Meet Dr. Nielsen
Dr. David Nielsen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced expertise in hand, upper extremity, and shoulder surgery. He brings over two decades of surgical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care as the founder of Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.
Dr. Nielsen earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency through Ohio University in Dayton, followed by a highly specialized fellowship in Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Before establishing his practice in Charlottesville, Dr. Nielsen served on the staff of the Hand Section at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, where he provided expert care to pediatric patients with complex upper limb conditions.
Dr. Nielsen treats general musculoskeletal conditions as well as specializing in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, offering both surgical and nonsurgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
In addition to general orthopedics, he holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery, a distinction that reflects his advanced training and dedication to excellence in this field. He is actively involved in several national and regional orthopedic societies and is a frequent lecturer at both local and national events.
Dr. Nielsen served as the Chief of Surgery and also the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Martha Jefferson Hospital, meaning he oversaw the entire Surgery and Anesthesia Section including all specialties of surgery, including orthopedics. He was also the Chairman of the Board at Monticello Community Surgery Center, now known as UVA Surgical Care Riverside. These positions have allowed a broad perspective of all stages of the surgical process and how they are interrelated with the economic, administrative, and personal side of delivering healthcare to people every day.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Nielsen enjoys spending time with his daughter, as well as traveling, cooking, enjoying music, and participating in a variety of outdoor and sporting activities.
Credentials & Training
Dr. Nielsen (sometimes searched as Dr. Nielson) is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with added qualification in hand surgery.
- Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery
- Fellowship: Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa
- Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Ohio University, Dayton
- Medical degree: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Missouri
- Former Chief of Surgery and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Martha Jefferson Hospital
- Hospital affiliations: Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and Monticello Community Surgery Center (now UVA Surgical Care Riverside)
Hand Surgery Care with Dr. Nielsen
Dr. Nielsen is a fellowship-trained hand surgeon who holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. He completed a Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery fellowship at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and he has more than two decades of experience treating hand, wrist, and upper extremity problems.
Patients in Charlottesville and the surrounding area see Dr. Nielsen for:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel release
- Trigger finger
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Ganglion cysts of the wrist and hand
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Hand and wrist fractures and dislocations
- Thumb, hand, and wrist arthritis
- Nerve compression and nerve injuries of the hand and arm
Care starts with a thorough exam and, when needed, imaging. Dr. Nielsen offers the least invasive options first, including splinting, therapy, and injections, and walks patients through surgical options when surgery is the right choice.
Learn more about our hand surgery services, hand conditions, and wrist conditions.
Schedule a hand or carpal tunnel evaluation
Questions About Hand Surgery with Dr. Nielsen
Is Dr. Nielsen a hand specialist?
Yes. Dr. Nielsen is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who completed a Hand, Upper Extremity, and Microvascular Surgery fellowship at the University of South Florida and holds a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery.
Does Dr. Nielsen treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes. He evaluates and treats carpal tunnel syndrome, starting with nonsurgical options such as splinting and therapy when appropriate, and discusses carpal tunnel release when symptoms do not improve.
What is a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery?
It is an additional certification, earned after board certification, that recognizes advanced training and expertise in treating conditions of the hand and wrist.
Which hand and wrist conditions do you treat?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, ganglion cysts, Dupuytren’s contracture, fractures, arthritis, and nerve injuries of the hand and arm.
What should I expect at my first visit?
A physical exam, a review of your symptoms and goals, and imaging if needed. Dr. Nielsen then explains your options, with the least invasive choices first.
Where does Dr. Nielsen operate?
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and Monticello Community Surgery Center (now UVA Surgical Care Riverside).
Patient Resources
Explore our Patient Resource Center for helpful information about our expert team, comprehensive services, informative blog, and how to easily connect with us.
Complimentary Movement Screenings
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert physical therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
View DetailsWhat Our Patients Say
“I went to Dr. Nielsen for a second opinion on a dislocated hand. My first surgeon recommended surgery without much consideration. A friend suggested Dr. Nielsen, who spent time reviewing my case and concluded that I only needed rehabilitation. He was right! He's an excellent doctor.”
We chose Charlottesville Orthopedic for my husband who was having knee issues, they are so advanced in options and explain all options!! Professional Staff !!
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Dr. Nielsen and his team are great! I’m relatively new to the Charlottesville area and have been very frustrated by the long wait times for medical appointments and then the brevity of those appointments once they finally arrive. Dr. Nielsen and his team are the opposite. They go above and beyond spending more than ample time with you, clearly explaining their diagnosis and answering any questions you may have. I highly recommend them.
I cannot say enough great things about Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center! I fell and broke my wrist, called my PC and they suggested them. Natalie was awesome! The first broken bone I have ever had and I was quite nervous. The techs were great with X-rays and fitting me with a cast. After a few months of appointments I am on the road to recovery!! The ladies at the front desk are always friendly and make me feel welcome too. It is nice to know of such a great practice here in Charlottesville. Kudos!!
The whole team is great from the from the front desk to the operating room. They all went above and beyond to make sure I had an excellent surgery and follow up appointments. Thank you guys for a great experience.
I want to share that my experience at this clinic was 10/10. I was supremely impressed by the friendliness of the front office staff, the x-ray technician, and the Physician Assistant, Natalie. I am so grateful I was referred here by Dr. Sam Spillman. Special thanks to Natalie for taking my appointment last minute, and providing exceptional care for my injured knee.
