Listening to Patients
Time to understand symptoms, concerns, expectations, and questions.
Expert care. A more active tomorrow.
Orthopedic
Surgeon
Nashville TN Dr. Ethan Kellum
Care begins by understanding what pain is taking away from your life—and what you want to return to.
A more personal standard
Orthopedic Surgeon in Nashville, TN Dr. Ethan Kellum
Some challenges respond to an orthobiologic. Some challenges do better with surgery. Some even do the best with surgery and orthobiologics. The person telling you which is which is the same person who does it all.
Dr. Kellum helps patients understand the cause of their symptoms and develop treatment plans around their goals, activity levels, and lifestyles.
Whether the concern is knee pain, shoulder problems, sports injuries, arthritis, or chronic joint discomfort, his approach looks beyond temporary relief toward restored movement and quality of life.
Experience. Compassion. Real results.
Meet Dr.
Ethan Kellum
Orthopedic Surgeon. Advocate for an active life.
Stronger people
Stronger communities
Dr. Ethan Kellum is a sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine expert specializing in stem cell therapy. While he continues to perform arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder and knee, his primary focus is helping patients avoid surgery through regenerative treatments such as bone marrow (stem cells), adipose (fat) tissue, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—along with other regenerative medicine options.
“Restore movement, reduce pain, and promote long-term joint health through minimally invasive, science-backed care.”
A team physician for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and USA Basketball who has also worked with the Boston Celtics, Dr. Kellum earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, completed residency at the Medical College of Georgia, and trained in fellowship at New England Baptist Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. A member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the world’s only medical honors society, and author of peer-reviewed publications, he blends medical precision with genuine care for each patient.
Ethan Kellum, MD
How care is shaped
Four principles behind every patient conversation.
Expertise matters. So does feeling heard, understanding the choices, and knowing why a recommendation fits your life.
Treating the Underlying Cause
Identifying the source of pain and dysfunction rather than simply masking it.
Exploring Conservative Options First
Considering non-surgical approaches before surgery whenever appropriate.
Delivering Individualized Care
Plans shaped around condition, age, activity level, and long-term goals.
The person before the protocol
Personalized Stem Cell Therapy and Orthopedic Care
A young athlete recovering from injury has different needs than someone navigating age-related joint degeneration or chronic pain.
Dr. Kellum evaluates the condition, lifestyle, and expectations before recommending treatment, with the goal of improving function and supporting lasting results.
Areas of orthopedic focus
Care organized around how you want to move.
01
Knee Pain Treatment with Dr. Kellum
Care for sports injuries, overuse, arthritis, ligament and meniscus injury, cartilage damage, instability, or chronic inflammation.
Explore knee care ↗02
Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Care
Evaluation for rotator cuff injuries, impingement, labral tears, arthritis, frozen shoulder, and persistent pain.
Explore shoulder care ↗03
Hip Pain and Joint Preservation
Options for hip arthritis, labral injuries, tendon disorders, chronic pain, and mobility limitations.
Explore hip care ↗04
Sports Injury Care for Active Patients
Treatment strategies for ACL and meniscus injuries, shoulder and tendon injuries, ligament sprains, overuse conditions, and muscle strains.
Explore sports care ↗05
Spine Care
Evaluation for back and neck pain, disc and soft-tissue patterns, nerve-related symptoms, and chronic stiffness.
Explore spine care ↗Advanced options, carefully considered
Regenerative Orthopedic Treatments
Regenerative medicine supports the body’s natural healing processes and may be considered for certain joint and soft-tissue conditions.
A thorough evaluation determines whether these treatments belong in a comprehensive care plan.
Explore treatmentsClarity before decisions
A Commitment to Patient Education
Patients should feel comfortable and confident in their treatment decisions.
- 01
Understand the condition and what may contribute to symptoms.
- 02
Compare conservative, regenerative, and surgical options.
- 03
Discuss recovery timelines and realistic variability.
- 04
Plan for long-term joint health.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Kellum
Medical precision, explained like a partner.
- Individualized treatment plans
- Comprehensive evaluations
- Conservative approaches when appropriate
- Advanced regenerative therapies
- Clear patient education
- Compassionate care
Patient perspectives
What patients remember
“Very knowledgeable and clearly understood my shoulder pain and recommended a course of treatment.”
“There is no rushing through the appointment. Treated as if I was his only patient.”
“Dr. Kellum truly cares about your success.”