Dr. Carl Nissen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in sports medicine and a Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Connecticut. He completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, earned his medical degree at the University of Connecticut, and pursued residency training in orthopedic surgery at UConn. He then completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center under Dr. Frank Noyes.
Dr. Nissen specializes in sports-related injuries in children, adolescents, and young adults, with expertise in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), ACL injury prevention and reconstruction, elbow and shoulder injuries, and care of the overhead athlete. He has served as team physician for multiple high schools and colleges, Lead Team Physician for the U-19 U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team, and consultant to Major League Lacrosse.
An award-winning educator, Dr. Nissen has twice been recognized as Educator of the Year for his work with residents and fellows. He has authored more than 50 scientific publications and presents regularly at regional and national meetings. His research focuses on the prevention and treatment of common athletic injuries, particularly cartilage and ligament disorders in youth athletes.
In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Nissen has been a leading advocate for concussion awareness and safety, helping draft legislation in Connecticut, establishing the Connecticut Concussion Task Force, and developing regional concussion management programs. He is an active member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), PRiSM, and the multicenter Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) group.