Claude E. Nichols's Online Review Report Card

I have been seeing him for 12 years, 10 of which he talked me out of surgery! He has operated on both of my shoulders, as well as my knee, and is a fantastic doctor and surgeon, and has a very competent staff. Being a klutz, I hope that he doesn't retire any time soon!

I had a tibial eminence fracture from kicking my leg out accidentally while sledding too fast (oops). Dr Nichols helped expedite my tests and surgery (there was a 2 month wait for MRIs) and seemed to do a good job operating, it’s healing up well now. He’s pretty to-the-point but will explain things in detail if you ask and clearly knows what he’s doing, would recommend!

10 years ago Dr. Nichols surgically corrected my right knee after coming to the correct diagnosis which was missed by a different MD. That knee is still doing well. Saw Nichols today for a different problem with the left knee, and after he diagnosed and described the problem using models as a visual aid he concluded that the best option was not imaging or surgery, rather physical therapy. Appropriately conservative, using a 12/2013 NEJM study to back up his decision. I rarely give 5 stars.

Had knee surgery about 10 years ago, total success. Another orthopedic MD recommended a more conservative approach first, and it was a total waste of time. Nichols diagnosed accurately and surgery was successful. Other knee now causing issues, will go back to Nichols for re- evaluation.

During an ill-advised and unnecessary surgery to my knee, nichols did some extra cutting which has permanently screwed up my knee and lowered the quality of my life on a daily basis. He can be charming but walk and run away while you still can.

AVOID! Nichols claims to be conservative and a minimalist in his approach but it is not so.He did a meniscus trim on one of my knees and did a little bit "extra". Well that extra has made me bone on bone. He wanted to do another operation. I got second opinions from Dr. Scott Rodeo in New York and Dr. Thomas Gill in Boston. Neither recommended the second surgery and when pressed said that they probably would not have done the first surgery.Nichols also did not mention alternatives to surgery even when I specifically asked about them even though he must have know that they were there. Beneath that calm charming exterior lies an arrogant surgeon. Avoid or you risk the rest of your life being compromised on a daily basis.

In 2011 Dr. Nichols performed ACL reconstruction on my knee. He suggested because of my age that I could benefit from utilizing my own tissues for the reconstruction rather than cadaver tissues. He clearly explained my options and what would happen during to procedure. He prepared me for recovery by letting me know what would be the most difficult, to what levels of activity I could engage in post-op. With good surgery and PT, I sometimes forget which knee I had done.

Dr. Nichols oozes charm and confidence but AVOID. He claims to be conservative in his approach but he is too quick to recommend surgery; ignoring, or ignorant of less invasive treatments. He screwed up my knee but doing some extra cutting. He screwed up my neighbors shoulder, the list could continue. AVOID; he'll charm you but he can really hurt you.

Dr Nichols provided excellent care and support for an older female needing an ACL replacement. Other doctors made me feel as if i was too old to warrant the procedure,but Dr Nichols understood my active lifestyle and was extremely supportive. The surgery and post-op went better than expected and i am on my way to resuming my former activities

Outstanding Doc, great staff. I have no issues from my procedures and recovered better than expected