Carlton Clinkscales, MD

Carlton Clinkscales, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist care. He treats conditions affecting the hand and wrist and performs a wide range of hand and wrist surgeries to help patients restore function and return to the activities that are important to them. Dr. Clinkscales was drawn to medicine by the complexity of hand anatomy and physiology and the essential role hands play in communication, work and everyday life. He believes restoring hand function whenever possible can have a meaningful impact on a person’s independence and quality of life. Dr. Clinkscales earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Davidson College and his medical degree from Emory University. He completed his orthopedic residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by a hand surgery fellowship at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. Dr. Clinkscales has been recognized by 5280 Magazine as a Top Doc in multiple years. His other honors include the Arthritis Foundation Walk Physician Honoree award in 2013 and the Littleton Hospital Foundation Board Outstanding Service Award in 2025. He is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Colorado Orthopedic Society and several other professional organizations.

In his free time, Dr. Clinkscales enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, skiing, golfing and playing tennis.

Dr. Clinkscales believes exceptional hand care begins with understanding how important hand function is to every patient’s daily life. He is committed to helping patients achieve the best possible function through thoughtful, individualized care and, when needed, surgical treatment. He values collaboration with patients and strives to provide care that reflects their goals, needs and quality-of-life priorities.