Skip to Main Content

Nicholas Colyvas

MD

Orthopedic surgeon
Local and international race car driver

Dr. Nicholas Colyvas is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder, with particular interests in meniscus repair, rotator cuff surgery and biceps tendon surgery. He has extensive experience in treating athletes of all types, both professional and amateur. He has also served as team physician for numerous sports, including rugby and football teams.

Colyvas' main research is in the field of meniscus preservation. He investigates cutting edge techniques in meniscus repairs, with the goal of preventing knee arthritis in the long term. He is also active in improving techniques for treating rotator cuff tears and biceps tendon problems.

Colyvas earned his medical degree at University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then completed a fellowship as well as a residency in orthopedic surgery at UCSF.

Colyvas is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, where he serves on the practice management committee. He also serves on the board at the California Orthopaedic Association and is a frequent speaker and moderator at their conferences. Colyvas enjoys teaching orthopedic residents at UCSF as well as assisting in challenging, complex knee and shoulder surgeries. In his free time, he enjoys racing vintage race cars both locally and internationally.

  • Education

    University of the Witwatersrand, 1986

  • Residencies

    UCSF, Orthopedic Surgery, 1996

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Orthopedic Surgery, 1989

  • Board Certifications

    Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

    Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

  • Academic Title

    Professor

I consider each surgery a scientific and technical achievement, as well as a work of art and craftsmanship.

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    178 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 24, 2025
    Exceeds high expectations!!
    Mar 15, 2025
    Maybe the best doctor experience I've had
    Mar 15, 2025
    Dr. Colyvas was very good and explaining things to me, but some things, it would've been helpful if they had more explanations in writing about what the month would look like after the procedure. For example, at the follow up visit, I mentioned how difficult the first week had been and he noted that the first week is usually the most difficult. When I look at other orthopedic sites around the country for information, they had much more detailed information about all aspects of life and how to best deal with them after the type of knee surgery I had done. They had very explicit details about driving about making modifications in the home to facilitate not being able to ambulate independently, etc. it would be great if they use their collective expertise at the orthopedic Institute to provide some better documentation I also didn't understand exactly what was done during the procedure and it would've been helpful if they actually showed diagrams, or a instructor video exactly about what happens during the procedure so I could better understand why There was pain in certain areas of the leg that were unexpected for me.
    Mar 08, 2025
    LOVED the surgeon! His kindness and expertise with my injury made up for the long wait to see him
    Feb 17, 2025
    Justin, Dr. Colyvas' fellow resident was extremely helpful and knowledgeable explaining my tear and treatment options. Dr. Colyvas then proceeded to provide additional information and reassurance that physical therapy would be the best course for me.
    Feb 10, 2025
    I can't overstate how pleased I was with Dr. Colyvas. He was patient, curious, clear and confident in how we interacted. His level of professionalism, combined with a warm personality was very comforting.
    Feb 08, 2025
    Clearly a wonderful person and excellent, caring doctor with extraordinary knowledge, skill and attention to detail.
    Feb 08, 2025
    Professional, great bedside manner. Understood the problem
    Feb 02, 2025
    A lot of my answers to the last question will depend upon how my surgery goes as I have not had the surgery yet. I would've appreciated a detailed description of what the surgery actually entails.
    Jan 18, 2025
    Dr. Colyvas was incredibly professional, courteous and generous with his time
    Nov 25, 2024
    I feel very lucky to have Dr Colvas and his team in my care network - always good with communication and compassion
    Nov 18, 2024
    Dr Colyvas is the best otho I have worked with -- was very good listener and explained the pros/cons of the surgery. Gave me that various non-surgical options. I especially liked that he gave me his opinion, but couched that it was an opinion and not the only option. I elected to have the surgery, and am very pleased with the outcome/results.
    Nov 16, 2024
    Dr Colyavas is amazing
    Sep 21, 2024
    Great experience of all staff. Love UCSF orthopedic
    Aug 24, 2024
    Excellent 6 rating
    Jul 27, 2024
    Dr Colyvas is the best
    Jun 08, 2024
    He's great
    May 11, 2024
    Dr Colyvas is great!
    May 11, 2024
    Dr Colyvas is a rare Doctor, and I feel so lucky to have found him. Will (and have already) recommend(ed) him to my friends and others.
    May 11, 2024
    Good
    May 04, 2024
    Dr. Colyvas is amazing. So lucky that I was able to get an appointment with him
    Apr 27, 2024
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent medical doctor who had expertise in his field and shows real concern for his patients.
    Apr 27, 2024
    Truly one of the most caring and attentive Doctors I have ever seen.
    Apr 15, 2024
    Dr. Colyvas is a truly gifted and amazing doctor!
    Apr 09, 2024
    Truly incredible experience with Dr. Colyvas and his staff!
    Dec 25, 2023
    I have a very high degree of confidence of care received from Dr Colyvas
    Dec 18, 2023
    Dr Colyvas has the best bedside care and an exceptional MD. He is excellent care provider and has the best interest of his patients at heart!
    Dec 07, 2023
    Dr Colyvas is the BEST no question about it.I'm glad I choose him.Dr. Colyvas Im truly grateful that you were the one taking care of me.Thank You!!!
    Nov 20, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is a truly amazing care provider! He has provided exceptional care every step of the way.
    Nov 18, 2023
    The operation has been a dismal failure so not really happy about the outcome. I wonder in hind sight if we should have done it. No real explanation why is has failed.
    Nov 18, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent clinician!!
    Oct 08, 2023
    It's a rough situation; I'm very thankful that UCSF gives me the attention and help that ya'll do.
    Oct 01, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is wonderful. His team in the Owens St. office is fantastic, all very friendly and helpful.
    Sep 25, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is a very professional caring person!!
    Aug 19, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an attentive and knowledgeable orthopedic surgeon. I feel fortunate to be one of his patients.
    Aug 12, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent practitioner! Always shakes your hand upon entering and exiting room!
    Jul 31, 2023
    People don't become the Director for nothing.
    Jul 17, 2023
    Dr Colyvas has become the benchmark in terms of excellent medical care and treatment. His professionalism has created my ultimate trust in his judgement.
    Jun 25, 2023
    Dr. Colevas was great as always
    Jun 24, 2023
    Everyone I spoke with or had interactions with on the day of my surgery were kind and helpful.
    Jun 12, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas is an excellent provider. Very compassionate
    May 27, 2023
    Dr. Colyvas does incredible work. I wouldn't recommend anybody else for any knee procedures.

    Share