Ky M. Kobayashi, MD
Dr. Ky Kobayashi is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with dual specialization in disorders of the hand and upper extremity, including complex shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions. Based in Colorado Springs, Dr. Kobayashi is widely regarded for his surgical precision, compassionate patient care, and dedication to restoring optimal function to individuals of all activity levels—from elite athletes to everyday workers.
Dr. Kobayashi holds dual Certificates of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand and Sports Medicine, a rare distinction that reflects his broad and comprehensive expertise across the entire upper limb. His surgical repertoire includes advanced procedures in microsurgery, arthroscopy, nerve repair, tendon reconstruction, fracture management, and total shoulder arthroplasty. His experience encompasses both acute traumatic injuries and chronic degenerative disorders, such as rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and nerve entrapment syndromes.
A distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Kobayashi earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine with honors. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Connecticut, followed by a fellowship in hand, wrist, elbow, and microvascular surgery at the Tufts Combined Hand Fellowship in Boston—a program known for its emphasis on complex upper extremity reconstruction from the hand to shoulder.
Dr. Kobayashi is a retired officer in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction in multiple combat zones. His military career included leadership in combat casualty care, limb salvage, and surgical reconstruction, earning him numerous commendations for exemplary service. He has brought these high-stakes surgical skills to civilian practice, offering patients the same caliber of care trusted by military personnel in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Kobayashi has contributed significantly to orthopedic education and professional leadership. He has served as Assistant Program Director for the orthopedic residency program at Wilford Hall Medical Center, one of the military’s most prominent training institutions. He is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado Department of Orthopedics where he continues to mentor the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Kobayashi has authored peer-reviewed publications, contributed to orthopedic textbook chapters, and delivered national presentations on topics including upper extremity trauma, military surgery, and sports medicine.
Nationally, Dr. Kobayashi is an active contributor to orthopedic innovation and standards of care. He has served on the Board of Specialties for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Military Relations Committee for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and is a past leader within the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOMOS). His insights and leadership have influenced orthopedic care policy, trauma system development, and surgical education across the country.
Dr. Kobayashi maintains a strong connection to the athletic community. He has served as a team physician for the U.S. Air Force Academy Division I sports teams and is currently an orthopedic consultant for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. His sports medicine practice emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, joint preservation strategies, and return-to-play protocols that prioritize both performance and long-term joint health.
Whether treating an elite athlete, injured worker, or retiree seeking to restore quality of life, Dr. Kobayashi delivers evidence-based, individualized care grounded in experience, innovation, and integrity. Patients benefit from his deep understanding of complex anatomy, advanced surgical techniques, and a collaborative approach that places their goals and outcomes at the center of the treatment plan.
Conditions Treated by Dr. Ky Kobayashi Include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral nerve compression
Trigger finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and overuse tendonitis
Fractures and dislocations of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder
Shoulder instability, labral tears, and rotator cuff pathology
Nerve and microvascular trauma, including brachial plexus injuries
Sports-related injuries of the shoulder and elbow
Degenerative joint disease and arthritis requiring joint reconstruction or replacement
Request a Consultation
If you are experiencing pain, loss of function, or an injury affecting your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, trust your care to a nationally recognized expert. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ky Kobayashi and take the first step toward restoring mobility, strength, and confidence in your upper extremity health.
Specialties:
- Arthroscopic Surgery – Wrist, Elbow & Shoulder
- Elbow Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Wrist Surgery
- Reconstruction Shoulder Surgery
- Sports Medicine
Education:
BS: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
MD: University of Colorado, Denver, CO
Residency: Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
Fellowship: Tufts Combined Hand/Upper Extremity Fellowship, Boston, MA
Board Certifications:
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS) Diplomate
- Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Surgery of the Hand/ Sports Medicine
Team Physician:
- 2015 – Present Orthopaedic Consultant, United States Olympic Training Center
- 2009-2014 Team Physician the United States Air Force Academy Division I Sports
Memberships:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand
- Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Colorado Medical Society
- El Paso County Medical Society
Dana Hubbard, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Dana serves as a physician assistant for Dr. Kobayashi specializing in upper extremity and sports medicine orthopedic care. Her duties include managing patients in the clinic, fracture care and assisting cases in the operating room. She is proficient in shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand injuries as well as diagnosis and treatment of chronic orthopedic issues.
Prior to joining the upper extremity team, Dana graduated from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ and subsequently completed a 1-year advanced fellowship in orthopedic surgery at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. As a certified physician assistant since 2010, Dana has extensive experience with patient care in both a primary care and orthopedic setting.
Tim Pekari, DSc-PA
Physician Assistant
Tim serves as a physician assistant for Dr. Kobayashi, specializing in upper extremity and sports medicine orthopedic care. His duties include managing patients in the clinic, fracture care, and post-operative follow-up care. He is proficient in acute traumatic injuries of the upper extremity as well as diagnosis and treatment of chronic injuries of the upper extremity.
Prior to joining the upper extremity team, Tim graduated from the Joint Services Interservice Physician Assistant Program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, under the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Subsequently, Tim completed an 18-month Doctoral fellowship in clinical orthopedics through Baylor University. As a certified physician assistant in the Army since 2011, Tim has served three combat tours and has extensive experience in traumatic injuries as well as treating patients in the primary care setting.
Leann Murphy-Steinbeck, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Leann serves as a physician assistant for Dr. Kobayashi specializing in upper extremity and sports medicine orthopedic care. Her duties include managing patients in the clinic, fracture care, and post-operative follow-up care. She is proficient in managing acute injuries as well as chronic conditions of the upper extremities.
Prior to joining the upper extremity team, Leann graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Microbiology from Bradley University. She then spent one year in Kenya working for Missions of Hope international creating health education programs as well as coordinating temporary medical clinics. She later graduated from Midwestern University with her master’s in physician assistant studies in 2013. She has worked in orthopedics since 2015. She understands the value of collaborative care and is grateful to work with an amazing team. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and camping.
I want to thank Dr. Kobayashi and all the wonderful, caring people at Colorado Center of Orthopedic Excellence in Colorado Springs for my successful hand surgery. Dr. Kobayashi and all the staff from the front desk to scheduling, to the actual hands on care providers have been attentive, considerate, highly competent and just plain good at their jobs. The surgery itself was virtually painless. A little stick to start the numbing and I never felt anything else. I was made comfortable on the table and checked several times during the surgery to make sure I remained that way. Dr. Kobayashi is a competent and efficient surgeon. He was all done more quickly than I imagined. The follow up visits were timely and everything I needed. The doctor and all the staff made it clear, that if I thought I needed something all I had to do was call.
I’m an old guy with a military background and a penchant for fast cars and motorcycles along with other interests that caused me to need medical care from time to time. I have had too much to do with doctors and I have never received better care anytime, anywhere.
Excellence is not just in their name. My experience is that excellence is their culture.