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Home > WI Providers > Orthopedic Surgeons

Dr. John C. Neilson, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. John Curtis Neilson, M.D.)

(85 Ratings)

Specializes in: Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery

University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine (2004)

Professional interests include: cancer, musculoskeletal problems, soft tissue sarcoma, and more.

8900 W Doyne Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 777-7700

Dr. John C. Neilson, MD is an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI specializing in orthopedics/orthopedic surgery. He graduated from University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine in 2004 and has 22 years of experience. Dr. John C. Neilson, MD is affiliated with Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Health Network, Froedtert West Bend Hospital - West Bend, Children's Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Froedtert Hospital - Milwaukee, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital - Menomonee Falls, Froedtert West Bend Hospital and Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital.

Office Locations

Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital - Menomonee Falls

8900 W Doyne Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 777-7700

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Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital - Menomonee Falls

8800 W Doyne Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 805-0505

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Some issues Dr. John C. Neilson, MD can help you with:

Musculoskeletal Problems

The musculoskeletal system refers collectively to the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. It is what gives the body structure and movement. Because this system encompasses so much of the body, musculoskeletal problems are extremely varied and can happen almost anywhere. There are musculoskeletal problems that affect only the joints, those that affect the bones, those that affect tendons and ligaments, and those that can happen in any area of the body but cause pain and numbness.

Joint problems include bursitis and arthritis. Bursitis is the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac cushion on the outside of a joint, causing symptoms including pain and swelling. Arthritis is the inflammation and damage of a joint due to wear and tear or disease. There are several treatments for arthritis, but if the damage progresses far enough, joint replacement may be necessary. In joint replacement, a metal or plastic implant is surgically placed within the joint to make movement easier.

Bone problems include scoliosis, fractures, and osteoporosis. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, making the normally straight spine look like a 'C' or 'S.' It is treated with braces or surgery. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and break easily. It's most common in women, especially older women. Fully half of all women over 65 have osteoporosis. Fractures are any break in the bone. They can be a simple crack or a severe and complicated shatter. Osteoporosis causes fractures in people who have it, but other causes are trauma (such as a fall) or overuse.

Tendon and ligament problems most often result from injury or overuse. Two good examples are ligament tears and tendonitis. The most common ligament tear is the ACL tear in the knee. This ligament supports and stabilizes the knee and is most often torn during sports activities. Tendonitis happens when a tendon, which connects muscles and bones together, becomes irritated and inflamed. This happens most often in older patients who push their bodies too far, leading to pain and swelling. Treatment for both tendon and ligament problems usually includes rest, ice, and supporting the area to let it heal.

Pain and numbness problems can be caused by overuse, disease, an injury, or a compressed nerve. Lower back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome are two of the most common conditions patients encounter. Lower back pain may be caused by sore muscles that have been overworked, or an injury to the disks separating the vertebrae in the spine. Lower back pain usually goes away on its own within a few days, but it may require medical treatment depending on the cause. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve at the base of the palm becomes trapped or pinched. Symptoms include tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand. Treatment involves rest and sometimes steroid injections.

Because the musculoskeletal system involves so much of the body, problems here can be incredibly varied in their type and severity. Some musculoskeletal problems will go away on their own or only require rest, while others may require medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Replacement Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

Joint replacement, sometimes also called arthroplasty, is an option when a joint becomes severely damaged by disease or injury. The damaged cartilage of the joint is surgically removed, the ends of the bones in the joint are resurfaced, and a prosthetic is installed. Most prosthetic joints are made of a metal piece that fits into a plastic sleeve so that they glide smoothly. A joint replacement increases stability in the damaged area and decreases pain. The hip and knee are the two joints most commonly replaced, but joint replacement can also be performed on the ankle, shoulder, elbow and even fingers.

Although joint replacement is one of the safest and most reliable medical procedures available, it is still a major surgical procedure. All surgical procedures carry risks, such as infection or blood clots. For this reason, doctors try to help their patients avoid surgery for as long as they can. Taking arthritis medications, losing weight, avoiding high impact sports such as running, taking supplements such as glucosamine or chondroitin, or having joint injections may allow a patient to enjoy life without the need for surgery.

After having joint replacement surgery, patients can expect some pain the first few days as they recover. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, and it can decrease complications and increase future mobility. As soon as possible, returning to low impact sports such as swimming, walking or biking can stretch and heal the new joint. A prosthetic joint can last 15 - 20 years and cannot be further damaged by degenerative diseases such as arthritis, so once it is done patients should be pain-free for many years.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2012 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery, revision surgery and lower extremity surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	189
joint surgery	16
lower extremity surgery	16
reconstructive surgery	16
revision surgery	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	224

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	69
Female	129

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	150
Black	33
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	73
From 75 to 84	42
85 and over	19
Less than 65	64

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	35
Dementia	12
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2014 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery and lower extremity surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	198
joint surgery	19
lower extremity surgery	19
reconstructive surgery	19

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	73
Female	112

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	145
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	68
From 75 to 84	41
85 and over	25
Less than 65	51

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2014

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	29
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2015 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery, lower extremity surgery and hospital care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	202
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
joint surgery	13
lower extremity surgery	13
reconstructive surgery	13

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	140
Female	238

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	306
Black	46
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	122
From 75 to 84	116
85 and over	40
Less than 65	100

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2015

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	26
Dementia	11
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2016 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery and lower extremity surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	229
joint surgery	16
lower extremity surgery	16
reconstructive surgery	16

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	79
Female	122

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	165
Black	18
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	75
From 75 to 84	59
85 and over	16
Less than 65	51

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2016

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	23
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	23
Dementia	10
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2017 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery and lower extremity surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	195
joint surgery	19
lower extremity surgery	19
reconstructive surgery	19

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	74
Female	109

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	144
Black	24
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	76
From 75 to 84	45
85 and over	16
Less than 65	46

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2017

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	46
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	27
Dementia	14
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2018 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery, lower extremity surgery and hospital care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	173
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
joint surgery	32
lower extremity surgery	32
reconstructive surgery	32

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	83
Female	107

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	154
Black	17
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	83
From 75 to 84	42
85 and over	26
Less than 65	39

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	50
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	32
Dementia	15
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2019 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery and lower extremity surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	166
joint surgery	36
lower extremity surgery	36
reconstructive surgery	36

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	85
Female	94

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	150
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	80
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	19
Less than 65	30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	47
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Dementia	16
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2020 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery, lower extremity surgery and hospital care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	126
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
joint surgery	29
lower extremity surgery	29
reconstructive surgery	29

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	72
Female	71

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	118
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	80
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	11
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2020

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	24
Dementia	17
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2021 were lower extremity surgery, reconstructive surgery, joint surgery and fracture surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	140
fracture surgery	11
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
joint surgery	23
lower extremity surgery	34
reconstructive surgery	23

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	82
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	152
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	84
From 75 to 84	39
85 and over	18
Less than 65	32

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2021

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	46
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	23
Dementia	15
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI during 2022 were reconstructive surgery, joint surgery, lower extremity surgery and hospital care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	130
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
joint surgery	29
lower extremity surgery	29
reconstructive surgery	29

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	73
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	156
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	92
From 75 to 84	45
85 and over	21
Less than 65	19

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	22
Atrial Fibrilation	22
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	26
Dementia	9
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated as an orthopedist in Milwaukee, WI were lower extremity surgery, reconstructive surgery, joint surgery and revision surgery.

doctor visit	179
fracture surgery	11
hospital care	11
inpatient care	11
joint surgery	23
lower extremity surgery	24
reconstructive surgery	23
revision surgery	16

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	107

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	12
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	149
Hispanic	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	46
85 and over	19
Less than 65	41
65 to 74	75

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. John C. Neilson, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and depression.

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	13
Osteoporosis	14
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	24
Atrial Fibrillation	12
Cancer	15
Dementia	11

Education & Training

Dr. John C. Neilson, MD graduated from University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine in 2004. He completed residency at Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the General Orthopaedics and has a state license in Wisconsin.

Medical School: University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine (2004)

Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (2009)

Board Certification: General Orthopaedics

Licensed In: Wisconsin

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. John C. Neilson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Medical College of Wisconsin

Froedtert Hospital

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Regional Health Network

Froedtert West Bend Hospital - West Bend

Children's Wisconsin - Milwaukee - Milwaukee

Froedtert Hospital - Milwaukee

Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital - Menomonee Falls

Froedtert West Bend Hospital

Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. John C. Neilson, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 85 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. John C. Neilson, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Milwaukee, WI.

4.92

Overall Rating

(85 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-06-11

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Everyone I met with during my appointment was friendly and professional. I look forward to meeting with my doctor and the team as I know they will answer my questions and respond to my concerns without rushing me. They make me feel respected and that they really care about my health and recovery.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-04-15

Patient verified via Press Ganey

This group - Dr Neilson and the entire supporting care team are on top of their collective game In providing care. Not true of all teams /departments, but It applies to them.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-05-12

Patient verified via Press Ganey

This was my first visit and I think it went very well. Got turned around but got assistance to get where I needed to be.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-01-17

Patient verified via Press Ganey

For my first time going to Froedtert, I was pleasantly impressed with their kindness and care.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-08-16

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Excellent care all around. Very pleased. You have the top Doctors and care.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-05-05

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Great job. Keep up the great work

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. John C. Neilson, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Inc.	$7,547 $7,547
Stryker Corporation	$1,556 Airo $557	GMRS $439	Mako $379	KNEES $121	TRIATHLON $48	Other $12
Onkos Surgical, Inc.	$346 ELEOS LIMB SALVAGE SYSTEM $164	$183
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.	$341 Taperloc $122	ROSA $98	$121
Medtronic Xomed, Inc.	$217 Intra-Operative Imaging Products $217
Other	$715 Regeneten $146	PREVENA $100	Knee $88	OPRA Implant System $82	MazorX Renaissance $60	Other $238

**Types of Payments**
Honoraria	$5,000
Travel and Lodging	$3,479
Food and Beverage	$2,155
Education	$88

Biography

Dr. John Neilson specializes in orthopedics/orthopedic surgery and practices in Milwaukee, WI. Patient reviews placed Dr. Neilson at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). His clinical interests include hip arthritis, replacement arthroplasty (joint replacement), and metastatic bone disease. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin. According to Doctor.com, new patients are welcome to contact his office in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from the University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine. Dr. Neilson's training includes a residency program at a hospital affiliated with Medical College of Wisconsin.