I would recommend it to anybody suffering from orthopedic problems. Dr Faulkner is exceptional at what he does and he knows his stuff.
Cowboy
4 months ago
Always honest, caring, friendly and a Christian!
Troy O.
6 months ago
Very professional and knowledgeable. Displays great concern for your injury along with his willingness to to correct it.
Jean T.
9 months ago
I was very pleased with my first visit with Dr Faulkner. He did a thorough exam, explaining his findings in a way I could understand. He took his time addressing my concerns & never made me feel hurried. Dr. Faulkner was pleasant while being very professional.
BIG D M.
9 months ago
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Dr Faulkner and the staff we fantastic. Very friendly. I highly recommend him.
Rosie R.
9 months ago
He was very compassioned and understanding about my fears and concerns. After the appointment I was more at peace with the upcoming surgery.
Sean C.
12 months ago
I have the pleasure of having a total knee replacement surgery by Dr Nathan Faulkner in Dec 2024. Dr Faulkner is an amazing professional, he's very approachable before during, and afternthe surgery with any concerns . The portal is also a amazing tool if you want to write your point to the team. They answer very quickly. I highly recommend Dr Faulkner for anyone looking at doing a total knee replacement.
Gary F.
1 year ago
Great Doc. Thanks Doc.
David C.
1 year ago
They care about mi lesion they are professionals always have good actitud and I’m happy too thank you for everything god bless
Dawn G.
1 year ago
Dr. Faulkner and staff- especially Cara- have been giving me good care with a shoulder replacement. I am grateful and staring to get some of my life back after a fall. I keep working at shoulder function and tasks are getting easier. I recommend them for treatment .
Rachelle W.
1 year ago
Dr. Faulkner has a great bedside manner and is genuinely caring. I highly recommend him and his PA Cara.
Pamela W.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner has the best "bedside manner" - always makes you feel heard
Tom P.
2 years ago
Listens to me as a patient, and provides great feedback to all my questions. Highly recommend!
Lisa S.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner is wonderful. He takes his time to listen to you, very professional, and his staff is amazing. So happy I have found him for my shoulder!!! I would definitely recommend him and his staff!!😃
Norma O.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner was so attentive and caring !!
Reanna K.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner Is the best I always feel very comfortable. He has proven that he 100% cares about your healing process in the safest manner possible.
Theresa M.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner and his staff are amazing. They are so kind and caring they take the time to answer all of my questions. Dr. Faulkner. I appreciate everything you have done for me.
Greg M.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner is very honest and forthright and genuinely concerned about helping me promote a healthy lifestyle. I highly recommend him.
James M.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner and his team is phenomenal. I've had a few complications with my knee but he is working with me to make this a lot better thank you so much...
Dan57
2 years ago
I had a great experience and I highly recommend Dr. Faulkner and his amazing staff for all that have done for me.
Chris B.
2 years ago
I'm very versed in ortho docs and surgeries...After hearing about how he looks after my son's best interests I'm very happy to have him as his surgeon. Definitely one of the best
Jeffrey C.
2 years ago
Doctor and staff made me feel comfortable about the process and explained in detail how best to proceed.
Ade B.
2 years ago
I was referred to OCC by my primary physician after weeks of shoulder pain. Finding an orthopedic doctor was not easy but I was able to secure an early appointment with OCC and they took x-ray in their facility and reviewed my condition and provided treatment that gave me so much relief from excruciating pain.
I appreciate the doctors and staff at OCC for their caring services and professionalism.
Ade B.
George W.
2 years ago
As always a Great Staff!😀 Very Professional!
Linda K.
2 years ago
Very professional, caring, and friendly experience.
I feel very confident with the care I received and will continue to receive with Dr. Faulkner
Lauri D.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner has done the last 2 shoulder surgeries on me and he does great work! Scheduling is easy, office staff is great, as is his PA, Kara.
Lauri
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner just did a 2nd rotator cuff repair on my right shoulder 3 weeks ago. He does great work and is very personable and thorough! His PA, Cara, is also great!
Rich F.
2 years ago
Dr. Faulkner and his team is phenomenal. Remarkable attention to my needs before and after surgery, immense care for the process and questions and concerns every step of the way. No one likes surgery, but they made it as comfortable and as smooth as could have been.
CarolynColorado
2 years ago
I was treaded with great respect
They actually listen to me
They acted like they really wanted to help me.
Kenny A.
2 years ago
He explained all my options prior to any type of knee injury and the care. Very friendly and professional.
Thelma G.
2 years ago
They are the greatest, my experience was very good, I would recommend they and I have.
Paulina L.
2 years ago
Es un lugar muy limpio y las personas muy amables el dr te explica todo muy bien de los procedimientos que te pueden hacer
Deborah T.
2 years ago
Went in for severe shoulder pain. Scheduled an MRI one week later. Despite pain, was not offered anything to relieve pain

Dr. Faulkner's Clinic Locations

Denver Tech Center

145 Inverness Drive East, Ste 300
Englewood
CO
80112

Aurora East 400

1411 S. Potomac St, Ste 400
Aurora
CO
80012

– 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.