Dr. James Nace

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Dr. James Nace

Hip, Knee & Shoulder Joint Preservation & ReplacementOrthopedic Trauma CareSports Medicine

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4.9 based on 150 ratings

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"Dr. Nace is phenomenal! I have been thrilled with the total knee replacement he did for me.... Within 6 months, I was running sprints again without pain. From the very beginning, Dr. Nace has treated me like I was part of his family.... I cannot say enough about how gifted he as an orthopedic surgeon! Additionally, he has great people skills and has built a tremendous team around him who also have encouraged and inspired me in my recovery. In my 61 years of life, I have never met any surgeon with his level of gifts and talent."

About

James Nace, D.O., M.P.T., F.A.O.A.O., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip, knee and shoulder joint preservation and reconstruction. He can help with all joint, bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament problems. He is devoted to providing every patient with optimal and comprehensive care through advancements in the science and art of joint reconstruction.

Dr. Nace is proficient in the most modern nonoperative and operative treatments such as minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy, primary and revision hip, knee, shoulder replacement surgery, and general orthopedic care including fractures and sprains. He prioritizes listening to his patients and educating them so that they are informed when making medical decisions. He effectively communicates with referring physicians so that they are also involved in patients’ care.

Prior to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nace was a physical therapist and a director of rehabilitation. This is where he built a foundation focused on holistic and preventative medicine, and his goal is to promote long-term musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Nace serves as Academic Director of the Center for Joint Preservation and Replacement and as Director of the Joint Preservation and Replacement Fellowship Program. He is also an Assistant Professor at the Department of Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Department of Orthopedics.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Nace prides himself on treating every patient like a member of his own family. He is enthusiastic about spending time educating patients and their families so they can be actively involved and informed in making medical and surgical decisions. His goal is for his patients to understand how to preserve their own joints, cartilage and tissues so they can avoid potential deterioration in the future.

Prior to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nace was a physical therapist who focused on diet, physical fitness, therapeutic exercise and preventative medicine. These ideals are still essential components of his practice. He has a holistic philosophy, viewing the body as an integrated whole. His priority is utilizing all conservative and nonoperative measures prior to considering surgical intervention. Once surgery is deemed appropriate, Dr. Nace implements the least invasive operations possible.

A couple walking their dog on a Fall day.

Education and Specialized Training

Medical Education: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Sciences
Internship: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Fellowship: Rubin Institute of Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital
Residency: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Nace completed his specialty fellowship training in joint preservation and reconstruction at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics. He assisted in more than 600 joint reconstruction surgical procedures in this one year of fellowship training, many of which were complex revision procedures.

He completed his orthopedic surgery training in Philadelphia where he was elected by his mentors and colleagues as Chief Resident. He also received the Exceptional Clinical/Patient Care Award. In Philadelphia, Dr. Nace had the opportunity to train with top experts in the fields of sports medicine, joint reconstruction and shoulder surgery. He graduated in the top tenth percentile of his medical school class at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and received honors in his clerkships.

Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Nace was a director of rehabilitation and a physical therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation setting and in an outpatient sports medicine clinic. He graduated summa cum laude with an academic scholarship at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Dr. Nace earned his master’s degree in physical therapy and was the class Vice President. During his five years at Duquesne University, he also earned his bachelor’s degree of science in the health sciences and a minor in biology.

Areas of Interest

Dr. Nace has always valued the importance of advancing his repertoire of skills and increasing his knowledge of orthopedic surgery. He is involved in many continuing medical education and research activities. Dr. Nace enjoys complex and challenging cases. He also appreciates teaching and giving lectures to residents, fellows and the community.

Dr. Nace is a reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals and is also a member of the Maryland Orthopaedic Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association and American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. He is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He is routinely asked to moderate and present at local, national and international meetings annually.

Dr. Nace is a referral source for other orthopedic surgeons throughout the region to complete complex reconstructive surgeries.

Awards

American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) Foundation Emerging Leader Award 2021
Top Doctor-Baltimore Magazine
Clinical Teacher of the Year Award
Attending Physician of the Year Award
FAOAO Award: Fellow of American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics
Executive Board Member- Arthritis Foundation
Elite Reviewer-Journal of Arthroplasty
Exceptional Patient Care Award
Patient Group Exceptional Clinical Performance Scholarship Award

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Nace specializes in the following:

Less invasive surgery
Computer and robotic assisted surgery
Minimally invasive and muscle-sparing procedures
Direct anterior approach to total hip replacement
Rapid recovery protocols
General orthopedics (e.g., fractures, trauma, sprains, strains)
Joint preservation
Sports injuries:
- Ligament reconstruction (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament [ACL])
- Meniscal repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Other tendon and cartilage injuries
Hip replacement
Knee replacement
Shoulder replacement
Complex and challenging joint reconstruction
Revision hip and knee surgery
Partial knee replacement

More Information

Dr. Nace lives in Baltimore and is happily married to an infectious disease physician. He has two daughters and a son who always put a smile on his face! When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, reading, traveling and boating. He has completed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Skills and Seamanship Certification. He also enjoys weight training and exercise.