Dr. Nathaniel
Stewart, M.D.
Providing state of the art orthopedic care to the Chippewa Valley for over 29 years. Pioneer in hip arthroscopy, published researcher, and dedicated advocate for his patients.
Western Wisconsin's Most Experienced
Hip & Knee Surgeon
Dr. Stewart is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee surgery who sees patients in Altoona, Rice Lake and Chippewa Falls.
Hip Preservation
Dr. Stewart treats a variety of hip conditions with techniques collectively referred to as hip preservation. This includes hip arthroscopy, labral repair, tendon repairs, and osteotomies. As the most experienced hip arthroscopist in Western Wisconsin, Dr. Stewart began performing hip arthroscopy in 2000. Being an orthopedic surgeon at the forefront of arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement, Dr. Stewart has collaborated on research with the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire on the relationship between sports participation and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Current research includes how FAI can lead to hip arthritis.
Hip Replacement
In December of 2013, Dr. Stewart began using the direct anterior (DA) approach for hip replacement surgery in the vast majority of patients. Currently, all his primary hip replacements are done through the direct anterior (DA) approach. While he changed to the direct anterior approach for faster patient recovery, his original research published in January of 2016(1) demonstrated the increased accuracy of component positioning when total hips done through the direct anterior approach are compared to the posterior approach.
In the spring of 2016, Dr. Stewart added the MAKO Robot to his total hip and total knee operations. After some 600 robotic hips in 2022, Dr. Stewart switched to fluoroscopic AI. In collaboration with Orthogrid AI, the first artificial intelligence fluoroscopic anterior total hip was done in March of 2022 at Oakleaf Surgical Hospital in Altoona Wisconsin. This has allowed the most efficient, accurate hip replacement currently available. Dr. Stewart has found Orthogrid AI to be as accurate as robotic hip replacement with a smaller incision and less radiation for the patient. He continues to use MAKO robotics for his knee replacement patients.
Knee Surgery
Dr. Stewart was an early proponent of robotic knee replacements. The vast majority of his knee replacements are done with robotics which improves recovery and balance. Robotic joint replacement is performed at both Oakleaf surgical hospital and Cedar Crest Surgical Center in Rice Lake. Dr. Stewart also performs knee arthroscopy including meniscal root repair.
Personal History
After completing his residency training at the Mayo Clinic in 1997, Dr. Stewart worked for Mayo Clinic. He later joined Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic in 2003. He is grateful for the trust patients and referring physicians have given him over these years. He is also thankful to the staff at Oakleaf Surgical Hospital and CedarCrest Surgery Center for their partnership in providing quality state of the art care. Their dedication and hard work allow Dr. Stewart, and the other members of Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Clinic, to provide exceptional orthopedic care to the Chippewa Valley and for the many patients who travel here for their care. When not working, Dr. Stewart enjoys time at his hobby farm in Colfax with his two sons, their wives, and his two grandchildren.
Certifications & Affiliations
Dr. Stewart's training and professional recognition reflect a career dedicated to advancing orthopedic care in western Wisconsin.
Research & Publications
Browse Dr. Stewart's peer-reviewed work spanning orthopedic biomechanics, surgical treatment, and hip and knee reconstruction.
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