Board-certified orthopedic surgeon · Tucson & Oro Valley
Call 520-881-1394 Meet the team
About Dr. Ward and his team
Dr. Steven Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Tucson and Oro Valley who specializes in joint replacement, sports injuries, and fractures — caring for patients of all ages with both surgical and non-surgical treatment.
He grew up in Roy, Utah, and began his career in the operating room as an orderly, then a surgical scrub technician, and later a registered nurse after earning his nursing degree from the University of Utah. That foundation still shapes how he works with patients and staff. He earned his medical degree at Touro University Nevada, completed orthopedic residency at Millcreek Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, and then served as an Army orthopedic surgeon at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, caring for active-duty service members, families, retirees, and Veterans Affairs patients.
In 2022 he relocated to Tucson with his wife and two daughters and now practices at Northwest Bone & Joint. His approach is straightforward: he does not treat the X-ray or MRI alone — he uses them as tools to treat the whole person, listening carefully and building a plan that fits each patient’s goals. Away from clinic he is an avid golfer and a member at Dove Mountain, where he plays on the weekends with his wife.
Your care team
Olivia Sobojinski, PA, has been with Dr. Ward since the beginning of her career. She mirrors Dr. Ward’s approach to comprehensive orthopedic care and works closely with him on patient care decisions.
Gabby is a physician assistant with several years of experience. She closely mirrors Dr. Ward’s approach to evaluating patients and planning treatment, so your care stays consistent from visit to visit.
Kayleena is Dr. Ward’s nurse. She is available to answer your questions and to help with your medical needs before and after your visit or surgery.
Alison is Dr. Ward’s surgery scheduler and has worked with him the longest. She can help you schedule and coordinate your surgery, and she can fill out the paperwork you need, such as FMLA or work documents.
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Procedures
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Services
Surgical Services
Dr. Ward specializes in a wide range of procedures to help patients regain mobility and reduce pain. He performs total hip, knee, and shoulder replacements for advanced arthritis and joint degeneration, using modern techniques to optimize outcomes and recovery. For active patients, he offers sports surgery on the shoulder (such as rotator cuff repair and instability procedures) and the knee (including ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery). He also treats all types of orthopedic trauma and fractures, from complex fractures to acute injuries that need prompt surgical fixation. In addition, he performs smaller hand and foot procedures for common problems, such as carpal tunnel release and treatment of trigger finger and tendon problems.
Non-Surgical Services
We offer comprehensive non-surgical orthopedic services to effectively manage a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, helping most patients achieve relief and improved function without the need for surgery. Our conservative treatments address issues in the shoulder, knee, hip, spine, foot and ankle, and hand, including arthritis, sprains, tendinitis, fractures, and chronic pain. In-clinic services include targeted injections (such as corticosteroids or viscosupplementation), custom bracing and orthotics for support and stability, personalized physical therapy programs, application of casts and splints for immobilization, and on-site X-rays for immediate diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.
Experience
…and many more.
Google Reviews
5-star · 36 reviews · scroll sideways“Dr. Steven Ward listened attentively and answered any questions I had. I was not rushed or intimidated at any time during my consultation with Dr. Ward. Dr. Ward is a professional, diligent, knowledgeable, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic individual dedicated to his chosen profession. I also found his staff you be competent, helpful and courteous. I highly recommend Dr. Steven Ward as well as his staff. Overall, an excellent experience.”
“Dr. Steven Ward is an exceptional doctor…the professional care and procedure is outstanding… the Staff is caring, friendly and efficient. We are blessed to have this amazing doctor caring for us!”
“Dr. ward and his staff are very professional. Dr. Ward took time to answer my questions and what the next steps would be. The office visit went very smoothly. He did a great job to fix my broken leg. I would recommend him in a heartbeat.”
“Tiny bit of wait time however the staff was very kind and dr was great. Answered all my questions and gave me relief with all my concerns with my broken shoulder.”
“Called to discuss my shoulders mri, he saw me very next day, hard to beat that. He explained my options crystal clear,. Experienced and kind. I highly recommend him.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽”
“Nicest doctor I've ever met. He listens, explains things and makes you feel comfortable. I'll be having surgery by Dr. Ward next week and looking forward to seeing him.”
“Dr Ward and his staff are amazing! They are excellent at their jobs, Dr. Ward is awesome and I’m so glad that he’s my Dr. through this entire process. Highly recommended. Compassionate, conscientious, caring and an excellent level of care.”
“Dr Ward is wonderful Dr. His office staff is pleasant. He runs on time. I have never had to wait past my appointment time. Dr. Ward takes his time to answer all my questions, I have never felt rushed. All in all I would recommend him without hesitation.”
“What a joy to meet Dr Ward and his excellent office staff. Hubby is a very complex patient yet he listened attentively and addressed all of his issues. Allison has been very patient helping schedule his surgery. So refreshing to find a Dr with his bedside manner these days!”
“Dr. Ward and Olivia are both very welcoming and knowledgeable, and accommodating. The front office is efficient and friendly and they treat you like you are family.”
“Dr ward is wonderful. Not only was I was seen right away but he was also able to assess and treat my particular issue that day. From his thoughtful staff to an office easily accessible at the northwest oro valley hospital campus the entire experience was great. I’m not only a patient but a referring physician as well. That’s how much I trust and value his expertise.”
“Very prompt and professional office with medical assistant and front office staff that were warm and welcoming.I was seen the same day I called as I was experiencing a lot of pain. Dr Ward did an exam explained what was wrong and the history of how it was discovered. He was kind and considerate, made a plan and allowed me to ask questions. I highly recommend this office and Dr Ward.”
“I have been seeing Dr. Ward after receiving his exper care and surgery to my arm and shoulder. He was understanding with empathy and is clearly an outstanding surgeon. His staff at his office were exceptionally nice and did their job to a #10. Loved the x-ray tech. She was very nice and understanding to the situation and did her job with care. Thank you, thank you Dr. Ward for everything.”
“He was wonderful! I’ve had some bad experiences with pain drs/clinics, and l I was apprehensive. Dr Ward was wonderful; he was very friendly, and didn’t make a big deal out of. Pain reduced after injection, but it was gone by Monday. I plan to see him again if necessary.”
“Had a reverse total shoulder replacement 3 weeks ago. In and out of hospital in 4 hours. Dr. Ward did an excellent job. The post op x rays showed perfect placement of the implants. Recovering well..Everyone involved did a great job.”
“I fell and had to have emergency surgery. Dr. Ward fit me in his surgery schedule, and I was done and In a hospital room before they had estimated. My inpatient and residential rehab were promptly working toward recovery. My followup with Dr. Ward was informative.”
“I was extremely impressed with my whole experience with Dr Ward and his staff. They were all very professional and Dr Ward showed me my X-ray and diagnosed my hip problem quickly. Bursitis. He gave me a cortisone shot and exercises to strengthen the area. I would recommend him highly!”
“Dr Ward took great care of me, he got me right in for an injection before I went on vacation and then scheduled me for surgery when I got back home from vacation…. Very caring!! Very important, Thx Dr Ward”
“I was referred to Dr. Steven Ward's office by Northwest Hospital. I can't really adequately state how much I appreciate the office staff, his P.A Olivia, and Dr. Ward himself. They are all friendly, professional, and always willing to help. I always feel welcome. They get you seen in a very timely manner, and listen to your concerns. My surgery went well, and I have complete confidence in Dr. Ward. I would choose this office, and the staff everytime if I needed orthopedic services!”
“Dr. Ward got me in the same day that I went to urgent care. He was very nice, and made me feel that he had an interest in helping me. I would highly recommend him.”
“Dr Ward is the best! I had an issue with my knee and he preformed a corrective procedure that really improved how it felt. I highly recommend him for his skills and compassionate care.”
“My first time visiting Dr. Ward was fantastic. His staff was in tune with one another, which made the whole visit extremely smooth. Dr. Ward was kind and caring with his knowledge about my knee. He helped on my first visit, and will continue on my follow up visit. I would highly recommend Dr. Steven Ward.”
“Dr. Ward is amazing. After months of pain and procedures with another dr. I am 3 weeks post op and in less pain now than I have been in the last 2 years. He did my rotater cuff and cleaned up what the other dr. did. Thank you Dr. Ward!”
“The same day I had my ankle worked on, my wife broke her femur in two places. Dr. Ward was her surgeon. I was impressed especially with his phone call afterwards telling me everything went well. That meant a lot to me!”
“I absolutely love this doctor! He is so patient oriented, no nonsense, and a talented surgeon. His office help is great 10 *** stars. Dr. Ward has performed 2 operations for me and both healed w/o issues and l couldn't be happier.”
“I was able to get an appointment promptly when referred to Dr. Ward's office. I was taken in to see him promptly when I got to the office. I've been very concerned about having surgery. Dr. Ward explained the procedure and helped reduce my concerns. He was low key and told me to take my time to consider and to make an appointment for surgery when I was ready. I was given a packet of information that explained thoroughly what is involved in preparing for surgery and rehabilitation after surgery. I am going to have the surgery.”
“My appointment was fantastic from checking in until leaving. The receptionist ladies were cheerful and helpful and Dr. Steven Ward clearly explained my options.”
“I enjoyed meeting Dr ward. He seems like such a good person and a great doctor. His staff is wonderful, especially Allison who made the scheduling so easy. Dr Ward did an amazing job with my surgery. He seems like a very caring person, and I liked his can-do get it done attitude, instead of telling me to wait and see what happens first. I will recommend him if anybody ever asks me or needs a recommendation for a shoulder doctor. He was wonderful! My latest visit with Olivia was fabulous! She is a very sweet, knowledgeable and caring provider. She is thorough and answers all your questions and goes over the x-rays to help explain. She makes herself available for questions even after the appointment.”
“It was my 1st time seeing Dr. Ward. I was very pleased with him and his staff. I've been having shoulder pain. Dr Ward is having me have a MRI which I'm happy about. I'll finally know what's going on. I like the fact that he didn't rush me out of his office. He was listening to what I had to say. You can tell that he cares about his patients. I would definitely recommend him.”
“My several visits with Dr. Ward were wonderful. He was thorough, he listened to me and seemed to genuinely care that I got the care I needed for as long as I needed. I didn't feel rushed through my healing. Also, all of the office staff from the front office to the nurses were truly kind and helpful.”
“Nobody but nobody wants to have rotator cuff surgery, but when it has to happen, Dr. Ward to the rescue. He was so encouraging during my painful recovery, assuring me that everything I was experiencing was normal and all would be well. Sure enough, after eight months I have full range in my repaired shoulder with no more pain! A skilled surgeon with great bedside manner, I highly recommend Steven Ward.”
“I have a great experience every visit, and every phone call. The staff has been super to me with all the questions and trying to get me comfortable after a knee replacement surgery. The surgery results are turning out perfect. PT has been hard but Dr Ward did a great job on my knee replacement. No problems at all so far 2 plus weeks out. Incision is healing great.”
“Dr. Ward is so calm, caring and sharp. He knows his craft and really wants to help. Allison and his staff are amazing.”
“As usual got in right away. Dr Ward was soon to follow. Gave my right knee replacement a thumbs up. Can't wait until I have healed enough so I can get the left knee replace. Great surgeon.”
“The professionalism I experienced going to Dr Ward's orthopedic office was absolutely amazing. From the people in the office to the assistant to Dr Ward himself every single person was amazing and made me feel so much better. Anytime I've had to have surgery or doctors experience this has been the greatest visit and experience as well as surgery I've ever had. I am so thankful to you all!”
“Dr. Ward is getting ready to give me a total knee replacement when I met him. He has such a good disposition I like him and I can't wait to see the outcome. Thank you Dr. Ward so much.”