Nolan Wessell, MD
Assistant Professor, Orthopedics

Assistant Professor
Co-Director of Orthopedic Well-Being
Board Member - Colorado Orthopedic Society
Board Member - Mile High Area American Red Cross

Clinic 720-848-1980

Gender: Male
Languages: English
Department, Section/Division: Orthopedics

Practice Locations

UCHealth Spine Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion - 1st Floor
12605 E. 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-1980
More providers at this location

CU Medicine Orthopedics - Highlands Ranch Specialty Care Center
1500 Park Central Drive
Suite 401
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
720-516-4087
More providers at this location

UCHealth Orthopedics - Highlands Ranch Hospital
1500 Park Central Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
720-516-1000
More providers at this location

Hospital Affiliation

University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties

Orthopedics, Board Certification (2022)
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Board Certification (2022)
Basic Cardiac Life Support, Certificate (2018)
Colorado Medical License, License (2017)

Conditions & Treatments

Failed Prior Surgery
Spine
Annular Tears/Fissures
Back Pain
Back Sprain Injuries
Bulging Discs
Cervical disc herniation
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervicalgia (Neck Pain)
Degenerative back conditions
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative neck conditions
Degenerative Scoliosis
Disc Extrusions
Disc Prolapse
Disc Protrusions
Facet Arthropathy
Herniated Discs (HNP)
Intervertebral Disc Disorder
Low-back Pain
Lumbar disc herniation
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Myelopathy
Neurogenic Claudication
Osteoporosis and compression fractures
Piriformis syndrome
Post-laminectomy Syndrome
Radiculopathy
Ruptured Discs
Sacroiliac Joint
Sacroiliitis
Sacrum and coccyx (tailbone) injuries
Sciatica
Slipped Disc
Spinal Stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis (pars defects and fractures)
Sports-related neck and back injuries
Synovial cyst
Thoracic Pain
Whiplash

Clinical Interest for Patients
Orthopedic Spine injuries and disorders.

Care Philosophy
I believe in educating patients about their conditions so that we can work together as a team towards improving their quality of life.

Personal Interests
I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. Personally, I enjoy playing hunting/fishing, hockey, cycling and golfing.

Public Speaking
Yes

Education & Training

Medical Schools:

MD, Wayne State University School of Medicine (2012)

Graduate Schools:

MBA, University of Colorado Denver (2024)

Undergraduate Schools:

BS, University of Wisconsin–Madison (WI) (2006)

Internships:

Henry Ford Hospital Program (2013)

Residency Program:

Henry Ford Hospital Program, Chief Resident, Orthopedics (2017)

Fellowships:

University of Colorado (University Hospital) Program, Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine (2018)

Recognition & Awards

CU Medicine Alumni Hero, CU Medicine Alumni Association (2025)
CU Medicine Alumni Hero, CU Medicine Alumni Association (2024)
Young Surgeon Grant Award, International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (2021)
Top Doctors Award - Orthopedic Surgeon, Colorado Magazine (2021)
Nominee - Resident of the Year, Henry Ford Health System (2017)
Nominee - Resident Leadership Forum, American Orthopaedic Association (2016)
Best Research Paper Award, Michigan Orthopaedic Society (2016)
2nd Place - Medical Education Research Symposium, Henry Ford Health System (2016)
Educational Grant Recipient, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association (2016)
1st Place - Resident Research Symposium, Detroit Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2015)
3rd Place - Resident Research Symposium, Detroit Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2015)
3rd Place - Medical Education Research Symposium, Henry Ford Health System (2015)
Edward D. Henderson, MD - Physician-In-Training Research Award, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association (2014)
O.B. Weed Scholarship, Wayne State University School of Medicine (2012)
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha (2011)
Year III - Comprehensive Honors, Wayne State University School of Medicine (2011)
Prentis Foundation Medical Scholarship, Wayne State University School of Medicine (2010)
Year I - Comprehensive Honors, Wayne State University School of Medicine (2009)
Iber Health Education Scholarship, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin (2009)
Dean's List, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2005)
William F. Vilas Scholarship, University of Wisconsin - Madison (2003)

Professional Memberships

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Member
American Orthopedic Association, Member
Colorado Orthopedic Society, Member
North American Spine Society, Member

Teaching

Assistant Professor (2018)
School of Medicine, Orthopedics

Research & Grants

Research interests for Patients:
Pre- and post-operative pain management; Complex cervical spine surgery; Healthcare efficiency

Information for Referring Providers

Clinical Interests for Referring Providers
Orthopedic Spine injuries and disorders.

Research Interest for Referring Providers
Pain management; Complex cervical spine surgery
CV Curriculum Vitae - Wessell (03-04-25).pdf

Nolan Wessell, MDAssistant Professor, Orthopedics

Assistant Professor Co-Director of Orthopedic Well-Being Board Member - Colorado Orthopedic Society Board Member - Mile High Area American Red Cross