Justin J. Ernat
( out of 124 reviews )

Justin J. Ernat, MD, MHA, FAAOS

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

South Jordan Health Center

South Jordan
801-213-4500

University Orthopaedic Center

Salt Lake City
801-587-7109

  • Dr. Ernat specializes in orthopaedic sports medicine with a surgical focus on the knee and shoulder. He received his undergraduate education at Illinois Wesleyan University where he received a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, magna cum laude. He was very active in organic chemistry research there, including publishing multiple papers that focused on utilizing green chemistry for pharmaceutical developments. He would go on to attend medical school at The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University where he was selected to the Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society. He joined the United States Army and completed orthopedic surgical residency training at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. During his time in residency, he concurrently completed a master's degree in healthcare administration and management. He participated in care for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard service members, and was active in research across all sub-specialties of orthopedics. After residency, Justin served as an active duty orthopedic surgeon at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, KY. While at Fort Campbell, he was involved in the care of soldiers and families of the 101st Airborne Division, and specifically served as head team orthopedic surgeon for both the 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (SOAR). He deployed to Syria in 2018/2019 during Operation Inherent Resolve with a surgical team under the direction of the Special Operations Joint Task Force, caring for special operations service members and civilians, as well as local nationals and Syrian Democratic Forces. Upon completing 9 years of service in the Army, he completed a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine surgery at the world-renowned Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. There, he was active in research regarding knee and shoulder injuries.

    He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, has published multiple orthopedic research papers, and has presented his research at national and international meetings. He is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons. His practice includes management of the following knee and shoulder pathologies in addition to all sports-related injuries:

    • Knee: - ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL - Cartilage Restoration - Meniscus Injuries- Osteotomy for Malalignment - Multiligament Knee Injury - Patellofemoral Disorders

    • Shoulder: - Shoulder instability - Labral/SLAP tears - Rotator cuff injuries - Impingement - AC joint , SC joint, and clavicle injuries - Biceps tendon Injuries

    Specialties

    Board Certification

    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Sub: Sports Medicine)

    Patient Rating

    4.9 /5
    ( out of 124 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety.
    Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    February 25, 2024
    SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER

    Met this doctor first time. He was very good at listening and explaining he will let me know after he sees the MRI results.

    February 21, 2024
    ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER

    Incredible good care from Dr Ernat and his team from the timely and friendly greeting at the front desk to the wonderful care by the medical team.

    February 19, 2024
    ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER

    Dr. Ernat is a superb surgeon! I truly appreciate all the time spent preparing me for a successful surgery!

    February 18, 2024
    ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER

    Dr. Ernat is a very thorough, thoughtful and knowledgeable doctor. I'm very happy with the results of my surgery. He explains everything very clearly so you have realistic expectations.

    February 01, 2024
    ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER

    Dr Ernat is the BEST! I highly recommend him to anyone needing surgery or care for an injury. His whole team is amazing and wonderful. They treat you with kindness and respect. I could not ask for better care.

    January 31, 2024
    SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER

    I tell all of my friends about Dr. Ernat. Other orthopedic surgeons should strive to follow his example.

    January 23, 2024
    ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER

    Dr. Ernat and Kyle (his sports trainer) took the time and care to explain what was wrong with my shoulder and the best course of treatment. Dr. Ernat explained what would happen during the surgery and recovery process. He gave me the time to ask as many questions as I had, and that was quite a few. He encourages questions and did not make me feel rushed in any way.

    January 22, 2024
    ORTHOPAEDICS CENTER

    Very nice, knowledgeable doctor.

    January 11, 2024
    SOUTH JORDAN HEALTH CENTER

    Dr. Ernat was awesome! I¿ve had many orthopedic surgeries, so speaking from a depth of experience, Dr. E is highly recommended.

    See More Patient Comments

  • Dr. Ernat specializes in orthopaedic sports medicine with a surgical focus on the knee and shoulder. He received his undergraduate education at Illinois Wesleyan University where he received a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, magna cum laude. He was very active in organic chemistry research there, including publishing multiple papers that focused on utilizing green chemistry for pharmaceutical developments. He would go on to attend medical school at The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University where he was selected to the Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society. He joined the United States Army and completed orthopedic surgical residency training at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. During his time in residency, he concurrently completed a master's degree in healthcare administration and management. He participated in care for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard service members, and was active in research across all sub-specialties of orthopedics. After residency, Justin served as an active duty orthopedic surgeon at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, KY. While at Fort Campbell, he was involved in the care of soldiers and families of the 101st Airborne Division, and specifically served as head team orthopedic surgeon for both the 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (SOAR). He deployed to Syria in 2018/2019 during Operation Inherent Resolve with a surgical team under the direction of the Special Operations Joint Task Force, caring for special operations service members and civilians, as well as local nationals and Syrian Democratic Forces. Upon completing 9 years of service in the Army, he completed a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine surgery at the world-renowned Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. There, he was active in research regarding knee and shoulder injuries.

    He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, has published multiple orthopedic research papers, and has presented his research at national and international meetings. He is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons. His practice includes management of the following knee and shoulder pathologies in addition to all sports-related injuries:

    • Knee: - ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL - Cartilage Restoration - Meniscus Injuries- Osteotomy for Malalignment - Multiligament Knee Injury - Patellofemoral Disorders

    • Shoulder: - Shoulder instability - Labral/SLAP tears - Rotator cuff injuries - Impingement - AC joint , SC joint, and clavicle injuries - Biceps tendon Injuries

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Orthopaedics -Primary
    Board Certification
    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (Sub: Sports Medicine)

    Education history

    Fellowship Sports Medicine - The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute Fellow
    Healthcare Administration and Management - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science MHA
    Residency Orthopedic Surgery - Tripler Army Medical Center Resident
    Medicine - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago Medical School M.D.
    Undergraduate Chemistry - Illinois Wesleyan University B.A.

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Rosenthal RM, Hunter CDR, Froerer DL, Featherall J, Metz AK, Ernat JJ, Maak TG, Aoki SK (2024). Correlation of Tibial Tubercle Overgrowth With Increased Posterior Tibial Slope: A Novel Radiographic Assessment. Orthop J Sports Med, 12(2), 23259671231225660. (Read full article)
    2. Micicoi L, Machado A, Ernat J, Schippers P, Bernard de Dompsure R, Bronsard N, Gonzalez JF, Micicoi G (2023). Restoration of preoperative tibial alignment improves functional results after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 31(11), 5171-5179. (Read full article)
    3. Machado A, Micicoi L, Ernat J, Schippers P, Bernard de Dompsure R, Bronsard N, Gonzalez JF, Micicoi G (2023). Normo-or slightly overcorrection show better results after medial closing wedge high tibial osteotomy. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 31(10), 4276-4284. (Read full article)
    4. Lee S, Krych AJ, Peebles AM, Rider D, Dekker TJ, Arner JW, Ernat JJ, Whalen RJ, Provencher MT (2023). Outcomes of Open Versus Arthroscopic Treatment of HAGL Tears. Am J Sports Med, 51(6), 1581-1587. (Read full article)
    5. Featherall J, Metz AK, Froerer DL, Rosenthal RM, Mortensen AJ, Ernat JJ, Maak TG, Aoki SK (2022). The Schöttle Point Is Consistently Located Distal to the Medial Femoral Physis in Pediatric Patients: A Digitally Reconstructed Radiographic Study. Am J Sports Med, 50(13), 3565-3570. (Read full article)
    6. Ernat JJ, Jildeh TR, Peebles AM, Hanson JA, Mologne MS, Golijanin P, Provencher MT (2022). How to Fashion the Bone Block for Reconstruction of the Glenoid in Anterior and Posterior Instability. Am J Sports Med, 50(12), 3333-3340. (Read full article)
    7. Hanson JA, Horan MP, Foster MJ, Whitney KE, Ernat JJ, Rakowski DR, Peebles AM, Huard J, Provencher MT, Millett PJ (2022). Clinical Outcomes of Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair with and without Platelet-Rich Plasma. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil, 4(5), e1739-e1746. (Read full article)
    8. Comfort SM, Ruzbarsky JJ, Ernat JE, Philippon MJ (2022). Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Intraoperative Labral Width at the 9-O'clock and 12-O'clock Positions in Primary Hip Arthroscopy. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil, 4(4), e1331-e1337. (Read full article)
    9. Lee S, Rakowski DR, Horan MP, Hanson JA, Ernat JJ, Millett PJ (2022). Open Anterior Capsular Reconstruction With a Dermal Allograft Is a Viable Nonarthroplasty Salvage Procedure for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil, 4(4), e1291-e1297. (Read full article)
    10. Ernat JJ, Rakowski DR, Ruzbarsky JJ, Johnson DW, Casp AJ, Peebles AM, Hanson J, Katthagan JC, Horan MP, Provencher CMT, Millett PJ (2022). Arthroscopic Characterization, Treatment, and Outcomes of Glenoid Labral Articular Disruption Lesions. Am J Sports Med, 50(5), 1328-1335. (Read full article)
    11. Ernat JJ, Rakowski D, Casp AJ, Horan MP, Millett PJ (2022). Results of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair for Calcific Tendonitis: a Comparative Analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 3, 616-622.
    12. Ernat JJ, Peebles AM, Provencher MT (2022). Open Excision of a Painful Fabella. Arthrosc Tech, 11(4), e577-e581. (Read full article)
    13. Justin J Ernat, MD, MHA, Dylan R Rakowski, BS, Jared A Hanson, BA, Aaron J Casp, MD, Simon Lee, MD, Annalise M Peebles, BA, Marilee P Horan, MPH, CAPT Matthew T Provencher, MD, MBA, MC USNR Ret, Peter J Millett, MD, MSc (2022). High  Rate  of  Return  to  Sport  and  Excellent  Patient  Reported  Outcomes  After  an  Open Latarjet  Procedure. J Shoulder Elbow Surg.
    14. Pearce SS, Ruzbarsky JJ, Ernat JJ, Rakowski DR, Hanson JA, Millett PJ (2022). Arthroscopic Subcoracoid Decompression, Coracoplasty, and Subscapularis Repair for Subscapularis Tears in the Setting of Subcoracoid Impingement. Arthrosc Tech, 11(3), e333-e338. (Read full article)
    15. Waltz RA, Peebles AM, Ernat JJ, Eble SK, Denard PJ, Romeo AA, Golijanin P, Liegel SM, Provencher MT (2022). Commercial 3-dimensional imaging programs are not created equal: version and inclination measurement positions vary among preoperative planning software. JSES Int, 6(3), 413-420. (Read full article)
    16. Justin J Ernat Petar Golijanin Annalise M Peebles Stephanie K Eble Kaare S Midtgaard Matthew T Provencher (2022). Anterior and Posterior Glenoid Bone Loss In Patients Receiving Surgery for Glenohumeral Instability Is Not the Same: A Comparative 3-Dimensional Imaging Analysis. JSES Int, 6(4), 581-586.
    17. Ernat JJ, Peebles AM, Provencher MT (2022). Lateral Collateral Ligament and Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Reconstruction for Tibiofibular Instability. Arthrosc Tech.
    18. Rony-Orijit Dey Hazra MD, Justin J Ernat MD MHA, Dylan R Rakowski BS, Jared A Hanson BA, Maria E Dey Hazra MD, Matthew T Provencher MD MBA MC USNR Ret Peter J Millett MD MSc (2022). Return to sports and work after anterior shoulder instability. Obere Extrem.
    19. Justin J Ernat, MD, MHA Dylan R Rakowski, BS Aaron J Casp, MD Simon Lee, MD, MPH Annalise M Peebles, BA Jared A Hanson, BA CAPT Matthew T Provencher, MD, MC, USNR Ret Peter J Millett, MD, MSc (2021). Shoulder Arthroscopy in Conjunction With an Open Latarjet Procedure Can Identify Pathology That May Not Be Accounted for With Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil.
    20. Day Hazra RO, Ernat JJ, Rakowski DR, Boykin RE, Millett PJ (2021). The Evolution of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Orthop J Sports Med.
    21. Ernat JJ, Rakowski D, Millett PJ (2021). Single Stage Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Reconstruction Using an Allograft Bone Dowel for a Malpositioned and Widened Femoral Tunnel. Arthrosc Tech, 10(7), e1793-e1797.
    22. Ernat JJ, Wright CJ, Rakowski DR, Millett PJ (2021). Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management for Severe Glenohumeral Arthritis in an Ultimate Fighting Championship Fighter: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect, 11(2). (Read full article)
    23. Ernat JJ, Wimberly RL, Ho CA, Riccio AI (2020). Vascular examination predicts functional outcomes in supracondylar humerus fractures: a prospective study. J Child Orthop, 14(6), 495-501. (Read full article)
    24. Yheulon CG, Schlussel AT, Ernat JJ, Cafasso DE, Carlson TL, Gallagher ME, Kellicut DC (2019). Scholarly output and the impact of self-citation among surgical fellowship program directors. Am J Surg, 219(6), 913-917. (Read full article)
    25. Rodriguez RM, Ernat JJ (2019). Ultrasonography for Dorsal-Sided Wrist Pain in a Combat Environment: Technique, Pearls, and a Case Report of Dynamic Evaluation of the Scapholunate Ligament. Mil Med, 185(1-2), e306-e311. (Read full article)
    26. Ernat JJ, Yheulon CG, Lopez AJ, Warth LC (2020). Does the h-index and self-citation affect external funding of orthopedic surgery research? An analysis of fellowship directors and their subspecialties. J Orthop, 20, 92-96. (Read full article)
    27. Yheulon CG, Cole WC, Ernat JJ, Davis SS Jr (2019). Normalized Competitive Index: Analyzing Trends in Surgical Fellowship Training Over the Past Decade (2009-2018). J Surg Educ, 77(1), 74-81. (Read full article)
    28. Ernat JJ, Yheulon CG, Shaha JS (2019). Arthroscopic Repair of 270- and 360-Degree Glenoid Labrum Tears: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy, 36(1), 307-317. (Read full article)
    29. Ernat JJ, Wimberly L, Samchukov ML, Cherkaskin AM, Birch JG (2019). Staged Reconstruction for Type IV Tibial Deficiency (Distal Tibiofibular Diastasis): A Report of 2 Cases. JBJS Case Connect, 9(4), e0088. (Read full article)
    30. Yheulon CG, Balla FM, Ernat JJ, Lin E, Davis SS Jr (2019). Academic inertia: Examining changes of scholarly output over time among academic minimally invasive surgeons. Am J Surg, 218(5), 813-817. (Read full article)
    31. Ernat JJ, Song DJ, Cage JM, Lee GY, Tokish JM (2019). Return to Duty After Mini-Open Arthroscopic-Assisted Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in an Active Military Population. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil, 1(1), e15-e23. (Read full article)
    32. Galvin JW, Ernat JJ, Grippo RJ, Li X, Parada SA, Eichinger JK (2019). Analysis of glenohumeral joint intraarticular pressure measurements in volume-limited MR arthrograms in patients with shoulder-instability compared to a control group. J Orthop, 17, 63-68. (Read full article)
    33. Ernat JJ, Johnson JD, Anderson CD, Ryan PM, Yim DG (2018). Does Clinical Exam and Ultrasound Compare With MRI Findings When Assessing Tendon Approximation in Acute Achilles Tendon Tears? A Clinical Study. J Foot Ankle Surg, 58(1), 161-164. (Read full article)
    34. Ernat JJ, Galvin JW (2018). Snapping Biceps Femoris Tendon. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ), 47(7). (Read full article)
    35. Ernat J, Riccio AI, Fitzpatrick K, Jo C, Wimberly RL (2015). Osteomyelitis is Commonly Associated With Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder in Children. J Pediatr Orthop, 37(8), 547-552. (Read full article)
    36. Galvin JW, Ernat JJ, Waterman BR, Stadecker MJ, Parada SA (2017). The Epidemiology and Natural History of Anterior Shoulder Instability. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med, 10(4), 411-424. (Read full article)
    37. Ernat J, Ho C, Wimberly RL, Jo C, Riccio AI (2016). Fracture Classification Does Not Predict Functional Outcomes in Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Prospective Study. J Pediatr Orthop, 37(4), e233-e237. (Read full article)
    38. Belyea C, Ernat J, Gumboc R (2016). Removal of a Contraceptive Implant From the Brachial Neurovascular Sheath. J Hand Surg Am, 42(2), e115-e117. (Read full article)
    39. Ernat JJ, Knox JB, Wimberly RL, Riccio AI (2015). The Effects of Restraint Type on Pattern of Spine Injury in Children. J Pediatr Orthop, 36(6), 594-601. (Read full article)
    40. Ernat JJ, Bottoni CR Jr, Rowles DJ (2016). Successful Nonoperative Management of HAGL (Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligament) Lesion With Concurrent Axillary Nerve Injury in an Active-Duty US Navy SEAL. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ), 45(5), E236-9. (Read full article)
    41. Ernat J, Song D, Fazio M, Lindell K, Orchowski J (2015). Radiographic Changes and Fracture in Patients Having Received Bisphosphonate Therapy for ≥ 5 Years at a Single Institution. Mil Med, 180(12), 1214-8. (Read full article)
    42. Ernat JJ, Song DJ, Brugman SC, Shaha SH, Tokish JM, Lee GY (2015). Mental Health Medication Use Correlates with Poor Outcome After Femoroacetabular Impingement Surgery in a Military Population. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 97(15), 1272-7. (Read full article)
    43. Levy J, Ernat J, Song D, Cook JB, Judd D, Shaha S (2014). Outcomes of long-arm casting versus double-sugar-tong splinting of acute pediatric distal forearm fractures. J Pediatr Orthop, 35(1), 11-7. (Read full article)
    44. Ernat J, Knox J, Orchowski J, Owens B (2012). Incidence and risk factors for acute low back pain in active duty infantry. Mil Med, 177(11), 1348-51. (Read full article)

    Review

    1. Sheean AJ, DeFoor MT, Spindler KP, Arner JW, Athiviraham A, Bedi A, DeFroda S, Ernat JJ, Frangiamore SJ, Nuelle CW, Sheean AJ, Spindler KP, Bedi A (2024). The Psychology of ACL Injury, Treatment, and Recovery: Current Concepts and Future Directions. [Review]. Sports Health, 19417381241226896. (Read full article)
    2. DeFoor MT, Cognetti DJ, Bedi A, Carmack DB Jr, Arner JW, DeFroda S, Ernat JJ, Frangiamore SJ, Nuelle CW, Sheean AJ (2024). Patient Resilience Does Not Conclusively Affect Clinical Outcomes Associated With Arthroscopic Surgery but Substantial Limitations of the Literature Exist. [Review]. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil, 6(2), 100812. (Read full article)

    Case Report

    1. Rakowski DR, Zarkadis NJ, Ernat JJ (2021). Combined Arthroscopic Superior and Anterior Capsular Reconstruction of the Glenohumeral Joint: A Case Report. . JBJS Case Connect, 11(3).

    Editorial

    1. Rosenthal RM, Featherall J, Ernat JJ (2023). Editorial Commentary: Superior Capsular Reconstruction Hybrid Grafts Include Autograft for Healing Plus Synthetics for Structural Integrity to Improve Outcomes. Arthroscopy, 39(8), 1811-1814. (Read full article)
    2. Ernat JJ, Lee S (2021). Editorial Commentary: Identifying the Large Glenoid Labrum Tear is not as Easy as it Seems.
    3. Ernat JJ, Millett PJ (2020). Editorial Commentary: Snapping Scapula Syndrome: Predictors of Outcomes After Arthroscopic Treatment. Arthroscopy, 36(12), 2973-2974. (Read full article)

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