Robert B. Thompson, MD in Oklahoma City: Orthopedic Surgery with Sports Medicine Focus

Robert B. Thompson, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon based in Oklahoma City who focuses on sports medicine and musculoskeletal injuries. He operates within the established orthopedic network serving the metropolitan area and handles both surgical and nonsurgical treatment for athletes and active patients dealing with joint, ligament, and soft-tissue damage.

What an orthopedist focused on sports medicine handles

Orthopedic specialists treat injuries and disorders of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Thompson's focus on sports medicine narrows this further to conditions common in athletes and people with activity-related injuries: ACL and rotator cuff tears, meniscal damage, ankle sprains, impingement syndromes, and overuse injuries. Unlike orthopedists who emphasize joint replacement or hand surgery, a sports medicine specialist typically manages these conditions with physical therapy, injections, and arthroscopic surgery when conservative care fails. This distinction matters if you have a specific injury; a general orthopedist or a different specialist may be more appropriate for arthritis management alone or complex trauma.

Services and treatment options

Thompson offers both nonsurgical and surgical management. Nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy referrals, activity modification guidance, and corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Surgical procedures, typically arthroscopic, address torn ligaments, meniscal tears, and tendon injuries. Pricing varies significantly by procedure and insurance coverage. A routine office visit for evaluation typically costs between $150 and $300 out-of-pocket for uninsured patients, though many employers and plans cover orthopedic consultations after a small copay ($20 to $50). Diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-ray) adds $200 to $1,500 depending on the facility and whether insurance covers it. Surgical costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity, with most patients responsible only for their deductible and coinsurance under a standard plan. Confirm current fees and insurance acceptance with the practice directly, as rates change and plan networks vary.

How Thompson compares to other Oklahoma City orthopedists

Oklahoma City has several orthopedic options. OU Health system orthopedists, affiliated with the University of Oklahoma, maintain large practices with specialists in multiple subspecialties and often have quicker access to imaging and operating room time. Independent practices like Thompson's typically offer more focused expertise and may have shorter wait times for sports medicine cases. Midwest City and Edmond also host orthopedic groups, but those outside central Oklahoma City often involve a drive that adds time to each appointment. If you need routine joint replacement or hand surgery, a high-volume system practice may be preferable; for a specific sports injury where depth of sports medicine training matters, a dedicated sports orthopedist like Thompson may better suit your case.

Who should see Thompson and who should not

Thompson suits active patients and athletes with acute or chronic sports-related injuries, particularly those wanting to return to sport or high activity. Competitive athletes, recreational runners, weekend warriors, and people recovering from ACL or rotator cuff injuries benefit from his expertise. Someone whose primary concern is arthritis management without prior trauma may benefit more from a general orthopedist or rheumatologist. Patients seeking a second opinion on a prior surgery or facing complex revision work should confirm whether Thompson accepts that case before scheduling.

What the first visit involves

A first appointment begins with history and physical examination, focusing on the mechanism of injury, symptoms, and functional limitations. Thompson will likely order imaging if not already done; if you have recent MRI or X-rays, bring them. The visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. At the end, he will recommend conservative care (physical therapy, activity modification) or discuss surgical options if warranted. Do not expect a surgical decision on the first day; most orthopedists recommend a trial of nonsurgical treatment for several weeks before moving to the OR unless the injury is acute and severe (such as a complete ACL tear with instability in an active patient).

Hours, location, and parking

Verify current hours directly with the practice; office orthopedists typically operate Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with limited or no weekend hours. Most Oklahoma City orthopedic offices are located in medical complexes or near hospitals, offering adjacent parking; confirm parking arrangements when you call to schedule. If you require urgent same-day or after-hours care for an acute injury, OU Health Emergency Department or other hospital ERs will stabilize you and refer you to orthopedics for follow-up.

Thompson's focus on sports injury and active management has earned recognition within Oklahoma City's athletic community and among referring physicians, making him a relevant choice for anyone pursuing aggressive rehabilitation or surgery to return to sport or work.