Michael Lilyquist, M.D.

Dr. Michael Lilyquist, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializes in the treatment of injuries and musculoskeletal conditions related to the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Specifically, he has expertise in caring for carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures of the hand, wrist, and elbow as well as arthritis, and joint replacement.

Dr. Lilyquist was the first to bring joint replacement surgery for thumb arthritis to Reno. He has trained directly with the surgeon who designed the implant and has helped train other surgeons in the technique. Thumb joint replacement surgery offers faster recovery and the ability for patients to return to their activities more quickly than traditional surgery for thumb arthritis.

Dr. Lilyquist is experienced in the most current techniques in total shoulder replacement, reverse total shoulder, and resurfacing total shoulder replacement. He has a particular interest in revision total shoulder surgery. He is also among an elite group of surgeons in the US to perform total elbow replacements.

In addition to his surgical interests, he performs non-surgical treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture with in-office Xiaflex injections. He also offers PRP injections for the treatment of tennis elbow and other conditions. He is also trained in minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release, and "wide awake" surgeries of the hand.

Dr. Lilyquist strives to establish a relationship with his patients before developing a treatment plan. He enjoys the opportunity to educate his patients about their condition so they can develop a care plan together that will work best for the patient’s goals. He is fluent in Spanish and relishes the opportunity to speak with his patients in Spanish.

In addition to his role at Swift Institute, Dr. Lilyquist serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, guiding medical residents and physician assistant students in their training. He earned the Outstanding Community Preceptor award in 2019 and 2022 from the UNR family medicine residency program. Throughout the years, he has volunteered for ski patrol, instructor of advanced wilderness medicine, outdoor emergency care, and served as a Spanish language interpreter at various medical facilities.

Dr. Lilyquist's commitment to becoming an orthopedic surgeon came after serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in Guayaquil, Ecuador. A non-profit surgical group came to the rural town and offered free surgeries to children with limb deformities. He witnessed first-hand the profound impact on his adopted community and decided to seek medical training and volunteer opportunities. Dr. Lilyquist has since returned to Ecuador twice to perform orthopedic surgeries with Project Perfect World. In the summer of 2023 he will be fulfilling his lifelong goal to provide free medical care to patients in need. He will be traveling to Honduras with One World Surgery. There, he will be performing total shoulder replacements for many without access to such treatments and anticipates an annual trip to continue his quest to share his abilities with communities who do not have the access to healthcare they need.

Dr. Lilyquist moved to Reno in August 2016 with his wife, Mindy, and their four young children. He enjoys mountain biking, wake surfing, snow and water skiing, paddle boarding and spending time in the outdoors with his family.