Dr. Nikolaj Wolfson MD, FRCSC, FACS

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Delivering Individualized, State-of-the-Art Orthopedic Care in San Francisco, Citrus Heights, and Napa

Nikolaj Wolfson, MD, FRCSC, FACS, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon based in San Francisco, is renowned for his extensive expertise in orthopedic reconstruction surgery, joint replacement, and sports trauma. With a career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Wolfson has revolutionized patient care through his innovative techniques and dedication to providing customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

At his private practice, Wolfson Orthopedics, Dr. Wolfson is dedicated to prioritizing his patients’ well-being. He and his team develop highly effective, personalized treatment plans that address the specific conditions and lifestyles of their patients. This patient-centered approach extends beyond the clinic, as Dr. Wolfson often visits patients in their homes when necessary, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care. By employing evidence-based practices and cutting-edge technology, he guarantees that his patients are treated with the utmost compassion and expertise.

Dr. Wolfson earned his Medical Degree from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel, and completed his residency at the University of Western Ontario. His fellowship in adult joint replacement and orthopedic trauma was completed at the prestigious University of Toronto. He has also served as a full-time faculty member and assistant professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. 

Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Dr. Wolfson was among the first orthopedic surgeons to adopt the Direct Anterior Approach for hip replacement surgery. With over 1,500 successful procedures, he has demonstrated that this technique allows for a quicker and less painful recovery, enabling patients to return to their daily activities more swiftly and comfortably. His commitment to advancing orthopedic practices extends to his pioneering use of ConforMIS knee implants, which are uniquely designed to fit the individual anatomy of each patient, ensuring optimal outcomes.

In addition to his surgical innovations, Dr. Wolfson has a profound understanding of complex orthopedic conditions. His training in The Ilizarov Technique under the guidance of Professor G.A. Ilizarov in the late 1980s positioned him as one of the few practitioners in North America qualified to perform this groundbreaking procedure for limb lengthening and extremity reconstruction. Dr. Wolfson’s proficiency in this technique has significantly benefited both children and adults facing challenges related to limb deformities.

As an elite athlete with two national titles as a former boxer, Dr. Wolfson understands the needs of both professional and recreational athletes. His expertise encompasses a wide range of sports-related injuries, including sprains, cartilage damage, meniscus, and ligament injuries. His unique perspective as an athlete enhances his ability to relate to his patients and provide comprehensive care that promotes recovery and performance.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Wolfson dedicates his time to humanitarian efforts, volunteering for natural disaster missions worldwide. Following the devastating earthquakes in Haiti (2010) and Nepal (2015), he traveled to these regions with fellow surgeons to provide critical care to those affected. Dr. Wolfson is also a member of the Disaster Orthopedic Initiative and serves on the Trauma Committee and Board of Directors for SICOT, the world’s oldest and largest international orthopedic organization.

Dr. Wolfson is passionate about advancing orthopedic technology and is actively involved with several startups. His contributions to the development of unique metal alloys at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) demonstrate his commitment to innovation in the field. As an accomplished writer, he has authored numerous abstracts and co-authored the book “Orthopedics in Disasters,” published by Springer Nature.

“I am fortunate to have an opportunity to take care of our patients and do it together with wonderful and dedicated healthcare providers both locally and around the world. Being a surgeon is not just a profession, it is a lifestyle. I will quote W.J Mayo: The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered…”.

Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Wolfson enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and traveling. However, his passion for medicine remains his primary focus. He continually dedicates time to studying new orthopedic technologies and inventing medical devices that enhance the efficacy of orthopedic procedures.

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