Southern Utah Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

This department offers

  • Arthritis Therapy
  • Athletic Injuries and Prevention
  • Hand therapy & splinting
  • Musculoskeletal care
  • Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy
  • Orthopedic Rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Physical therapy & rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Return to Sport

Comprehensive Orthopedic Care in Cedar City

At Southern Utah Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we provide expert care to help you move more and hurt less. Located in Cedar City, our board-certified surgeons and experienced physician assistants treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions—from fractures and joint degeneration to complex joint replacements and minimally invasive surgeries.

We proudly serve Cedar City, Iron County communities, and student-athletes from Southern Utah University and area high schools.

Conditions We Treat

Our team offers specialized care for:

  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand conditions
  • Hip, knee, and shoulder arthritis or injury
  • Sports-related injuries and chronic pain
  • Rotator cuff and labral tears
  • Fractures and traumatic injuries
 

What Sets Us Apart

Learn about the various benefits of care at Southern Utah Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

As the official orthopedic providers for SUU and local schools, we bring elite-level care to every patient—on and off the field.
We offer cutting-edge procedures like wrist arthroscopy, ACL and meniscus repairs, and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. These techniques typically reduce pain, speed healing, and leave smaller scars.
Many hand and wrist surgeries can be performed in our clinic using only local anesthesia—no fasting or hospital stay required. Most patients go home shortly after the procedure.
We specialize in the latest hip replacement method—performed through a muscle-sparing anterior approach—for faster recovery and improved mobility.
Our clinic leads the way in surgical safety. We helped write Intermountain Health’s guidelines for infection prevention and have some of the lowest infection rates in the region.
We provide a dedicated nurse coordinator to guide you through your surgery preparation. You’ll know exactly what to expect—every step of the way.

Ready to move better?

Call us at 435-586-6962 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
(435) 586-6962

This Department Offers

We use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to help patients heal faster and return to the activities they love. Our services include:

  • Direct anterior hip replacements (most current technique)
  • Shoulder and knee joint replacements
  • Outpatient joint surgery options with enhanced recovery
  • Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (rotator cuff/labral repairs)
  • Arthroscopic knee surgery (ACL/meniscus repairs)
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • Non-operative injury management
  • Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (rotator cuff/labral repairs)
  • Arthroscopic knee surgery (ACL/meniscus repairs)
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • Non-operative injury management
  • Comprehensive fracture care for upper and lower extremities
  • Casting, bracing, or surgical repair as needed
  • Minimally invasive and outpatient surgical options

Our providers

Meet Our Team

Robert E. Nakken, MD

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with expertise in joint replacement, sports injury care, and arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery. Team physician for Southern Utah University for over 25 years.

Lex S. Allen, MD

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder surgery. Known for delivering advanced upper extremity care to patients across Southern Utah.

Jimmy Hjorth, PA-C

Orthopedic physician assistant focused on joint replacement and sports medicine. Former athletic trainer with a passion for helping patients return to full function.

Dillon T. Jolley, PA-C

Orthopedic physician assistant and Cedar City native with experience in fracture care, patient education, and treating injuries to both upper and lower extremities.

 

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