A complex knee injury can change everything, but it can also define what comes next.
A complex and serious knee injury could have sidelined Addison’s athletic career, but with advanced surgical care from Dr. LaPrade, including ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and LET, she began the path back to the game she loves.
Elite Lacrosse Athlete Competing at a High Level
Addison is a determined, young athlete who brings intensity and passion to everything she does. She is a high level lacrosse player, playing for Fairview High Knights in Boulder, Colorado, as well as for her club team, Team 180. With her high school season underway, she and her teammates are pushing hard toward a state championship, one they are fully capable of capturing.
The Physical Demands of Lacrosse and Risk of Injury
Lacrosse is one of the most demanding sports out there; it is fast, physical, and relentless. It requires speed, strength, skill, and total team coordination. Players must think quickly, move decisively, and stay locked in at all times. Addie thrives in that environment. She handles the ball with precision, delivering crisp passes, strong shots, and clean catches, all under pressure and at full speed.
Lacrosse demands a lot from the body, especially the hips, knees and ankles due to the demands of cutting, jumping and quick lateral movements.
Ankle Ligament Tear and Surgical Recovery
Injuries are, unfortunately, a common part of lacrosse, because it is a highly physical sport that demands a lot from its athletes. In February 2024, Addie suffered a significant ankle injury, sustaining a painful multi-ligament tear. The damage resulted in a high-grade sprain that required a combined Broström and syndesmosis (tightrope) procedure. Her recovery took six months, but Addie remained focused and determined to return to the game she loves.
And she did!
After working her way back, Addie returned to lacrosse stronger than ever. But in April 2025, she faced another major setback, this time, a serious knee injury.
ACL Injury in Athletes: A Sudden Setback
Her dad, Mark, shared that they immediately knew the injury was severe. In a remarkable twist of timing, Mark and Dr. LaPrade were co-hosting a Medical Congress in Iceland when Addie’s MRI results came through. Naturally, Addie was concerned, wondering if her dream of playing collegiate lacrosse was now in jeopardy.
Dr. LaPrade reviewed the MRI and quickly outlined a clear path forward. Soon after, Addie and her parents traveled from Colorado to Minnesota for surgery. In May 2025, she underwent ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedure.
Let’s break it down:
ACL Reconstruction with Patellar Tendon Graft (BPTB)
Dr. LaPrade performed an ACL reconstruction using a patellar tendon graft—commonly referred to as a Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BPTB) graft. In this procedure, a portion of the patellar tendon is harvested along with small bone plugs from the kneecap and shin, and used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This graft choice is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for athletes looking to return to high-demand sports.
While ACL reconstruction is a common procedure, achieving an excellent outcome requires exceptional precision. Proper placement of the graft, accurately replicating the natural “footprint” of the original ligament, is critical to restoring stability and performance at a high level.
Meniscus Ramp Tear Repair and Knee Stability
Addie also sustained a meniscus ramp tear, a type of injury that can be difficult to detect and often doesn’t appear clearly on MRI. Dr. LaPrade identified the tear and successfully repaired it. His approach utilizes inside-out suturing techniques to restore the meniscus to its anatomic position while enhancing stability, allowing for early range of motion during recovery. In Addie’s case, the repair required only a small number of sutures.
Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) for Rotational Stability
In addition, she underwent a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), a procedure that reinforces the outer (lateral) side of the knee. This technique uses a portion of the iliotibial (IT) band to help control rotational movement and prevent excessive pivoting, an important consideration for athletes returning to cutting and pivoting sports like lacrosse.
As with any major surgery, the real work begins after the procedure.
Addie embraced that challenge head-on. Through months of disciplined rehabilitation, she pushed herself through a rigorous physical therapy program. By September, she had progressed to advanced strength and sports performance training, building toward her return. After nine and a half months of determination, Addie was officially cleared to return to sport.
From Injury to Inspiration: A Future in Medicine
This is only the beginning of Addie’s story. Her high school team is currently chasing a state title (fingers crossed!), and she will continue her lacrosse career at the collegiate level. In fact, her dad shared that this injury, and the trip to Minnesota to see Dr. LaPrade, became a defining moment that helped shape her future plans. Addie aspires to become an orthopedic physician assistant. In just a few short months, she’ll head to Florida Tech to join the Panthers Lacrosse team, while also beginning her studies in the Biomedical Engineering program.
A Lacrosse Comeback Story to Watch
Keep an eye on her! We have no doubt she’ll excel in whatever she sets her mind to.
Follow Addison’s Journey:
*Special thanks to Mark for sharing Addie’s story with us!
