David Flanigan, MD
Physician, Professor
Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Accepting new patients
Conditions and expertise
- Surgical Specialties
- Menisci, Tibial
- Arthroscopy
- Leg Injuries
- Orthopedics
- Athletic Injuries
Locations
- Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute
Academic information
Department: Orthopaedics
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I am an orthopaedic surgeon, fellowship-trained and certified in sports medicine. I specialize in sports-related injuries. More specifically, my practice is primarily focused on the lower extremity injuries and knee injuries (anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, reconstructions and revisions, meniscal injuries, repair and transplantation, multi-ligament injuries, cartilage injuries and restorative procedures, patella instability corrective surgeries, and ligament and tendon tears).
Dealing with knee and sports-related injuries can range from simple to complex. I believe in involving patients with their care, exploring all options to improve their health and returning them to the best condition possible.
I love my job because The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has allowed me to blend my passion for clinical care, research and education all together. Because of this, I believe patients are receiving the best, most up-to-date care in the United States.
Highlights
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2018, 2019
- Director of Cartilage Restoration Program
- Ohio State Department of Athletics Team Physician
- Richard O'Connor Award recipient
- Best Doctor in America 2017
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
Conditions and expertise
- Arthroscopy
- Athletic Injuries
- Foot Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Menisci, Tibial
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Surgical Specialties
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI
8/1/2003 - 7/30/2004 - Residency - Orthopaedic Surgery
- Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, United States
6/27/1999 - 6/20/2003 - Internship - Surgery (General Surgery)
- Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, United States
6/17/1998 - 6/25/1999 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
8/1/1994 - 5/30/1998
Certifications
-
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine
11/4/2010 -
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
7/13/2007
News and media
My news coverage
- Clinical trial shows implantable shock absorber relieves knee pain, delays knee replacement
- MedTips: Awards and Announcements
- OSU Wexner Medical Center First in U.S. to Implant Device for Knee Osteoarthritis
- OSU Wexner Medical Center Study Finds BMI Does Not Impact Knee Repair
- Ohio State Surgeons Implant Knee Cartilage Grown From Patient's Own Cells
- February MedTips: Awards and Announcements
Ratings and reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
169 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, David Flanigan has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
I have a complex medical history with my knee, including septic arthritis and 5 surgeries in the past few months. He listened to everything and gave his opinion about prognosis and next steps in a confident (but not arrogant) way. He was easy to talk to and made me feel valued as a patient. He also gave me hope for the future function of my knee.
Dr. Flannigan and the resident physician were really optimistic about my condition despite their findings, which helped me not have to worry as much. I left the office not as stressed. I appreciated his referral to the MRI and taking my concerns seriously.
He is the best and I would recommend him to anyone
It was great
Very friendly
Dr. Flannigan is very kind and respectful. He takes time to listen to any and all concerns and addresses them in a way that is easy to understand.
Overall disappointing. Did not feel as though I was heard. He did make sure to tell me that I was obese multiple times during visit and that I needed to loose weight.
Dr. Flanagan was excellent! There should be more like him!
Very thorough, kind, and carong. Dr. F. Was excellent from every stage of the injury through recovery and post op.
I felt very comfortable with dr Flanigan. I felt like he truly listened to me and my concerns.
Dr. Flanigan listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions.
Amazing
He was great. Loved his bed side manner .
ALWAYS empathetic and professional
Very nice and knowledgeable
Dr Flanagan is great. He always makes me feel safe and listened to. He takes time for all my questions. He is honest about likely outcomes and doesn't push procedures. He respects the importance of physical therapy. And he is that rare surgeon who is amazing at both surgery and bedside manner and I would recommend him to anyone
He is amazing!
Excellent
This is the 4th Orthopedic specialist I have seen, the first in the OSU system. I finally feel seen, heard, and properly diagnosed.
Both the fellow and the doctor explained everything, reviewed my X-rays and MRI and listened to what I had to say.
Doc was very friendly and eager to get me the care I needed
Honest and to the point
No complaints at all
Best doctor I could ever have.
I had him back in 2014 and seen him again recently, in which every time I had an appointment with him he was fantastic!
Thanked me for my service as a nurse at Wexner, I appreciated his gratitude and thankfulness. His awareness of my job requirements and how my injury and treatment may or could affect my ability to perform my job. Patient, kind compassionate. He was just all In. He got It.
Great
Very open and direct with information
Great Dr. Before my surgery I client of his told me he was the best around. I agree with this patient a year after my surgery my knee feels amazing.
The experience seemed to be quite normal in every way.
He was awesome. Very engaged and took the time needed. Overwhelmingly accommodating .
No bad experiences! I would highly recommend him!
Everything was top notch
Thank you!
I've gone to Dr. Flanigan twice in 14 years for treatment of orthopedic problems and subsequent surgery. He has always treated me with the utmost professionalism and concern . My outcomes have been excellent on both occasions.
Dr. Flanigan is the best and I wouldn't choose another provider.
Dr. Flanigan is very friendly and seems to genuinely care about his patients.
He was very friendly and direct which I prefer. He did not sugar coat anything which is what I look for. Very knowledgeable and honest.
Good
Knowledgeable about my issue and provided options for treatment.
The care provider and his training assistant were very courteous and professional. I had a high degree of trust in their evaluation of my knee pain.
I believe Dr. Flanigan is one of the best surgeons anywhere for my medical condition. In addition, he's down to earth, relatable, and excels at explaining things in an easily understandable way. I didn't feel rushed at all while he patiently answered numerous questions from me and my nurse friend. I was also touched that, knowing I came from out of town, he took the time to tell us about places to visit in Columbus.
Nice
Always a great experience, I trust the advice of this healthcare team
Excellent in every way. Couldn't have been better
Provider did great job once he was available, but apologized for my wait.
Amazing! He was not rushed, he listened to me, explained my MRI, and my surgical option. I didn't feel like he was just looking at me as a case, but as an individual. Very unusual in today's for-profit, get them in and out, healthcare system.
Dr. Flannigan and his team were all courteous, caring and all questions were answered completely. I wasn't rushed during appt. And felt cared for by entire team.
The provider himself and the resident were very good. They were attentive and seemed knowledgeable and genuinely I treated in finding out what was wrong and how to diagnose and treat me.
Knows what he is doing. My kind of Physician - no nonsense, right to the point.
Was a good appt. Saw dr. And resident (?)
The experience was outstanding. Dr. Flanagin was knowledgeable, confident, approachable, friendly, and respectful to me as well as to a friend who I brought to help me ask questions and listen. Also he was not rushed which so many doctors are.
Very friendly and happy too help with any questions or concerns
Good! He was very nice and was very caring about my medical information.
He was friendly knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable with my upcoming procedure.
The orthopedic doctor was pleasent though he needed to explain about my knees more clearly
Listened to concerns
Dr Flanagan was awesome. He was personal, asked through questions,listened to my questions and had answers for everything. He is kind and very knowledgeable. He was suggested to my by a friend who is a PT. My experience, all around, was excellent