Blake Ohlson, M.D. Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Regenerative Medicine Specialist
Dr. Ohlson is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience treating conditions of the upper and lower extremities. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he graduated Cum Laude from John Carroll University with a degree in Chemistry before earning his Doctor of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
After medical school, Dr. Ohlson completed five years of orthopaedic surgery residency training at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine, followed by a specialized foot and ankle fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. He moved to Charleston in 2007 and has since built a practice focused on helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities they enjoy.
For the past 19 years, Dr. Ohlson has treated a wide range of orthopaedic conditions involving the shoulder, hip, knee, foot, and ankle. His experience includes joint replacement, sports injuries, trauma care, reconstructive procedures, and minimally invasive surgery.
Expertise in Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Ohlson began working with regenerative medicine technologies during his fellowship in 2006 and was among the early adopters of these treatments in Charleston. His initial work focused on the use of concentrated bone marrow during surgery, and he has since expanded his practice to offer regenerative treatments that may help patients avoid or delay surgery.
These office-based procedures may include:
- Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMAC)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Micro-fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFat / lipoaspirate)
- Cultured Stem Cell Therapies
These treatments are commonly used for orthopedic conditions affecting the shoulder, hip, knee, foot, and ankle, and are performed in a minimally invasive setting.
Commitment to Research and Innovation
Dr. Ohlson remains actively involved in advancing regenerative orthopedic care. He served as a principal investigator for the Lipogems ARISE II clinical trial, a randomized study evaluating micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFat) for the treatment of knee arthritis.
His ongoing involvement in clinical research helps ensure that patients have access to advanced treatments grounded in scientific evidence.
A Patient-Centered Orthopedic Practice
In 2024, Dr. Ohlson co-founded Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Centers, an independent practice dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused orthopedic care. His goal is to offer a comprehensive range of treatment options—from traditional orthopedic surgery to the latest regenerative therapies—so patients can make informed decisions about their care.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Dr. Ohlson uses musculoskeletal ultrasound to help diagnose and treat many orthopedic conditions. Ultrasound allows for real-time imaging, which improves diagnostic accuracy and enables highly precise injections. Ultrasound-guided procedures are typically more comfortable for patients and help ensure that treatments are delivered exactly where they are needed.
When Surgery Is Necessary
While many patients seek non-surgical solutions, Dr. Ohlson also performs a full spectrum of orthopedic procedures when surgery is the best option. His surgical practice includes:
- Arthroscopic Procedures
- Joint Replacement
- Fracture and Trauma Care
- Deformity Correction
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Ohlson is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is also a member of:
- Interventional Orthobiologics Foundation
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
- South Carolina Medical Association
He has served as a physician for professional athletes through the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) and ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals).
Life Outside of Medicine
Dr. Ohlson lives in Charleston with his wife, Melissa, and their three children. Outside of his medical practice, he is a professional musician and multi-instrumentalist who has recorded several albums and performed throughout the Lowcountry. He also enjoys tennis, yoga, and Peloton.
Hospital or Affiliated Institution Appointments
Trident Medical Center
Summerville Medical Center
Trident Surgery Center
Major Committee Assignments
Joint Podiatric Advisory Committee
2017-2024
Steering Committee
Roper St Francis Healthcare
2018-2021
Chief Dept Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics
Roper St Francis Healthcare
2015-2021
Performance Improvement Committee Bronson Methodist Hospital
2005-2006
OR Committee Borgess Hospital
2004-2006
Student Committee on Medical Education
1997
Professional Societies
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Fellow Member
2001-Present
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Fellow Member
2006-Present
Awards and Honors
Orthopaedic Research and Educational Foundation Award, 1st Place
2006
Michigan Orthopaedic Society 2nd Place Research
Award
Midwest Resident Research Symposium Competition, University of
Chicago
2006
Hip and Knee Society Award Nomination, Dallas Texas
2006
Cuyahoga County Medical Foundation Scholarship
1999-2001
Arnold and Sydell Miller Foundation Scholarship
1992-2001
Mastin Scholarship
1999-2001
Crile Research Fellowship for Pneumococcal Vaccine Development
1998
Cum Laude Graduate
1996
Alpha Sigma Nu International Jesuit Honor Society
1995
Editorial Responsibilities
Contributory Editor for Foot and Ankle International
2009-Present
Contributory Editor for the medical school text: The Immune System, by Peter Parkham
1999
Book Chapters
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Miller, S. Ohlson, BL: Operative techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery: Transection and burial of Neuromas of the Foot and Ankle, 1st ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2007
Publications
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Ohlson, BL. O’Connor, PL: Turf Toe. Emedicine (Internet Based Review Article). May 2003: Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Section.
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Ohlson, BL. Marcus, RE: Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Clinical Challenges in Osteoarthritis and Viscosupplementation. August 2000: 4-7.
Postors / Presentations
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Ohlson, BL. Intramedullary Nail versus Periarticular Locking Plate Fixation in Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Investigation. Presented at the annual Union Memorial Orthopaedic Luncheon and Visiting Professor Day, Baltimore, 2007
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Ohlson, BL. Blostica, T. Curtis, J. Reineck, FT: Local Infiltration of Ropivicaine Knee Solution in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Presented at the annual KCMS Research Day, Kalamazoo, MI, 2006
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Ohlson, BL. Greenspan, N. Schreiber, J: Characterization of T Cell Receptor Vβ Gene Expression in T Cell Hybridomas Elicited by Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines. Presented at the Irwin Lepow Research Day, CWRU School of Meidine, Cleveland, OH, 1998.
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Ohlson, BL. Ketterer, M: Analysis of Petroleum Pollutants in Fresh Water Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Presented at the annual research forum for the American Association for Applied Spectroscopy, Cleveland, OH, 1996.
