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 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

A Contemporary International Expert Consensus Statement on the Evaluation, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Injuries to the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee

Authors:

Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D., Cameron Gerhold, B.S., Kyle N. Kunze, M.D., Andrew G. Geeslin, M.D., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Udit Dave, M.D.,
José Rafael Garcia, M.D., Björn Barenius, M.D., Ph.D., Charles Brown, M.D., Túlio Vinícius de Oliveira Campos, M.D., Ph.D., Moisés Cohen, M.D., Ph.D.,
Lars Engebretsen, M.D., Ph.D., Gonzalo Ferrer, M.D., Carlos E. Franciozi, M.D., […]

A Contemporary International Expert Consensus Statement on the Evaluation, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Injuries to the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee

Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, and Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstructions With Primary Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction After First-Stage Bone Grafting Procedure

Authors:

Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

Revision multiligament knee injuries are rare but can occur due to unaddressed injuries in the primary reconstruction, poor tunnel placement, or a new injury. A thorough examination via physical […]

Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Posterior Cruciate Ligament, and Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstructions With Primary Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction After First-Stage Bone Grafting Procedure

Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Collateral Ligament and the Posterior Oblique Ligament With Allograft for High-Grade Valgus Laxity

Authors:

Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL) are 2 of the main structures of the posteromedial corner of the knee. The MCL is important for valgus stability, […]

Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Collateral Ligament and the Posterior Oblique Ligament With Allograft for High-Grade Valgus Laxity

Lateral Femoral Condyle Osteochondral Allograft and Concomitant Lateral Opening-Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy in the Setting of Failed Osteochondritis Dissecans Fixation

Authors:

Grace E. Guerin, M.S.3., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a subchondral bone and articular cartilage abnormality that can lead to detachment of a bone fragment and eventually osteoarthritis. Juvenile OCD typically presents […]

Lateral Femoral Condyle Osteochondral Allograft and Concomitant Lateral Opening-Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy in the Setting of Failed Osteochondritis Dissecans Fixation

Concomitant Patellar Tendon Reconstruction With Hamstring Autografts and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Autograft in the Setting of Severe Patellar Tendinopathy With Recurrent Lateral Patellar Instability

Authors:

Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., Riccardo Cristiani, M.D., Ph.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

Chronic injuries to the extensor mechanism present unique challenges to physicians because of their complex nature and the need for […]

Concomitant Patellar Tendon Reconstruction With Hamstring Autografts and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Quadriceps Autograft in the Setting of Severe Patellar Tendinopathy With Recurrent Lateral Patellar Instability

Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Full Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction With Lateral Capsule, Biceps Tendon, and Iliotibial Band Repairs Attributable to Hyperextension Injury

Authors:

Luke V. Tollefson, B.S., Evan P. Shoemaker, B.A., Dustin R. Lee, M.D., Matthew T. Rasmussen, M.D., and Robert F. LaPrade, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) have been reported to occur in 13.3% to 19.7% of patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears. Severe cases can also lead to injury of the biceps femoris […]

Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Full Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction With Lateral Capsule, Biceps Tendon, and Iliotibial Band Repairs Attributable to Hyperextension Injury

Lateral Condyle Impaction Fracture Reduction With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, and Repair of Lateral Meniscus Radial Tear After a High-Grade Pivot-Shift Injury

Authors:

Luke V. Tollefson B.S., Evan P. Shoemaker B.A., Nathan J. Jacobson M.D., Erik L. Slette M.D., Robert F. LaPrade M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract:

The pivot shift is a common injury mechanism during an anterior cruciate ligament injury in which the tibia rotates anterolaterally with a combined valgus force. This mechanism can lead to bone […]

Lateral Condyle Impaction Fracture Reduction With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, and Repair of Lateral Meniscus Radial Tear After a High-Grade Pivot-Shift Injury

Slope-Reducing Anterior Closing Wedge Proximal Tibial Osteotomy, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tunnel Bone Grafting, and Unstable Medial Meniscus Ramp Repair as a First-Stage Procedure

Authors:

Evan P. Shoemaker B.A., Luke V. Tollefson B.S., Matthew T. Rasmussen M.D., Dustin R. Lee M.D., Robert F. LaPrade M.D., Ph.D

Abstract:

Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) requires heightened levels of preoperative patient planning to evaluate for known risk factors of a primary ACLR graft failure. Risk factors include ≥12° of posterior tibial slope, coronal […]

Slope-Reducing Anterior Closing Wedge Proximal Tibial Osteotomy, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tunnel Bone Grafting, and Unstable Medial Meniscus Ramp Repair as a First-Stage Procedure

The Formal EU-US Meniscus Rehabilitation 2024 Consensus: An ESSKA-AOSSM-AASPT Initiative. Part I—Rehabilitation Management After Meniscus Surgery: Meniscectomy, Repair and Reconstruction

Authors:

Nicolas Pujol, Airelle O. Giordano, Stephanie E. Wong, Philippe Beaufils, Juan Carlos Monllau, Elanna K. Arhos, Roland Becker, Francesco Della Villa, J. Brett Goodloe, James J. Irrgang, Jitka Klugarova, Emma L. Klosterman, Aleksandra Królikowska, Aaron J. Krych, Robert F. LaPrade, Robert Manske, Nicky van Melick, Jill K. Monson, Marko Ostojic, Mark V. Paterno, Tomasz […]

The Formal EU-US Meniscus Rehabilitation 2024 Consensus: An ESSKA-AOSSM-AASPT Initiative. Part I—Rehabilitation Management After Meniscus Surgery: Meniscectomy, Repair and Reconstruction

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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