Summary

Dr. Robert E. Nakken is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Southern Utah Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Cedar City, Utah. A Cedar City native and former college basketball player at Southern Utah University, Dr. Nakken brings not only decades of clinical expertise but also a deep personal connection to the community he serves.

After earning degrees in biology and chemistry at SUU, he completed medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Since returning to Cedar City, Dr. Nakken has become a trusted leader in orthopedic care across Southern Utah.

Dr. Nakken was the first surgeon in the region to perform shoulder arthroscopy, including minimally invasive rotator cuff repairs. He has also advanced the quality of hip and knee surgery at Cedar City Hospital by introducing techniques such as anterior hip replacement, which can support quicker recovery. His efforts to improve surgical outcomes extend beyond the local community—he co-authored the Intermountain Health system’s infection prevention guidelines for surgery.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Nakken has served as the team physician for Southern Utah University. His specialties include joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder, as well as sports injury treatment and fracture care. Known for his compassionate approach and innovative techniques, Dr. Nakken partners with patients to help them regain mobility and enjoy life fully.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Nakken enjoys spending time with his wife, Sydney, and their five children. He values time in the mountains, attending sporting events, and giving back to the community he calls home.
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Quick Facts

  • accepting new patients
  • 3
  • 33 years of experience
  • speaks Spanish, English
  • Medical College Of Wisconsin
  • 5 written reviews
  • 2 specialties
  • 15 areas of expertise
  • 1 board certification
  • 1 hospital affiliation
  • 1 office location
  • Male

Patients’ Perspective

  • Gave an accurate diagnosis
  • Had a good bedside manner
  • Spent time with me

Office Location

Dr. Robert Eugene Nakken

166 W 1325 NCedar City, UT 84721
Mon9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri9:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

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Dr. Robert Eugene Nakken, MD
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Dr. Robert Eugene Nakken, MDDillon T. Jolley, PADr. Lex Shapp Allen, MDDr. Randy Ray Clark, MD
Orthopedic SurgeryOrthopedic SurgeryOrthopedic SurgerySports Medicine
Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients
4.7 
4.4 
33 Years of Experience 18 Years of Experience 20 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks Spanish, English Speaks English, Spanish Speaks English, Spanish
Cedar City , UTCedar City , UTCedar City , UTSt George , UT
Med School: St Louis University School Of Medicine Med School: Spencer Fox Eccles School Of Medicine At The University Of Utah Med School: Spencer Fox Eccles School Of Medicine At The University Of Utah
Current Profile
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Insurance Plans Accepted by Dr. Robert Eugene Nakken

Be sure to verify insurance information directly with your doctor's office, as it may undergo frequent changes.

Medical Specialties

Dr. Robert Eugene Nakken has the following 2 specialties

Specialty Expertise

Dr. Robert Eugene Nakken has the following 15 areas of expertise

  • Arthroscopy
  • Bone Fracture
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Herniated Disc
  • Hip Surgery
  • Joint Pain/Swelling
  • Joint Replacement
  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Laminectomy
  • Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoarthritis (Hand and Wrist)
  • Scoliosis
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgery

Certifications, License, & Education

33 Years Experience

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, Utah, 2026, Expired

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Residency

Medical College Of Wisconsin

Medical School

St Louis University School Of MedicineGraduated in 1993

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Frequently Asked Questions

What languages does Dr. Robert Nakken speak?
Dr. Robert Nakken speaks Spanish and English.
Where is Dr. Robert Nakken's office located?
Dr. Robert Nakken's office is located at 166 W 1325 N, Cedar City, UT, 84721.
Does Dr. Robert Nakken accept virtual/telehealth appointments?
Dr. Robert Nakken has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Robert Nakken?
You can find contact information for Dr. Robert Nakken here on Vitals.
Is Dr. Robert Nakken accepting new patients?
Dr. Robert Nakken is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Robert Nakken's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.

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