David B. Nelles, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with over a decade of experience treating cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions. He provides comprehensive, evidence-based care with a focus on thoughtful, individualized treatment plans and timely access for referring providers and their patients.
Dr. Nelles earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Wright State University, followed by his spine surgery fellowship at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California.
Prior to joining Proliance, Dr. Nelles practiced with leading orthopedic groups in California, including San Francisco Spine Surgeons and Muir Orthopedic Specialists, where he also served as Chair of Orthopedics at John Muir Concord Hospital. He has been recognized for rebuilding and expanding spine programs, improving access to care, and maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety, and patient-reported outcomes.
Dr. Nelles specializes in a broad range of spine procedures, including minimally invasive decompression, anterior cervical and lumbar fusion and disc replacement, lateral lumbar fusion, and minimally invasive deformity correction. His approach emphasizes selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. The spine team also offers prompt evaluation and treatment of vertebral compression fractures, including kyphoplasty or non-operative management depending on patient needs.
Dr. Nelles values close collaboration with referring providers and looks forward to partnering with his patients to deliver high-quality, patient-centered spine care.
In his free time, Dr. Nelles enjoys sports, wine, golf, running, skiing, and spending time with his wife and pets.