Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Orthopedic Care in Gastonia & Belmont, NC
Since 1952, our practice has been a leader in orthopaedic care, dedicated to providing compassionate, expert treatment to help patients return to active lifestyles. Our team includes fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists supported by skilled physician assistants, physical therapists, and medical providers. We develop personalized treatment plans combining nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to individual needs. Our on-site services include casting, durable medical equipment, electromyography, mobile MRI, and physical therapy. We specialize in same-day care for musculoskeletal injuries through our Orthopaedic Urgent Care, treating ankle sprains, fractures, and sports injuries.Our surgeons perform minimally invasive, joint replacement, arthroscopic, and spine surgeries using the latest evidence-based techniques. We focus on individualized care across specialties including ankle, back, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, neck, shoulder, spine, and wrist conditions. Our commitment extends to community outreach and education through specialty centers of excellence. We prioritize nonsurgical treatments first but offer advanced surgical solutions when necessary, ensuring each patient receives the highest quality care focused on their specific goals.
Services
Orthopaedic Urgent Care
Physical Therapy
Mobile MRI
Orthobiologics
Joint Replacement
Sports Medicine
Spine Surgery
Fracture Care
EMG Testing
Casting Services
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We have over 70 years of experience in orthopaedic care.
- Our team includes fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists.
- We offer on-site advanced diagnostic and treatment services.
- We provide same-day appointments for urgent musculoskeletal injuries.
- Our surgeons use the latest evidence-based surgical techniques.
What people say
Thorough and caring
Same day appointments
Outstanding staff
Great bedside manner
Prompt treatment
Services
Orthopaedic Urgent Care
Our Orthopaedic Urgent Care provides prompt diagnosis and treatment for bone, joint, and muscle injuries. Specializing in same-day appointments and walk-ins, we treat ankle sprains, fractures, and sports injuries. Patients receive immediate care to reduce pain and begin recovery, avoiding delays in treatment.
Physical Therapy
We offer comprehensive physical therapy services for musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical recovery. Our therapists use evidence-based techniques like electrical stimulation, manual therapy, and exercise programs. Treatment focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving strength for long-term wellness and injury prevention.
Mobile MRI
Our advanced mobile MRI unit provides high-resolution imaging with quicker scan times and a spacious design. This technology enables accurate diagnosis of soft tissue, joint, and spine conditions without requiring travel to a hospital facility, improving accessibility for patients.
Orthobiologics
Orthobiologic therapy offers natural pain relief solutions using the body's healing mechanisms. This treatment targets musculoskeletal conditions through injections that promote tissue repair, reducing the need for surgery and accelerating recovery from injuries or chronic conditions.
Joint Replacement
We specialize in joint replacement surgery for hips, knees, and shoulders using advanced surgical techniques. Our approach focuses on minimizing recovery time while restoring mobility and function. Patients receive personalized care plans combining preoperative education and postoperative rehabilitation.
People
Jason P. Zlotnicki, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Zlotnicki specializes in knee surgery and joint replacement, combining technical expertise with compassionate care. He focuses on personalized treatment plans to help patients regain mobility and return to active lifestyles through surgical and nonsurgical approaches.
Erik C. Johnson, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Johnson provides expert care for ankle, knee, and sports medicine conditions. He emphasizes nonsurgical treatments first but offers advanced surgical solutions when needed, prioritizing patient education and functional recovery for active individuals.
Christopher A. Prato, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Prato specializes in hip and knee joint replacement, treating complex fractures and sports injuries. His practice combines minimally invasive techniques with comprehensive rehabilitation strategies to optimize outcomes for patients requiring surgical interventions.
H. Clayton Thomason, III, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Thomason focuses on sports medicine and joint replacement, addressing injuries across the lifespan. He integrates advanced surgical techniques with individualized recovery plans to restore function and improve quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Dylan Burleson, PT, DPT, ATC
Physical Therapist
Dylan Burleson delivers specialized physical therapy using evidence-based practices for post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation. His approach combines manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education to maximize recovery and prevent future musculoskeletal issues.
Questions
What orthopaedic services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive care including urgent injury treatment, physical therapy, joint replacement, sports medicine, spine surgery, and advanced imaging services like mobile MRI.
Do you accept self-pay patients?
Yes, we offer transparent self-pay pricing options for individuals and employers seeking direct payment arrangements without insurance involvement.
Are same-day appointments available?
Our Orthopaedic Urgent Care accepts same-day appointments and walk-ins for bone, joint, and muscle injuries requiring immediate attention.
What physical therapy techniques do you use?
Our therapists employ electrical stimulation, manual therapy, exercise programs, and regenerative techniques to restore mobility and reduce pain for musculoskeletal conditions.
Where are your locations?
We serve patients at two locations: 2345 Court Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054 and 210 Beatty Drive Suite 100, Belmont, NC 28012.
What surgical options are available?
Our surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures, joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries, and spine operations using the latest evidence-based techniques for optimal recovery.
Reviews (7)
Christian Schroll
Jun 08, 2022
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Absolutely terrible, I wasted months going through the paperwork to get set up for a workers compensation appointment while living in pain only to be told at the end after finally getting approval to see a doctor that they couldn't see me because the claim was from out of state and I now have to find a new provider and start everything over again. Fire your useless admin staff.
Legacy Solutions
Mar 23, 2022
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Having an issue getting results from 7+ days ago. Doctor and staff have been unresponsive and haven't followed through with promised call backs. Extremely frustrating experience so far. If someone from this office would reach out - I'd like to figure this out!
David Ackerson
Jan 16, 2022
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I have to break this into two parts: First, the care provided by the team was amazing; and they did all they can to try to assist with my condition. When it came time for my surgery, which was past due based on my condition; I made the first call to schedule on the 9th of December.
Kayla H.
Dec 07, 2021
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The lady who works in billing was very rude, accusatory and unhelpful. Insurance matters can be confusing and aggravating enough without the vitriol of that woman's attitude. I will never return or recommend this office solely on my experience with this completely unagreeable woman.
Brenda Moore
Oct 18, 2021
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I was impressed with the care I received at Carolina Orthopedic. It was my first visit and the person who checked me in and took my paperwork, Brittany, was fantastic--so friendly and made me feel welcome. That was my first impression of any of the staff and I was also impressed with Dr. Skeete. She immediately diagnosed my problem and promptly made recommendations, which I hope will relieve my pain and promote healing.
Travis Bradley
Jun 24, 2021
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Dr.prato is very unprofessional.i had an MRI and then went back to him and he wouldn't discuss it with me. After that I was supposed to have physical therapy but his physical therapy technical wouldn't send in my physical therapy paperwork. I would not recommend going to this place.
Cynthia Huffstickler
May 18, 2021
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I love this place. Dr. Prato replaced both my knees. His work amazes me my scares are very unnoticeable. He is so patient with me and answers all my question. His staff is just as amazing as he is. I highly recommend anyone to check these doctors at this facility. Dr. Prato is my choice, I love a doctor with a good sense of humor to
