Dr. Lex S. Allen

Dirk Slade, MDOrthopedic Surgeon – Hand and Elbow SpecialistDr. Dirk Slade is a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon specializing in hand and elbow surgery. He provides expert care for a wide range of conditions including nerve compression syndromes, tendon injuries, arthritis, and fractures affecting the hand and wrist. His personalized approach to care focuses on helping patients understand their options and take an active role in choosing the treatment that best supports their goals.Dr. Slade earned his medical degree from George Washington University and completed orthopedic surgery residency training at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. He went on to complete fellowship training in hand surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.With clinical interests in nerve decompression, arthritis reconstruction, and trauma repair, Dr. Slade is passionate about restoring function and relieving pain. He brings the same level of dedication to every patient encounter and believes in delivering care that is both evidence-based and deeply compassionate.Originally from Vernal, Utah, Dr. Slade enjoys spending time outdoors with his family—hiking, biking, camping, and staying active. Dr. Slade is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Osteoarthritis, and Ganglion Cyst.

Douglas Hutchinson is a Hand Surgeon in St George, Utah. Dr. Hutchinson is highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Thumb, Rhizarthrosis, Mononeuritis Multiplex, and Nerve Decompression. Dr. Hutchinson is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Robert E. Nakken is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Southern Utah Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Cedar City, Utah. A Cedar City native and former college basketball player at Southern Utah University, Dr. Nakken brings not only decades of clinical expertise but also a deep personal connection to the community he serves.After earning degrees in biology and chemistry at SUU, he completed medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Since returning to Cedar City, Dr. Nakken has become a trusted leader in orthopedic care across Southern Utah.Dr. Nakken was the first surgeon in the region to perform shoulder arthroscopy, including minimally invasive rotator cuff repairs. He has also advanced the quality of hip and knee surgery at Cedar City Hospital by introducing techniques such as anterior hip replacement, which can support quicker recovery. His efforts to improve surgical outcomes extend beyond the local community—he co-authored the Intermountain Health system’s infection prevention guidelines for surgery.For more than 25 years, Dr. Nakken has served as the team physician for Southern Utah University. His specialties include joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder, as well as sports injury treatment and fracture care. Known for his compassionate approach and innovative techniques, Dr. Nakken partners with patients to help them regain mobility and enjoy life fully.Outside of his practice, Dr. Nakken enjoys spending time with his wife, Sydney, and their five children. He values time in the mountains, attending sporting events, and giving back to the community he calls home. Dr. Nakken is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Bursitis, and Hip Replacement.