Thomas E. Bates, MD

Board certified in orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine, Thomas E. Bates, MD, is an expert in adult joint reconstruction and sports medicine.

A graduate of LaSalle University and Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Bates completed his specialty training in adult reconstruction at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and served in the U.S. Navy for eleven years, including a tour of MCAS Cherry Point as a wing and NASA flight surgeon. He also served overseas as the Musculoskeletal Department Head at U.S. Naval Hospital in Sigonella, Italy.

Dr. Bates is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and several other orthopedic surgeon and medical societies. He has served as the Medical Director for the Carolinas Center for Joint and Spine, and as the Orthopedic Champion for the Geriatric Fracture Program.

Dr. Bates has a broad range of orthopedic knowledge with a special interest in arthritis, joint replacement, arthroscopy, and sports medicine. His field of expertise includes arthroscopic surgical techniques in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. He has a special interest in minimally invasive and joint-preserving techniques for both older and younger patients with arthritis, including MAKO robotic partial and total knee replacement and total hip replacement. He is dedicated to a team approach to patient care, involving therapists, primary care physicians and the patient’s family to ensure a speedy recovery and return to sports, work and recreational activities.

Dr. Thomas Bates, a skilled orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon in the coastal region, offers his expertise to patients in Morehead City and Swansboro.