Denis Nam

Hospital for Special Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Denis Nam is a leading orthopedic surgeon and researcher whose work focuses on advancing knee and hip arthroplasty through precision surgical techniques and implant design. His research centers on optimizing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), with a particular emphasis on biomechanics, robotic assistance, and patient-specific outcomes. In a highly cited 2012 study (57 citations), Nam demonstrated that recutting the distal femur to improve knee extension during TKA can inadvertently create coronal plane laxity in mid-flexion—a critical insight that has informed surgical decision-making to avoid instability. He has also been at the forefront of robotic UKA, showing in a 2014 study (26 citations) that onlay tibial implants yield superior clinical results compared to all-polyethylene inlays, helping guide implant selection for better long-term function. Additionally, Nam has explored the use of computer assistance in hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, addressing the challenge of inaccurate resection. With contributions that bridge biomechanical principles and cutting-edge technology, Nam’s work has shaped modern arthroplasty practice, earning him recognition as a key figure in orthopedic innovation.