Macon and Middle Georgia are served by several orthopedic practices offering comprehensive musculoskeletal care ranging from sports medicine and joint replacement to spine surgery and trauma services. The region benefits from both independent physician-owned practices and hospital-affiliated orthopedic programs, providing residents access to board-certified orthopedic surgeons and fellowship-trained specialists. With major healthcare systems including Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Healthcare maintaining orthopedic programs in the area, patients have options for both routine orthopedic care and complex surgical interventions.
1. Middle Georgia Orthopaedics
Sector: Orthopedic Medicine and Surgery
Services: Joint replacement and revision surgery, arthroscopic surgery of shoulder, knee, wrist and ankle, sports injury treatment, spine care including nerve blocks and steroid injections, nonsurgical orthopedic treatment, bone density testing, casting, splinting and bracing, CT scans, digital X-rays, durable medical equipment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation services
Founded: 2005
Physicians: 4 (K. Scott Malone, M.D.; Jeffrey C. Easom, D.O.; William B. Wiley, M.D.; David H. Wiley, M.D.)
About: Middle Georgia Orthopaedics provides orthopedic care through locations in Warner Robins and Perry serving the greater Macon metropolitan area. The practice employs board-certified orthopedic surgeons and a triple-board-certified physiatrist specializing in conditions affecting the ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine, and wrist. Dr. K. Scott Malone specializes in nonsurgical treatment of orthopedic and sports-related injuries with experience in collegiate and professional team care. Dr. Jeffrey C. Easom completed fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopy and specializes in arthroscopic surgery. Dr. William B. Wiley and Dr. David H. Wiley are both fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specializing in arthroscopic procedures and total joint replacement. The practice received Gold recognition for Orthopedics and Bronze for Sports Medicine in the 2024 Best of Middle Georgia awards. On-site services include diagnostic imaging with X-ray and MRI capabilities, full-service physical and occupational therapy, and walk-in appointments for urgent orthopedic needs.
Address: 3051 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31093 (Main Office) and 1013 Main Street, Perry, GA 31069 (Satellite Office)
Contact: (478) 953-4563 | mgo.md
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2. OrthoGeorgia
Sector: Orthopedic Medicine and Surgery
Services: Hand and upper extremity surgery, spine surgery, foot and ankle care, total joint replacement, sports medicine, general orthopedics, orthopedic urgent care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pool therapy, diagnostic imaging including CT, MRI and digital X-ray, ambulatory surgery centers, durable medical equipment and casting, workers’ compensation program, retail pharmacy, bone health clinic, orthobiologics
Founded: 1961
Physicians: 26 orthopedic surgeons, 28 physician assistants and nurse practitioners, 28 physical and occupational therapists
About: OrthoGeorgia is a physician-owned orthopedic practice that has served Central Georgia for over 60 years since its founding by Dr. Waldo Floyd Jr. in 1961. The practice has grown from a single surgeon to become one of the largest orthopedic providers in the region with over 427 employees, making it among the top twenty employers in Macon-Bibb County. OrthoGeorgia operates from multiple locations including its main Macon office at 3708 Northside Drive and a separate Spine and Orthopaedic Center, along with offices in Warner Robins, Kathleen, Milledgeville, Dublin, and Locust Grove. The practice maintains six ambulatory operating rooms and performed approximately 7,000 operations in the past year. OrthoGeorgia physicians have held leadership positions in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Society for Surgery of the Hand, with six surgeons serving as President of the Georgia Orthopaedic Society. The practice provides sports medicine coverage for Middle Georgia State University, Mercer University, Fort Valley State University, and regional high schools. OrthoGeorgia has earned recognition including Viewers Choice awards, Best of Middle Georgia designations, and Greater Macon Business of the Year honors.
Address: 3708 Northside Drive, Building A, Macon, GA 31210
Contact: (478) 745-4206 | orthoga.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3. Piedmont Orthopedics – OrthoAtlanta Macon
Sector: Orthopedic Medicine and Sports Medicine
Services: Sports medicine, shoulder surgery, orthopedic sports medicine, total joint preservation, reconstruction and replacement, spine care (surgical and non-surgical), hand and upper extremity care, foot and ankle care, fractures and dislocations treatment, sprains, strains and torn ligament treatment, arthritis and osteoporosis care, workers’ compensation injuries, MRI imaging, outpatient imaging, outpatient and same-day surgical procedures, physiatry and pain management, physical therapy
Founded: 2023 (Macon location)
Physicians: 3 (Daniel Grahl, M.D.; Jared Hudspeth, M.D.; Michael Mills, M.D.)
About: Piedmont Orthopedics – OrthoAtlanta opened its Macon location in 2023 on the campus of Piedmont Macon North Hospital, representing the practice’s first location in Middle Georgia. The Macon office is staffed by three board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Daniel Grahl and Dr. Jared Hudspeth are sports medicine specialists who provide coverage to Macon-Bibb County high schools and other midstate schools. Dr. Hudspeth completed his orthopedic surgery residency at University of Florida Jacksonville with additional training at Mayo Clinic, followed by a Sports Medicine and Shoulder Reconstruction Fellowship at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas. He serves on multiple committees at Piedmont Macon. Dr. Michael Mills joined the practice in 2024 as a spine surgery specialist, previously serving as a staff surgeon at Doctors Community Medical Center in Maryland and clinical instructor to Howard University Hospital residents. Piedmont Orthopedics – OrthoAtlanta is one of the largest physician-owned orthopedic practices in Georgia with over 70 orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists across 25 locations statewide.
Address: 440 Charter Boulevard, Suite 3302, Macon, GA 31210
Contact: (478) 200-5710 | orthoatlanta.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
4. Atrium Health Navicent Musculoskeletal Care Orthopedic Trauma
Sector: Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
Services: Acute fracture treatment, pelvis and acetabular fracture repair, extremity orthopedic trauma, post-traumatic reconstruction, deformity correction, malunion and nonunion care, osteomyelitis and musculoskeletal infection treatment, hip fracture program, total hip replacement, revision hip and knee arthroplasty, pediatric fracture care, orthopedic trauma fellowship training
Founded: 2009 (Orthopedic Trauma Institute established)
Physicians: 6 fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists
About: Atrium Health Navicent Musculoskeletal Care Orthopedic Trauma operates within Central Georgia’s only Level I Trauma Center, providing specialized orthopedic trauma services to a 30,000 square-mile service area. The program was formed in 2009 when Drs. Lawrence Webb and Cliff Turen established what became a nationally and internationally recognized orthopedic trauma entity. The practice offers Georgia’s only orthopedic trauma fellowship and participates in medical education at Mercer University School of Medicine. Physicians include Dr. Daniel Chan, who specializes in pelvis and acetabular fracture repair and serves as vice-chairman of the practice, Dr. Jarrod Dumpe who focuses on deformity correction and post-traumatic reconstruction, Dr. Mathew Martell who completed his fellowship at the institute and remained to serve Central Georgia, and Dr. Strebe who completed training at University of Maryland and fellowship at The Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. The practice maintains over 35 years of combined experience in orthopedic trauma care and provides comprehensive fracture care for both adult and pediatric patients.
Address: 840 Pine Street, Suite 500, Macon, GA 31201
Contact: (478) 633-8682 | navicenthealth.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
5. Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians – Macon
Sector: Orthopedic Medicine, Spine Surgery, and Pain Management
Services: Back pain treatment, neck pain relief, herniated disc treatment, sciatica treatment, spinal stenosis care, radiculopathy treatment, discogenic pain treatment, facet syndrome treatment, endoscopic spine surgery (discectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy), minimally invasive surgical stabilization, epidural steroid injections, facet injections, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, sports injury treatment, knee surgery, shoulder surgery, hip surgery, ankle surgery, joint replacement surgery, urgent orthopedic care, MRI imaging
Founded: Multi-state practice with national presence
Physicians: Team of dual-board certified physicians and surgeons
About: Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians operates a Macon location as part of a multi-state orthopedic practice with over 60 clinic locations across the Southeast and nationally. The practice specializes in spine conditions and sports medicine, emphasizing non-surgical treatment options before recommending surgical intervention. When surgery is necessary, the practice offers endoscopic spine surgery techniques that use smaller incisions for reduced blood loss, less downtime, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. The Macon office includes diagnostic imaging capabilities with on-site MRI services. The practice treats conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and various sports-related injuries affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians maintains a low patient-to-physician ratio to provide individualized attention and develops personalized treatment approaches for each patient.
Address: 4601 Arkwright Road, Macon, GA 31210
Contact: (478) 273-8120 | orthosportandspine.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
About Macon, GA
Macon is located in Bibb County in central Georgia, approximately 85 miles south of Atlanta along the Interstate 75 corridor. The city serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and professional services throughout Middle Georgia.
Population and Demographics: The Macon-Bibb County consolidated government area has a population of approximately 157,000 residents. The greater Macon metropolitan statistical area, which includes Bibb, Crawford, Jones, Monroe, and Twiggs counties, has a population exceeding 230,000. The median age is approximately 35 years with a diverse demographic composition.
Healthcare Infrastructure: Macon serves as the healthcare center for Middle Georgia with major hospital systems including Atrium Health Navicent, which operates the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, and Piedmont Healthcare with Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital. The concentration of healthcare facilities supports a robust network of specialty medical practices including multiple orthopedic providers.
Economic Profile: Healthcare represents a significant sector of Macon’s economy, with Atrium Health Navicent serving as one of the largest employers in the region. Other major employers include GEICO, Mercer University, YKK Corporation, and Robins Air Force Base located nearby in Warner Robins. The presence of a military installation contributes to demand for orthopedic services related to both active duty personnel and veterans.
Educational Institutions: Mercer University, located in Macon, operates the Mercer University School of Medicine which contributes to medical education in the region and provides a pipeline of trained physicians. The medical school participates in orthopedic education programs and residency training in partnership with local healthcare systems.
Sports and Recreation: Middle Georgia supports active sports programs at the collegiate and high school levels, creating demand for sports medicine services. Local orthopedic practices provide team physician coverage for Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, Fort Valley State University, and regional high school athletic programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a physiatrist?
An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who completed medical school followed by a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery, qualifying them to perform surgical procedures on bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Many orthopedic surgeons complete additional fellowship training in subspecialties such as sports medicine, spine surgery, hand surgery, or joint replacement. A physiatrist, also called a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, is a physician who focuses on non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, using approaches such as injections, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to restore function and reduce pain. Some orthopedic practices employ both surgeons and physiatrists to provide comprehensive care ranging from conservative treatment to surgical intervention when necessary.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist rather than my primary care physician?
Primary care physicians can evaluate and treat many common musculoskeletal complaints, but referral to an orthopedic specialist may be appropriate when symptoms persist despite initial treatment, when imaging studies reveal structural abnormalities requiring specialized interpretation, when surgical intervention may be needed, or when the condition requires expertise in a particular area such as sports injuries or spine conditions. Signs that warrant orthopedic evaluation include severe pain limiting daily activities, joint instability or giving way, significant swelling that does not improve, inability to bear weight on a limb, and symptoms that worsen or fail to improve over several weeks. Many orthopedic practices accept self-referrals for initial evaluation without requiring a referral from another physician.
What should I expect during my first orthopedic appointment?
An initial orthopedic appointment typically begins with a review of your medical history and the specific symptoms or injury that prompted your visit. The physician will perform a physical examination focusing on the affected area, assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and pain response. Depending on the condition, you may need diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, which many orthopedic offices can perform on-site during the same visit. More advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans may be ordered for a subsequent appointment. After evaluation, the physician will discuss their findings, provide a diagnosis when possible, and recommend a treatment plan. Bring a list of current medications, any previous imaging studies or medical records related to your condition, and questions you want to ask. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the affected area facilitates the examination.
How do I know if I need surgery for an orthopedic condition?
The decision to proceed with orthopedic surgery depends on multiple factors including the specific diagnosis, severity of the condition, impact on daily function, response to non-surgical treatments, and patient preferences. Most orthopedic surgeons recommend exhausting conservative treatment options before considering surgery for non-emergency conditions. Conservative treatments may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, bracing, and activity modification. Surgery may be recommended when these measures fail to provide adequate relief, when imaging studies show structural problems that cannot be corrected without intervention, or when delay could lead to worsening of the condition. Emergency situations such as certain fractures, dislocations, or complete tendon ruptures may require more urgent surgical treatment. A second opinion from another orthopedic surgeon can help patients make informed decisions about recommended procedures.
What is the recovery time after joint replacement surgery?
Recovery from joint replacement surgery varies based on the specific joint replaced, surgical technique used, patient age and overall health, and compliance with rehabilitation. For total knee replacement, most patients use a walker or cane for two to four weeks and return to driving within four to six weeks if the surgery was on the left leg or if driving an automatic transmission. Full recovery with return to normal activities typically takes three to six months. Total hip replacement generally allows faster initial recovery, with many patients walking with a cane within one to two weeks and returning to driving in three to four weeks. Shoulder replacement has a longer rehabilitation period of four to six months due to the complexity of shoulder movement. Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery from any joint replacement, typically beginning within days of surgery and continuing for several months. Following the surgeon’s restrictions and therapy protocols directly impacts outcomes and recovery timeline.