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.
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.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of EmergeOrtho through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
Reviewed surgery and progress over 4 weeks.
(3 days ago)
Oct-2026
I’ve had a shoulder surgery and hip replacement by doctor Bates and he is an amazing surgeon and explains everything to me clearly so I know what to expect.
(1 week ago)
Oct-2026
Most compassionate and caring Ortho Dr I have ever seen for “ “Old Bones” care.
(1 week ago)
Oct-2026
Best doctor l have ever had.
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Dr. Bates is a straight shooter. He’s , very kind and just a nice guy. I’m glad I found him.
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Exceptional Doctor...my wife and I are his patients and Dr. Bates has always provided us outstanding care.
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
So blessed to have Dr. Bates working with us.My knee replacement was amazing and I have had little to know pain. Putting in my PT now!
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Excellent care.
(2 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
He was very caring and efficient to treat my trochanteric pain. I felt better that same day after my steroid shot.
(3 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Haven't started taking the medicine yet.
(3 weeks ago)
Sep-2026
Coastal Region: Morehead City - Orthopedics
3714 Guardian Avenue Suite E Morehead City, NC 28557
Coastal Region: Swansboro - Orthopedics
775-2 West Corbett Avenue Swansboro, NC 28584
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.
Reviewed surgery and progress over 4 weeks.
I’ve had a shoulder surgery and hip replacement by doctor Bates and he is an amazing surgeon and explains everything to me clearly so I know what to expect.
Most compassionate and caring Ortho Dr I have ever seen for “ “Old Bones” care.
Best doctor l have ever had.
Dr. Bates is a straight shooter. He’s , very kind and just a nice guy. I’m glad I found him.
Exceptional Doctor...my wife and I are his patients and Dr. Bates has always provided us outstanding care.
So blessed to have Dr. Bates working with us.My knee replacement was amazing and I have had little to know pain. Putting in my PT now!
Excellent care.
He was very caring and efficient to treat my trochanteric pain. I felt better that same day after my steroid shot.
Haven't started taking the medicine yet.