Robert F. LaPrade, MD, PhD - Knee Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

02/03/2026

“Why can’t I just remove my meniscus tear?”
For bucket-handle tears, removing it isn’t usually ideal. Repairing it is often better for long-term joint health and arthritis prevention. Talk with your surgeon about repair options!

Because the posterior horn of the medial meniscus absorbs most of the weight of the medial compartment, a posterior horn medial meniscus tear is common.

01/30/2026

In 2025, Dr. LaPrade and his national and international collaborators achieved an exceptional level of research productivity in orthopaedic sports medicine.

While maintaining a full-time clinical practice, the team published 94 peer-reviewed studies, advancing evidence-based care in knee ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and sports medicine worldwide.

Dr. LaPrade also delivered 40 invited lectures and courses and presented 10 podium and poster sessions at major conferences to strengthen education, collaboration, and clinical impact.

This work was recognized with theAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
AOSSM) Cabaud Memorial Award, honoring outstanding contributions to sports medicine research. https://drrobertlaprademd.com/outstanding-research-productivity-of-dr-robert-f-laprade-and-his-collaborative-national-and-international-research-team/

01/29/2026

- Bridget Holt, a young mom, faced heartbreaking failed treatments for her knee. But she didn’t give up. Through determination and careful exploration, she found an alternative to knee replacement and returned to the active lifestyle she loves.

Her story reminds us: in healthcare and in life, persistence and advocating for the right solution can make all the difference. Read her full journey here ⬇️

Patient Bridget Holt suffered a series of heartbreaking knee injuries and failed treatments until she met Dr. LaPrade. This meniscus transplant success story gave Bridget a knee replacement alternative.

01/28/2026

Cartilage Defect on MRI? Don’t Rush to Surgery!

Not every cartilage defect in the knee needs treatment. If you have normal strength, motion, and no pain, your knee may be fine with observation alone.

Remember: We treat the patient, not the scan.

The femoral condyles are located on the end of the thigh bone, or the femur, covered by articular cartilage and work as a shock absorber.

01/27/2026

Sometimes the spark you need comes from the most unexpected places. For 20-year-old Alysa Liu, a casual ski trip rekindled her passion for figure skating, reminding her why she fell in love with the sport in the first place.

Now, with a refreshed mindset and renewed energy, she’s back on the ice chasing her dream of Olympic gold at the Milan-Cortina Games. ⛸️🌟

After a casual ski trip reignited her passion for figure skating, the 20 year old is back with a refreshed outlook to make a run at the Milan Cortina Games.

01/23/2026

Ever wondered how doctors read a knee MRI?

Dr. LaPrade breaks down the exact steps to identify an isolated PCL tear from sagittal to coronal to axial views. Watch and learn the key clues radiologists and surgeons look for! https://drrobertlaprademd.com/how-to-read-a-mri-of-a-pcl-tear/

01/22/2026

Meniscal root tears in older patients are tricky, they’re often diagnosed late after arthritis progresses. Early repair at first signs of pain or swelling can slow joint damage. Malalignment may require osteotomy. Learn more ⬇️

Meniscal root tears demonstrated on biomechanical testing that it is equivalent to having the whole meniscus removed.

01/21/2026

For the 11th year in a row, Dr. LaPrade has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, an honor given to the top 7% of physicians nationwide.

While this recognition is meaningful, it serves as a reminder that exceptional care is a team effort. We are grateful to our patients for trusting us and to our team for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Read more ➡️ https://drrobertlaprademd.com/dr-robert-f-laprade-recognized-as-a-castle-connolly-top-doctor-for-2026/

01/20/2026

Is an ACL reconstruction procedure painful?

ACL reconstruction can be moderately painful, especially in the first 24–48 hours after surgery, often rated 6–7/10 even with pain medications. The procedure involves harvesting a graft, drilling tunnels in the bone, and sometimes repairing the meniscus.

Using ice, starting physical therapy early, and following prescribed pain regimens can significantly reduce discomfort and help minimize the need for narcotic medications.

Minnesota knee specialist Dr. LaPrade ACL reconstruction be performed in young active patients and in patients who report instability with twisting or turning.

01/16/2026

"Go to Dr. LaPrade and his team if you need a truly expert pair of hands for your knee! I had four ACL tears previously, and the other specialists I visited for the latest tear either (a) did not find the root cause of the problem (high tibial plateau angle) or (b) was not confident in fixing the problem as they deemed the amount of bone I have left in the knee insufficient.

Dr LaPrade and his team fixed the root cause by first performing the osteotomy. After about 8 months of recovery, it was followed up with the ACL revision, together with a medial meniscus root repair. His team also found through the previous arthroscopy that my FCL was torn, so that was fixed up too." -Chew Jing Wei

01/15/2026

As she heads into her final Olympics, Hilary Knight remains at the heart of U.S. women's hockey. From leadership to clutch performances, her influence goes far beyond the ice. 🇺🇸🏒

01/13/2026

Where does osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee most often occur?

Most commonly on the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle. It can also involve the lateral femoral condyle, trochlea, or patella, and is bilateral 30% of the time. Learn more 👇

Osteochondritis dissecans knee can affect any joint in the body, but the knee is the most commonly affected joint.