
George Peter Nanos III, MD
Hand and Wrist Orthopedic SurgeryElbow Orthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About George Peter Nanos III
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
George Nanos, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in conditions affecting the elbow, hand and wrist. As a former hand surgeon with the U.S. Navy, Dr. Nanos has extensive experience with traumatic injuries, including limb reconstruction and complex nerve and tendon injuries. He also treats patients with nontraumatic conditions such as carpal tunnel, arthritis, trigger finger and similar hand, wrist and elbow issues.
Dr. Nanos obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, followed by a hand surgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Most recently, Dr. Nanos has served as a staff orthopaedic hand surgeon at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and as Navy orthopaedic surgery leader and consultant to the U.S. Navy surgeon general. During his military career, he completed a tour as a flight surgeon on the USS Constellation in 2001 and a tour as a forward surgical team commander and staff orthopaedic surgeon in Afghanistan in 2011.
Dr. Nanos has received several medals, including two Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.
Dr. Nanos’ research interests include treatment of combat injuries and reconstruction after upper extremity amputation, including the use of prosthetics and targeted muscle reinnervation. He has co-authored numerous research papers on these and other topics, which were published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Research Interests
prosthetics, reconstruction after upper extremity amputation, targeted muscle reinnervation, treatment of combat injuries
PubMed - Publications
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Nanos+GP+3rd&cauthor_id=21159994
Selected Publications
Balazs GC, Donohue MA, Drake ML, Ipsen D, Nanos GP 3rd, Tintle SM. Outcomes of Open Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Excision in Active-Duty Military Personnel. J Hand Surg Am. 2015 July 27 epub. PMID: 26228481
Balazs GC, Dworak TC, Tropf J, Nanos GP 3rd, Tintle SM. Incidence and risk factors for volar wrist ganglia in the U.S. military and civilian populations. J Hand Surg Am. 2016 Nov 41(11):1064-1070. PMID: 27663053
Dumanian GA, Potter BK, Mioton LM, Ko JH, Cheesborough JE, Souza JM, Ertl WJ, Tintle SM, Nanos GP, Valerio IL, Kuiken TA, Apkarian AV, Porter K, Jorsan SW. Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Treats Neuroma and Phantom Pain in Major Limb Amputees: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Surg. 2019 Oct 26. PMID: 30371518
Morgan EN, Potter BK, Souza JM, Tintle SM, Nanos GP 3rd. Targeted muscle reinnervation for transradial amputation: description of operative technique. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2016 Dec;20(4):166-171. PMID: 27824734
Nappo KE, Hoyt BW, Balazs GC, Nanos GP, Ipsen DF, Tintle SM, Polfer EM. Union Rates and Reported Range of Motion Are Acceptable After Open Forearm Fractures in Military Combatants. Clin Orthop Relat. Res. 2019 Apr;477(4):813-820.
Honors
- NATO ISAF Service Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- National Defense Service Medal (2 bronze stars)
- Meritorious Service Medal
Lectures & Presentations
- Advances in Amputation: Upper Extremity, Presentation, Extremity War Injury Symposium XIII, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Society, Washington D.C., 1/22/18
- Combat Upper Extremity Trauma, Presentation, Regional Health Care Conference (RHCE), Garmisch, Germany, 11/21/19
- Distal Radius Fracture-a-palooza: A case-based presentation, Presentation, Regional Health Care Conference (RHCE),, Garmisch, Germany, 11/21/19
- National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Math Zero Preventable Death Report: Navy Service Update, Presentation, Extremity War Injury Symposium XIII, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Society, Washington D.C., 1/23/18
- Replantation Challenges in Combat Upper Extremity Injury, Presentation, Project C.A.R.E. and Federal Advanced Amputation Skills Training Conference, San Diego, CA, 9/20/19
Memberships
- American Orthopaedic Association (AOA)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS),
Fellow
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
- Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA)
- Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOMOS)
- Washington Hand Society
- Washington Self Insurers Association (WSIA)
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Diplomate
Professional Activities
- Alpha Surgical Company, 2nd Medical Battalion Forward, Commander and Staff Orthopaedic Surgeon, 1/1/11
- Operation Southern Watch, Flight Surgeon, Carrier Air Wing Two, 1/1/01
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 2200, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Get Directions
- phone: 301-530-3220
- fax: 410-367-2237
- Johns Hopkins Health Care Center - Odenton
- 1106 Annapolis Road, Pavilion I, Suite 280, Odenton, MD 21113
- Get Directions
- phone: 443-997-2663
- fax: 410-367-2071
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Hand Surgery, 2009
- Residency: National Capital Consortium, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2006
- Graduate School: Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, Flight Surgery, 2000
- Medical Education: Virginia Commonwealth Univ School of Medicine, MD, 1998
Board Certifications
- Surgery of the Hand: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2013
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2008
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
314 ratings, 104 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
Great visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Dr Nanos is very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Dr Nanos listened to my concerns/symptoms about my forearm/elbow and repeated pain. He followed the appropriate processes & ordered tests to assess the issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Dr. Nanos is very reassuring and I am very pleased with his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
He explained 3 options for curing my symptoms and gave me time for questions and answers. Excellent patience and provide great patient care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr. Nanos is an excellent doctor who provides the best care for his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Every visit to a JHU provider it is the best experience better than GW and UMMS.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Excellent in every way!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Fantastic care and knowledge - he's a great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Dr. Nanos is very knowledgeable and has a great way of explaining about hand problems.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
When I look for a health care provider I look for a doctor that has military service. Retired military doctors have seen everything and have extensive, varied experience. He has it.I look for a doctor that stays ahead of the crowd with education and medical knowledge.I travel 45 minutes to see Dr.Nanos (hand doctor), 45 minutes to see [staff] (personal physician), etc. They are well worth the drive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
I think that he is a good Dr or I wouldn't continue to see him
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Excellent. Very pleased with his assessment and demeanor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
We also had a student with him. He was also very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
My provider was excellent very attentive knowledgeable and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
I feel fortunate that Dr. Nanos performs the procedure that I was hoping to receive.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
The provider was knowledgeable about my condition and treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Dr Nanos is a great Physician and I've seen him a few times with these hand issues and he's terrific and always takes care of the issue!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Dr nanos explained everything to me perfectly and listened to my concerns and he was very attentive to what I had to say
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr. Nanos was very informative & explained the results of my MRI. He also Informed me of the next steps needed to resolve my problem!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Friendly and efficient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
very good, is hoping to set up a parallel appointment with a different specialty to accompany my surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Good at explaining what was going on and when to reach back out. Didn't push higher level interventions. Nice doctor who is easy to talk to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Provider was accommodating saw my wife and I together as we went to the wrong site at first
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Overall, the visit met my expectations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Highly competent and a good communicator. Very easy to talk to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Dr. Nanos is an outstanding communicator with commanding expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2025
Provided exceptional treatment and advice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr Nanos is easy to talk to, listens, and is thorough in his responses.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr. Nanos is a good listener and hears what I say.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
I feel so lucky to have had Dr. Nanos repair my shattered wrist. I can't imagine better results. He's a genius!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Very knowledgeable/informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Listening skills and clear understanding of what is next
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
Dr. Nanos is an exceptional hand surgeon and very pleasant physician. I have already mentioned him to friends who may need hand surgery in the near future, and I definitely would go back to him if I have future issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/3/2025
Very calm, took his time and listened thoughtfully to my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr Nanos is an excellent professional, knowledgeable, attentive, but also kind. He listened carefully and answered all my questions honestly. I left feeling like I had the best care I could have hoped for.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Dr. Nanos is professional and secure of what he is doing. I feel confident under his medical care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Dr Nanos is excellent! He's right on point with treatment and knowledge.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Very friendly and thorough. Did not keep me waiting long at all. Provided helpful info about mitigating pain and knowing when to resume activities.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
I think Dr. Nanos is excellent. I dont know why the appointment started an hour late but he apologized immediately about it when he entered the room, which in my experience is very unusual. He is extraordinarily respectful and thoughtful in visits.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
I travel nearly a hundred miles to see Dr nanos, and I do so because I believe he is the best hand doctor for my purposes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
DR Nanos was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Excellent Doctor
- 1 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2025
Really disappointed with experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Dr. Nanos was very caring and explained my condition very well! Thankful I saw him!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Doctor went over test results and next step options in a clear and helpful manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Truly outstanding and professional.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
I was not seen until 1 hour after my scheduled appointment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Excellent visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Doctor was very warm and made you fell comfortable.. He asked questions and listened attentively. I was at ease immediately.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Very easy to talk with, and empatheric
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/1/2025
The doctor was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. I went in for a consult/2nd opinion. Wait times was horrible... Very disorganized!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/25/2025
Knowledgeable, friendly, able to explain the condition I presented with and list all the possible solutions for an active life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
A compassionate, competent, and very professional physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
The doctor was great. He explained everything thoroughly and made me feel very confident and comfortable with any decisions made about my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
One of the most professional and caring providers I have had the pleasure of working with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2025
Dr Nanos was timely, friendly and highly professional in his treatment of me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2025
A great listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Terrific experience, knowledge, took all the time that was needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
He listens. Spends as much time as you need. Apologized for for running late.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr. Nanos was excellent. He was friendly, attentive, patient and very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Extremely knowledgeable concerning my wrist injuries
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Dr. Nanos is very competent and personableH
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/12/2025
Dr Nanos and the other doctor were very professional and made me feel comfortable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/11/2025
He was great and if I decide to get the surgery, I'm gonna go to Dr DUC because he's in my area. I don't want to go to Bethesda.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Excellent Provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr Nanos is talented, conveys facts and options with objectivity, listens carefully and acts promptly with caution. A wonderful surgeon solving complicated issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr. Nanos was professional, attentive, and made sure all of my concerns were addressed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/14/2025
Dr Nanos was very compassionate and made my granddaughter feel at ease during this visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2025
Very friendly, efficient, clear, and knows his stuff.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/13/2025
Has a very pleasant demeanor and a great memory!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2025
Everything was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2025
I was in so much pain, nurses were amenable. Doctor scheduled me for surgery right away. That said, after my ER visit, my bones were splintered and crushed and ER told me to see the Dr within a week. I should have been more aggressive about getting an earlier appointment as I didn't see the Dr for nine days. Dr Nanos office was very empathetic and accommodating once I explained my situation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2025
Very competent and informative.
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
He didn't let me explain ;he stoped me and said :just say yes or no
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
Dr. Nanos demonstrates great expertise about his orthopedic specialty (he is also highly experienced). He is genuinely kind and personable and, I feel, connects in a great way to the patient-that is, he shows real empathy always.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/2/2025
I am very impressed and pleased with Dr Nanos care and services. He is a great Dr, highly competent and very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/25/2025
Marvelous personality, great approach, efficient, and to the point. He gave me two treatment options and discussed the pros and cons of each.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
Excellent
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2025
This is the second orthopedic doctor I have seen in the past month who wanted to shake hands with me, both at first greeting and then again in saying good by. I did not see either one of them clean their hands at any time during my visit. I would rather not shake hands with people these days. It doesn't make me feel more comfortable, just the opposite.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/18/2025
Very straightforward, informative, and professional.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2025
Dr Nanos was very friendly. He went over all of my concerns and asked questions about the same type of surgery I had with a doctor from from same office who has moved.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Dr Nanos was very knowledgeable and caring!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/4/2025
Dr Nanos was great. Interpreted my X-ray first thing and then spent adequate time explaining the condition and treatment options.I would recommend him to anyone!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Very respectful, knowledgeable and informative.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/30/2025
Dr. Nanos was very attentive, asked questions, explained his recommendations, and performed a minor procedure (cortisone shot) in the office. He was very friendly and professional. I was very impressed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/30/2025
Liked the drvery much
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
The doctor was nice and go above and beyond to make sure I was taking care of
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
All the issues I have with my left elbow was clearly explained to me. All of my questions and concerns were clarified. I felt very comfortable with the options he has given me I can't wait until my next appointment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
Dr Nanos is great and very good at listening and managing my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Dr tok the time to explain what was going on w my hands, what I can do to alleviate pain and what treatment options now and in future might be
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Excellent provider and surgeon
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/1/2025
Outstanding very professional and friendly. Very pleased.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
The doctor was fine but he could not help me at all. My hands hurt 24 hours a day maybe cause I'm hold.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
Dr. Nanos is an excellent doctor and very articulate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
My visit with Dr. Nanos was professional, caring and he was concerned with any questions I asked.