A Surgeon Who Understands the Athlete’s Side of Injury
Dr. Gregory L. Primus brings the perspective of a former NFL player to shoulder, knee, and sports injury care for patients in Chicago and Tinley Park, Illinois. As a board certified orthopedic surgeon, he works with each patient and family so everyone understands the treatment plan. Learn more about his background below, or explore our orthopedic surgery and sports medicine services. Request an Appointment
Biography
Dr. Gregory L. Primus is a Board Certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of The Chicago Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery. He played three seasons in the NFL, one with the Denver Broncos and two with the Chicago Bears. As a former professional athlete, Dr. Primus has a unique understanding of the needs of sports medicine patients. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Primus and the staff at The Chicago Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery believe in a team-oriented approach to patient care. Some of the services offered include on-site physical therapy, x-ray, and MRI, as well as assistance from athletic trainers. The facility also houses a fitness center and personal trainers for an entire sports medicine experience.
In addition to his sports medicine training, which focuses on arthroscopic surgery and reconstruction of all the major joints, Dr. Primus also specializes in arthritis reconstruction of the knee and shoulder, with a focus on ligament sparing joint arthroplasty.
Dr. Primus completed his pre-medical microbiology degree at Colorado State University and then entered the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. There, he earned his medical degree and completed his orthopedic surgery residency. He then went on to complete a fellowship at the Southern California Center for Sports Medicine.
Dr. Primus is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, previous journal reviewer for the Arthroscopy Association of North American, and current Associate Master Instructor for Arthroscopy, National Medical Association and Cook County Physicians Association, J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society, and the retired branch of the National Football League Players Association.
Dr. Primus and his medical staff are the team physicians for Roosevelt University and Whitney Young High School in Chicago, and Homewood Flossmoor High School and Crete-Monee High Schools in the south suburbs. Having the Chicago Center For Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery allows him to treat athletes and injured workers throughout Chicagoland.
PHILOSOPHY OF CARE
“My philosophy of care is centered around patient information and patient understanding. I embody this team concept, which means treatment decisions are made by the collective understanding of the patient and family, primary care physician and the surgeon. When everyone is on the same page, the patient is empowered and allows for a speedy and more effective recovery.”
EDUCATION
- Fellowship: Southern California Center for Sports MedicineLong Beach, CA | Sports Medicine and Knee/ShoulderArthroplasty ’07
- Residency: University of Chicago Hospitals | Chicago, ILOrthopedic Surgery ’06
- Medical: University of Chicago Pritzker School of MedicineChicago, IL | M.D. ’01
- Undergraduate: Colorado State University | Ft. Collins, COB.S., Microbiology ’93
SPECIALTIES
- Anatomical: Arm, Elbow, Foot and Ankle, Hand and Wrist, Hip, Knee,Low Back, Neck, Shoulder, Spine
- Treatment: Arthritis, Arthroscopic Surgery, Disability, JointReplacement, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Trauma/Fractures
- Age Groups: Adult, Teen, Pediatrics
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Arthroscopy Association of North America
- J. Robert Gladden Society
- Cook County Physicians Association
- National Medical Association
- National Football League (NFL) Retired Players Association
Questions Patients Ask About Dr. Primus
What does Dr. Primus specialize in?
Dr. Primus is known as a shoulders and knees specialist. His sports medicine training focuses on arthroscopic surgery and reconstruction of all the major joints. He also specializes in arthritis reconstruction of the knee and shoulder, with a focus on ligament sparing joint arthroplasty. You can read more about these options on our orthopedic surgery page.
Is Dr. Primus board certified?
Yes. Dr. Primus is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is also a member of several professional societies, including the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.
How does Dr. Primus’s NFL experience help his patients?
Dr. Primus played three seasons in the NFL, one with the Denver Broncos and two with the Chicago Bears. Having been a professional athlete himself, he understands the physical demands, goals, and recovery concerns of athletes. That perspective shapes how he treats sports injuries for patients of all levels.
Where did Dr. Primus train?
Dr. Primus earned a microbiology degree at Colorado State University and his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals and a fellowship at the Southern California Center for Sports Medicine in Long Beach.
What services are available on-site with Dr. Primus?
Our practice offers on-site physical therapy, x-ray, and MRI, along with support from athletic trainers. You can learn more about physical therapy and on-site diagnostics and testing on their service pages.
Does Dr. Primus treat injured workers and school athletes?
Yes. Dr. Primus and his medical staff are team physicians for Roosevelt University, Whitney Young High School, Homewood Flossmoor High School, and Crete-Monee High School. He also treats athletes and injured workers throughout Chicagoland.
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Primus?
You can request an appointment online or call (708) 263-2000 - Chicago Office or (708) 263-2000 - Tinley Park Office . We have two equal locations: 7543 183rd St in Tinley Park and 1301 E 47th St in Chicago. Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. New patients can find helpful information on our New Patients page.