How to Find the Best Knee Surgeon

Posted on: June 5th, 2025 by Our Team

When searching for the best Knee surgeon near you, it is important to find an Orthopedic surgeon who is well-trained, experienced, and genuinely focused on your needs. Here are some reasons why Dr. Shane Nho is regarded as the best knee surgeon in Illinois and nationally.

Expert Orthopedic Training

Dr. Nho is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in Illinois and is fellowship-trained in sports medicine. He treats adolescents and adults with sports medicine injuries. Certification affirms that an Orthopedic surgeon has met high standards – set by their peers – of knowledge, experience and lifelong learning that are essential for providing all patients with excellence.

Dr. Nho graduated from Rush University Medical School and performed his Orthopedic residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. He completed his fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Nho was also awarded the AOA-North American Traveling Fellowship which recognizes young leaders for their early contribution to orthopedics.

He currently serves as the team physician for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel adn DePaul University. Dr. Nho has been named by his peers one of the “Best Doctors in America” by Castle Connolly, as well as being named to Chicago Best Doctor List by Chicago Magazine. He was also awarded the AANA Stephen J. Snyder, M.D. Arthroscopy Instructor Award in 2021 as well as AANA Grant Recipient in 2013, 2018, and 2021.

What does it mean to be a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon?

Board-certified Orthopedic surgeons must graduate from an accredited four-year medical school and have successfully completed a five-year accredited Orthopedic residency program in the United States or Canada.

After completing an accredited residency program, they must take a Part I computer-based examination. An Orthopedic surgeon who has passed the Part 1 exam, is eligible to take Part II an oral examination. They must have a full and unrestricted medical license and have been in practice for 17 months in one location. Peer reviews are required.  If the board decides the candidate is eligible to take Part II, they will be admitted to take the oral exam. After passing the Part II exam, they will receive board certification and become a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

What does it mean to be fellowship trained in sports medicine?

A fellowship in sports medicine is a one-year program that has been accredited by the Council for Graduate Medical Education. A fellowship-trained Orthopedic surgeon elects to spend an extra year of specialty Orthopedic training focusing on sports medicine.

Dr. Nho has a history of academic excellence

Dr. Nho has been actively involved in orthopedic research throughout his medical career. His focus is on knee preservation, relieving pain and restoring function. Knee preservation surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at maintaining the natural function and anatomy of the knee joint to delay or prevent the need for knee replacement. These surgeries are designed to treat various knee conditions, such as cartilage damage, ligament injuries, or early arthritis, by restoring stability, alignment, and joint integrity. Techniques like osteotomy, cartilage repair, and meniscal transplants are often employed to preserve as much of the knee’s original structure as possible, ultimately aiming to alleviate pain, improve function, and extend the lifespan of the knee joint, particularly in younger or more active patients.

Dr. Nho is focused on creating an exceptional sports medicine patient experience.

Creating the best sports medicine patient experience involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the clinical and emotional needs of patients. Dr. Nho’s approach to patient care is personalized, based on each patient’s injury, health history and personal goals whether they are a professional athletes or a weekend warrior. He practices evidence-based Orthopaedic Surgery, using the best available evidence to make decisions about patient care.

Dr. Nho combines his clinical expertise with external evidence from research, and considers each patient’s values, preference, and circumstances to create a customized treatment plan tailored to the specifics of each patient’s needs. He empowers patients through education about their injury or condition, the healing process and the steps they can take to contribute to their recovery.

Dr. Shane Nho is the best knee surgeon in Illinois. Midwest orthopedics is the #1.

Dr. Nho is extensively trained in arthroscopic management of knee problems including ACL tears, ACL reconstruction, knee chondral injuries, meniscus tears, patellar fractures, patellar instability, patellar tendon tears, and Quadriceps tendon tears to name a few.

Dr. Nho is skillful at the intricacies of treating traumatic sports injuries and overuse injuries and getting athletes back in the game. He offers advanced and minimally invasive procedures for Knee injuries.

Dr. Shane Nho is an associate professor in the department of orthopedic surgery and co-director of the sports medicine fellowship program at Rush University Medical Center.

Dr. Nho has a passion for athletics and compassion for athletes suffering from sports injuries and their desire to return to their chosen sport. His focus is on prolonging the life of the native joint as long as possible. To that end, he uses cartilage restoration, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy and other orthobiologics techniques to promote tissue healing and joint longevity. Dr. Nho also works closely with physical therapists to help restore patients to maximum function.

When you or a loved one needs an Orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports injuries, and Knee injuries and conditions, contact Dr. Shane Nho at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush. Founded in Chicago in 2003, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is widely recognized as a national leader in comprehensive orthopedic services. Dr. Nho is nationally respected and specializes in orthopedic care in Oak Brook, Illinois.