Robert LaPrade MD, PhD

About Robert LaPrade, MD

Robert LaPrade, MD, PhD has specialized skills and expertise in diagnosing and treating complicated knee injuries. He has treated athletes at all levels, including Olympic, professional and intercollegiate athletes, and has returned numerous athletes back to full participation after surgeries. Recognized globally for his outstanding and efficient surgical skills and dedication to sports medicine, he has received many research awards, including the OREF Clinic Research Award considered by many a Nobel Prize in orthopedics. Dr. LaPrade is one of the most published investigators in his field, and many of the surgeries that he has developed are now performed worldwide and recognized as the “gold standard” for the treatment of complex knee injuries.

Dr. Robert F. LaPrade Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026

Dr. Robert F. LaPrade has once again been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026, marking 11 consecutive years of recognition since first earning this distinction in 2015.

Castle Connolly Top Doctor honors are awarded to just 7 percent of practicing physicians in the United […]

Dr. Robert F. LaPrade Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026

Recovery Stages After Multiligament Knee Reconstruction

Authors:

Warren W. Nielsen, M.D., Jill K. Monson, P.T., O.C.S, Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D., and Andrew G. Geeslin, M.D.

Abstract:

Multiligament knee injuries are severe limb-threatening injuries involving a tear of two or more of the major knee ligaments including the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and fibular (lateral) collateral ligament/posterolateral corner. […]

Recovery Stages After Multiligament Knee Reconstruction

Anatomic Multiligament Knee Reconstruction With Biceps Femoris Tendon and Medial Meniscal Repair

Authors:

Benjiman J. Wilebski, MD, ATC, Luke V. Tollefson, BS, Dustin R. Lee, MD, Matthew T. Rasumussen, MD, and Robert F. LaPrade, MD, PhD

Abstract:

Background:

Multiligament knee injuries are defined as tears […]

Anatomic Multiligament Knee Reconstruction With Biceps Femoris Tendon and Medial Meniscal Repair

Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Concomitant Medial Collateral Ligament and Posterior Oblique Ligament Reconstruction After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Authors:

Evan P. Shoemaker, BA, Luke V. Tollefson, BS, Dustin R. Lee, MD, Matthew T. Rasmussen, MD, Robert F. LaPrade, MD, PhD

Abstract:

Background:

Motor vehicle accidents constitute the most prevalent high-energy […]

Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Concomitant Medial Collateral Ligament and Posterior Oblique Ligament Reconstruction After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Slope Increasing Medial Opening Wedge Proximal Tibial Osteotomy for Preventive Offloading of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and to Correct Varus Malalignment in the Setting of a Failed Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Authors:

Kaitlyn H. Smith, B.S., Nicholas K. Retzer, B.S., Benjiman J. Wilebski, M.D., A.T.C., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

The primary role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is to prevent posterior tibial translation (PTT). PCL graft forces increase as the […]

Slope Increasing Medial Opening Wedge Proximal Tibial Osteotomy for Preventive Offloading of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and to Correct Varus Malalignment in the Setting of a Failed Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Snowman Vs Single Plug; Dr. LaPrade Gives Expert Opinion in Healio Orthopedics Today with Luke Tollefson, BS

Study Compares Snowman vs. Single-Plug Osteochondral Allografts: Insights from Dr. Robert LaPrade

A recent study led by Brian J. Cole, MD, MBA, and colleagues at Rush University Medical Center compared outcomes in 26 patients treated with a snowman osteochondral allograft versus 52 patients who received a single-plug osteochondral allograft. The findings showed no significant difference in […]

Snowman Vs Single Plug; Dr. LaPrade Gives Expert Opinion in Healio Orthopedics Today with Luke Tollefson, BS

Repair of a Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Re-rupture With Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft Augmentation

Authors:

Benjiman J. Wilebski, M.D., A.T.C., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

The quadriceps tendon (QT) functions as one of the primary knee extensor mechanisms. The risk of QT tendinopathy increases with age, which also impacts the risk of QT rupture. This […]

Repair of a Chronic Quadriceps Tendon Re-rupture With Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft Augmentation

Arthroscopically Assisted Anatomic Repair of a Medial Gastrocnemius Proximal Tendon Avulsion

Authors:

Benjiman J. Wilebski, M.D., A.T.C., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

The medial gastrocnemius tendon’s (MGT) primary role is to perform plantarflexion of the foot. It attaches to the gastrocnemius tubercle, one of the primary medial femoral osseous landmarks. Injury to […]

Arthroscopically Assisted Anatomic Repair of a Medial Gastrocnemius Proximal Tendon Avulsion

International Delphi Consensus on Medial Meniscal Root Tears Shows High Agreement on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation but Lack of Agreement on Treatment of Asymptomatic Tears

Authors:

Jorge Chahla M.D., Ph.D., Jose Rafael Garcia M.D., Luke Tollefson B.S., Lika Dzidzishvili M.D., Ph.D., Felicitas Allende M.D., Cameron Gerhold B.S., Aaron J. Krych M.D., Robert F. LaPrade M.D., Ph.D.

The Meniscus Root International Expert Group:

Ashley J. Bassett M.D., David L. Bernholt M.D., Sanjeev Bhatia M.D., Berte Bøe […]

International Delphi Consensus on Medial Meniscal Root Tears Shows High Agreement on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation but Lack of Agreement on Treatment of Asymptomatic Tears

Dr. Robert LaPrade to Chair “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: Pick Your Procedures” Course at the Orthopaedic Learning Center

Dr. Robert LaPrade will chair the upcoming “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: Pick Your Procedures” course, scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC).

This highly anticipated program is part of the E.L.I.T.E. Skills Training series, a collection of cutting-edge courses designed to empower surgeons through Exceptional, Learner-Focused, Individualized, Tailored Education.

Dr. Robert LaPrade to Chair “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: Pick Your Procedures” Course at the Orthopaedic Learning Center

Robert LaPrade, MD PhD

Average rating:

27 reviews

Michael freimuth

Aug 1, 2021

by Michael freimuth on Robert LaPrade, MD PhD

So lucky

In 2007 i was playing soccer and as i planted my left foot the goalie kicked my left knee dislocating it 90° to the left. I was told i tore everything...mcl pcl lcl acl all tendons around my knee the minicus flipped over the knee cap tearing the patellar tendon and oh yeah i guess i broke my femur too. First surgeon i went to literally gave me 2 options.
1) he could remove part of my leg because he couldnt find a pulse in my foot
2) he would refer me to the expert.
Obviously i chose the second option. Upon meeting his team, my life changed. There was never any talk of removing my leg and immediately found a pulse in my foot. On top of that they asked if i was free the coming Wednesday to operate. Hearing reviews about the U of M and of dr laPrade i went ahead and let him try to help me. Best decision ever. Yes, it took a long time to recover. But as i was healing he would find ways to help me be able to see him. Even said my left knee was tighter than my right. I had to have my meniscus removed during my surgery and after 2 years i still didn't have arthritis. It is now 2021, yes thats 14 years after my injury havent seen or spoken to him in 12 years.what he doesn't know.....
I did manual labor the whole time grueling work, i snowboard....and i hit jumps, ice-skating and hockey are still fun and easy, i joined another soccer league and get this, im considered the fastest player....in the league! Im 36 now... took me 12 years to get on here just to say thank you..... feels like its to little and took to long compared to the gift he gave me. If nothing else, thank you!
Mike f

Sue Stanek

Jan 2, 2020

by Sue Stanek on Robert LaPrade, MD PhD

So glad I waited for the best

I struggled with my knee for 18 months - having gone from 10,000 steps a day to only walking as needed. Previous attempts to make it better provided only temporary relief. (including injections and arthroscopic surgery), I heard Dr. La Prade was going to practice in the Twin Cities - where I live, & waited for him, based on his renown reputation. I am so glad I did! Dr LaPrade performed a deep root repair to my meniscus, which saved me from a knee replacement at this time. I am 5-months post surgery, and am doing great, stationary biking and exercising every day, no pain.
You know you are seeing the best when you find out he has written over 500 medical journal articles - among many other accomplishments. Hey - if he is good enough for Olympic and professional athletes…..he's good enough for me! Thank you, Dr. LaPrade, for treating me with the care, focus, and expertise as if I was an Olympic athlete!
- From your 63 year old very appreciative patent ~

Nancy S Stevenson

Aug 14, 2019

by Nancy S Stevenson on Robert LaPrade, MD PhD

Right Knee Surgery After Auto Bicycle Accident

Dr. Robert F. LaPrade operated on my right knee in May of 2010. I was hit by a car on my bicycle near Horsetooth Reservoir in CO. I was life flighted to MCR in Loveland, CO. My orthopedic injuries were severe, but totally missesd by the orthopedic team at Poudre. I could not bear weight on my right side though I tried repeatedly, but finally I went and got an MRI and one of the orthopedic surgeons that I worked with was shocked when he saw the MRI result. My right knee was totally destroyed; ACL, MCL, PCL all severely torn; the patella was the only thing intact in my right knee. Dr. La Prade had just moved to Vail and I was his 2nd patient @ The Steadman Clinic. I was told by one of the orthopedic surgeons that I worked with that I would never run again and would be lucky if I could ever hike again. This was devastating news after being a top triathlete (3rd in the world in my age group in 1989 & 1st nationally in my age group) and a big marathon runner. All I can say is Dr. La Prade did an amazing job and I am not limited in any of my activites. I can run, bike, & climb mountains. In fact 2 years ago I finished climbing the top 100 peaks in CO.

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