If you live in Northeast Tennessee or nearby Southwest Virginia and need care for a bone, joint, or muscle problem, you have likely heard of Watauga Orthopaedics. This physician-owned practice has served the Tri-Cities region for more than 75 years. It offers specialized treatment for hips, knees, shoulders, hands, spine, feet, and ankles, along with sports medicine and walk-in options for urgent injuries.
This article explains what Watauga Orthopaedics is, where its offices are located, the main services it provides, and practical details that help patients decide whether it fits their needs. Information reflects publicly available details as of 2025–2026.
A Brief History and What Sets the Practice Apart
Watauga Orthopaedics was founded in 1950 by Dr. Howell Sherrod as the first orthopedic clinic in the region. Over the decades it has grown into one of the larger independent orthopedic groups in the Tri-Cities area of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Greeneville, Tennessee.
It remains physician-owned and independent. The practice emphasizes coordinated care that moves patients from evaluation and imaging through treatment, surgery when needed, and rehabilitation under one team. In 2023 it opened the Center for Advanced Bone and Joint Surgery, an outpatient facility focused on orthopedic procedures. That center has earned AAAHC Advanced Orthopaedic Certification for Total Joint Replacement—one of a limited number of outpatient centers nationwide and one of only two in Tennessee to receive that recognition at the time of reporting.
These details matter because patients often look for continuity, specialized experience, and options that avoid large hospital settings when possible.
Locations and How to Access Care
Watauga Orthopaedics operates offices in four communities:
- Johnson City: 2410 Susannah Street (main clinic) and nearby physical therapy at 2412 Susannah Street.
- Kingsport: 875 Larry Neil Way.
- Bristol: 340 Steeles Road (on the Bristol Regional Medical Center campus).
- Greeneville: 1132 Erwin Highway (Tusculum University–Meen Center), primarily a walk-in and physical therapy site.
The main phone number for all locations is (423) 282-9011. Standard appointment hours at most clinics are Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in orthopedic care is available at the Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol sites Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m. hours at the Johnson City location. Greeneville walk-in hours are Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. After-hours virtual care is offered through the practice’s HURT! app.
Walk-in clinics are designed for acute problems such as sprains, strains, closed fractures, sports injuries, and certain post-operative concerns. Patients of all ages are accepted. More complex or scheduled care is handled through regular appointments with the appropriate specialist.
Core Specialties and Services
Fellowship-trained physicians and supporting providers treat a full range of musculoskeletal conditions. Main areas include:
- Hip and knee (including primary and revision joint replacement, robotic-assisted options)
- Shoulder and elbow
- Hand and wrist
- Spine (neck and back)
- Foot and ankle
- Sports medicine for athletes of various ages and levels
- Trauma and fracture care
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Non-surgical options such as physical therapy, PRP injections for certain tendon and ligament problems, viscosupplementation, and imaging (including on-site MRI at some locations)
The Center for Advanced Bone and Joint Surgery in Kingsport (10425 Wallace Alley Street) focuses on outpatient procedures. It features multiple surgical suites and technology such as robotic-assisted knee systems. The goal is lower cost relative to hospital-based surgery while maintaining coordinated care from the same orthopedic team.
Sports medicine support extends to local high schools, colleges (including partnerships with programs such as those at Milligan and Tusculum), and community athletic groups. The practice also handles workers’ compensation cases with an emphasis on timely communication and return-to-work planning.
Practical Considerations for Patients
Because the practice is independent and physician-led, decisions about technology, staffing, and facility investment are made internally. Patients often value the ability to receive imaging, specialist evaluation, therapy, and (when indicated) surgery within a connected system rather than across multiple organizations.
Walk-in access reduces wait times for many acute injuries compared with emergency departments for non-life-threatening orthopedic problems. Virtual after-hours options add flexibility. On-site physical therapy and durable medical equipment support can simplify the recovery process.
As with any medical practice, individual results vary. Outcomes depend on the specific condition, patient health factors, adherence to treatment plans, and other variables. The practice publishes quality and patient-satisfaction data on its website for those who want to review measurable results.
Common Questions Patients Ask
Do I need a referral?
Many patients can self-schedule or walk in, but insurance rules vary. Checking with your plan and the clinic is recommended.
Is the surgery center only for joint replacements?
No. It handles a range of orthopedic procedures including fracture repair and arthroscopic work in an outpatient setting when appropriate.
What if I need care outside regular clinic hours?
Walk-in clinics cover extended weekday and weekend hours at selected locations; the HURT! app provides virtual options.
Does the practice treat children?
Yes. Pediatric orthopedics and walk-in care for young patients are part of the services offered.
Summary
Watauga Orthopaedics has provided specialized orthopedic care in Northeast Tennessee since 1950. Its network of clinics in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Greeneville, combined with an outpatient surgery center that holds advanced certification for total joint replacement, gives patients multiple access points for both urgent and planned care. Specialties cover the major joints and spine, with strong emphasis on sports medicine and coordinated recovery.
For the most current details on providers, hours, or scheduling, contact the practice directly at (423) 282-9011 or through its official channels. Individual medical decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified clinicians based on a personal evaluation.
