J. Ryan Hill, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon
Primary Appointment Location
Orthopaedic and Spine Clinic in North Little Rock
4261 Stockton Drive
Stockton Medical Plaza
Suite 100
North Little Rock, AR 72117
- Appointment Phone Numbers
- 501-526-1046
New Patients - 501-526-5451
Returning Patients
Overview
- Areas of Expertise
- Orthopaedics
- Shoulder and Elbow Orthopaedics
- Accepting New Patients
- Yes
- Provides Second Opinion
- Yes
- Patient Type
- Adults
- Language
- English
About Dr. Hill
Clinical Biography
J. Ryan Hill, M.D., is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon at UAMS Health who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder and elbow disorders and injuries. He sees patients at the UAMS Health Orthopaedic and Spine Clinic in North Little Rock and the UAMS Health Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford Road in Little Rock. He performs surgical procedures in The Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital at UAMS Health as well as the UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock. Additionally, he spends part of his clinical time at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital.
Dr. Hill knew that he wanted to go into medicine — particularly orthopaedic surgery — from a very early age. A lifelong athlete, his first exposure to orthopaedic surgery occurred in high school, when he underwent knee surgery due to a basketball injury. Now, Dr. Hill enjoys having the opportunity to alleviate patients’ pain and improve their function, so they can get back to what they love doing. Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints that brings people to a physician’s office, and shoulder disorders extend across the spectrum of patient ages and activity levels. Elbow disorders, while less common, also affect a broad demographic of patients. Both joints are characterized by significant anatomical and biomechanical complexity, which can be addressed with various types of surgical procedures — from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to joint replacements and ligament reconstructions.
Dr. Hill practices evidence-based medicine and is committed to advancing orthopaedic care through research. Although he takes care of patients with elbow problems and also treats the spectrum of shoulder conditions – from shoulder dislocations and labral tears, to rotator cuff tears, to shoulder arthritis – his research focuses on improving outcomes after shoulder replacement surgery (hemiarthroplasty, anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty) through the implementation of technology and innovative techniques. Additionally, Dr. Hill is passionate about improving the management of bone health disorders for all patients, engaging in research and clinical implementation pathways to build a comprehensive bone health program for Arkansas and the mid-south region.
Outside of work, Dr. Hill enjoys spending time with his wife and golden retriever exploring the outdoors, cooking, visiting restaurants, and traveling.
Resources Related to Dr. Hill
Shoulder Laxity and Multidirectional Instability (Video)
Dr. J. Ryan Hill explains shoulder laxity and multidirectional instability as conditions that exhibit a wide spectrum of different clinical treatments.
Watch the Video
Shoulder Instability (Video)
Dr. J. Ryan Hill, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon at UAMS Health, explains shoulder instability, including the causes, diagnosis and treatment options
Watch the Video
Shoulder Arthritis (Video)
Dr. J. Ryan Hill, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon at UAMS Health, discusses shoulder arthritis and treatment options available.
Watch the Video
About Dr. J. Ryan Hill, Orthopaedic Surgeon (Video)
Learn more about Dr. J. Ryan Hill and what sets him apart from the rest.
Watch the VideoDr. Hill's Academic Background
Academic Biography
Dr. Hill earned his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, where he was awarded the university-wide Order of Areté honor, earned a Distinction in Research, and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Following medical school, he completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis, consistently rated as one of the top three residency programs in the country. While there, he was elected to participate in both the American Orthopaedic Association’s Resident Leadership Forum and Emerging Leaders Program as well as served as the Administrative Chief Resident during his final year.
Dr. Hill remained at Washington University to pursue a fellowship in the division of shoulder and elbow reconstruction, one of the preeminent centers for shoulder and elbow disorders worldwide. Upon completion of his fellowship, Dr. Hill joined UAMS in 2023 as an assistant professor in the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation.
Dr. Hill is an active participant in shaping the future of orthopaedic surgery through his involvement in national efforts focused on advancing shoulder and elbow care and bone health, as well as surgeon career development and leadership, including:
- Own the Bone Steering Committee, American Orthopaedic Association (2025–2027)
- Emerging Leaders Program, American Orthopaedic Association (2022–present)
- Planning Committee, National Shoulder & Elbow Week, American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Society (2025–2026)
- Co-chair, 2025 3rd Annual Mentor-Mentee Meeting, ASES Society (2024–2025)
- Early Career Engagement & Mentorship Subcommittee, ASES Society (2023–present)
- Multicenter Shoulder Arthroplasty Complications/Outcomes Group, ASES Society (2023–present)
In addition, Dr. Hill is involved in many leadership and committee activities that promote educational excellence and quality assurance within UAMS and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, such as:
- Preceptor, Practice of Medicine, College of Medicine, UAMS (2024–present)
- Medical Student Honors in Research Program, College of Medicine, UAMS (2024–present)
- Resident Education Committee, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, UAMS (2024–present)
- Resident Research Committee, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, UAMS (2024–present)
- Quality & Safety Committee, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, UAMS (2023–present)
Faculty Appointments
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Assistant Professor
Education and Training
- Fellowship
- Washington University in St. Louis
Shoulder and Elbow Reconstruction - Residency
- Washington University in St. Louis
Orthopaedic Surgery - Medical School
- University of Southern California School of Medicine
Professional Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery — Orthopaedic Surgery
Associations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American Orthopaedic Association
Dr. Hill's Research
Dr. Hill’s research focus includes the muscle activation patterns of the shoulder girdle and the developed and acquired deformities of the scapula and humerus as the body ages. The goals of his research are aimed at gaining a better understanding of the complex movement patterns of the shoulder joint as well as the development and progression of shoulder arthritis to improve patient outcomes following shoulder replacement surgery.
Dr. Hill has published over 30 research articles, five review articles, and contributed to five textbook chapters. He has also presented his research at national professional meetings, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and the American Society for Peripheral Nerve annual meetings.
Selected Publications
- Hill JR, Fadell N, Olson JJ, Kahan LG, Aleem AW, Keener JD, Yamaguchi K, Zmistowski BM. Incidence of and Risk Factors for Reoperation and Revision Following Total Elbow Arthroplasty with an Anatomic Convertible Prosthesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Jun 14; ():. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.23.01171 PMID: 38875350.
View in Pubmed: 38875350 - Hill JR, Olson JJ, Aleem AW, Keener JD, Zmistowski BM. Three-dimensional analysis of biplanar glenoid deformities: what are they and can they be virtually reconstructed with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty implants? J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024 Feb 28; ():. pii: S1058-2746(24)00140-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.01.026 PMID: 38423250.
View in Pubmed: 38423250 - Hill JR, Motley J, Keener JD. Rehabilitation after Shoulder Instability Surgery. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2023 May; 34(2):409-425. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.12.007 PMID: 37003661.
View in Pubmed: 37003661
UAMS Research Profile
Each UAMS faculty member has a research profile page that includes biographical and contact information, a list of their most recent grant activity and a list of their PubMed publications.
Conditions Diagnosed or Treated by Dr. Hill
UAMS Health providers care for a broad range of conditions, some of which may not be listed below.
Medical Treatments and Procedures Performed or Prescribed by Dr. Hill
UAMS Health providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.
Dr. Hill's Areas of Expertise
Orthopaedics
UAMS Health is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in orthopaedics.
Shoulder and Elbow Orthopaedics (Part of Orthopaedics)
At UAMS Health, our fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons are leaders when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder and elbow issues.
Locations Where Dr. Hill Practices
Orthopaedic and Spine Clinic in North Little Rock , Primary Location
4261 Stockton Drive
Stockton Medical Plaza
Suite 100
North Little Rock, AR 72117
- Appointment Phone Numbers
- 501-526-1046
New Patients - 501-526-5451
Returning Patients
Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford
2 Shackleford West Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72211
- Appointment Phone Numbers
- 501-526-1046
New Patients - 501-614-2663
Returning Patients
Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital
801 Cottage Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
- Appointment Phone Number
- 501-526-1046
New and Returning Patients
John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
4300 W. Seventh St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
- Appointment Phone Number
- 501-257-2992
New and Returning Patients
OrthoNow (Part of the Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital)
801 Cottage Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
- General Information
- 501-686-8674
Comment
Very satisfied with our discussion.
Date
Sep 28, 2025Comment
Really good place
Date
Sep 27, 2025Comment
Highly experienced Highly professional care with well planed well planed treatment to promote the best possible outcome in mind.They all displayed high quality professional ability and compassionate care.
Date
Sep 27, 2025Comment
Very professional
Date
Sep 25, 2025Comment
All good see previous comments
Date
Sep 25, 2025Comment
The doctor asked based on our discussion and my pain level did I think zI need another shot. I said not at this time. He was very thorough and responded to all my questions and concerns.
Date
Sep 09, 2025Comment
Great
Date
Aug 28, 2025Comment
Great experience
Date
Aug 22, 2025Comment
Dr. Hill is so far advanced as a surgeon and physician I'll never see another Ortho other than him. He's exceeded any and all expectations I had. He's phenomenal.
Date
Aug 19, 2025Comment
Dr. Hill was very thorough in explaining things to me. He even sat down and took the time to Iisten to what I had to say, he did not rush me at all. He was an active listener. I brought previous exams and imaging and he took the time to review them before coming into the room. Dr. Hill had excellent bedside manner and I feel confident in his ability.
Date
Aug 14, 2025