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

Robert F. LaPrade, MD, PhD - Knee Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist Complex Knee & Sports Medicine Surgeon at Twin Cities Orthopedic He is also the sole author of the only comprehensive textbook on posterolateral knee injuries.

Often referred to as a “Doctor’s doctor”, Robert LaPrade, MD, PhD is an International Leader in the treatment of complex knee injuries. He specializes in diagnosing and treating complicated knee injuries and previously failed surgeries. From weekend warriors who want to remain active, to Olympic, professional, semi-professional and intercollegiate athletes, Dr. LaPrade has returned many patients back to full functionality. Dr. LaPrade has special expertise in treating posterolateral knee injuries, PCL tears, revision ACL reconstructions, meniscal transplants, MCL injuries, knee osteotomies, fresh osteoarticular allografts, articular cartilage resurfacing procedures, and other difficult combined and revision injuries. Consistently selected as “One of the Best Doctors in America” and “One of the Most Compassionate Doctors”, Dr. LaPrade is passionate about providing high quality, personalized care. As a prolific medical researcher, Dr. LaPrade remains on the cutting edge of surgical techniques. He uses a vast and comprehensive research on sports medicine injuries to improve patient care and invent new ways to treat knee problems. Many of the surgeries that he has devised have been performed worldwide and are recognized as the top level of care for many complex knee surgeries. As one of the world’s most celebrated complex orthopaedic knee sports surgeons, Dr. LaPrade has published more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, 75 book chapters, and has given over 750 professional presentations, symposia, and instructional course lectures. He has received many awards for his research, including the OREF Clinical Research Award, considered a Nobel Prize of Orthopaedics. He is recognized as a pioneer in knee research, with many referrals from international and nationally recognized physicians due to his successful patient outcomes and his development of more effective surgical techniques for the reconstruction of complex knee injuries. In addition to his outstanding clinical care and research accomplishments, Dr. LaPrade is also recognized internationally as an outstanding teacher. Dr. LaPrade practices at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Edina and Eagan, MN. His policy is to see athletes and injured patients in a very timely fashion. He sees patients from all over the world and his staff provides a full service environment coupled with a physical therapy program recognized as one of the world’s best. Office appointments can be made by calling 612-615-2240.

Question: What’s more important — age or cartilage quality — when deciding on surgery?Answer: Cartilage quality wins eve...
09/23/2025

Question: What’s more important — age or cartilage quality — when deciding on surgery?

Answer: Cartilage quality wins every time. A healthy joint surface, even in a patient over 70, responds extremely well to meniscus root repair. Age is a factor, but it should never be the only one.

Dr. LaPrade's technique of a meniscal root repair involves isolating the root and a minimum of 2 sutures in the remaining meniscal attachment.

The T**h Push — Unstoppable? Not for everyone.The Eagles convert it 96.6% of the time on 4th-and-1, so why don’t all NFL...
09/22/2025

The T**h Push — Unstoppable? Not for everyone.

The Eagles convert it 96.6% of the time on 4th-and-1, so why don’t all NFL teams use it? It looks simple, but there's more to it.

The Eagles have converted the t**h push 96.6% of the time on fourth-and-1, so why don't all teams use it? Here's why.

New Surgical Technique Video!Arthroscopically Assisted Anatomic Repair of a Medial Gastrocnemius Proximal Tendon Avulsio...
09/19/2025

New Surgical Technique Video!

Arthroscopically Assisted Anatomic Repair of a Medial Gastrocnemius Proximal Tendon Avulsion

This technique addresses a chronic avulsion injury of the medial gastrocnemius tendon (MGT), with the goal of restoring anatomic function and stability in cases where conservative management fails.

Highlights include:
✔️ Medial knee incision with direct tendon exposure
✔️ Scar tissue debridement & whipstitching
✔️ Suture anchor fixation at the gastrocnemius tubercle
✔️ Arthroscopic confirmation of footprint reduction
✔️ Tension-tested in knee flexion and foot dorsiflexion

✅ Indicated for chronic MGT avulsions with ongoing functional limitations. Watch the full technique video now ⬇️

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) p...

No wearables. No subscriptions. No excuses.This one daily check can tell you if you're overtraining using nothing but yo...
09/18/2025

No wearables. No subscriptions. No excuses.

This one daily check can tell you if you're overtraining using nothing but your pulse and 60 seconds. Learn how 👇

Here's why your resting heart rate might be the best metric to determine if you're overtraining—and that you need to prioritize recovery

The priority in posterior horn lateral meniscus tears:Preserve the meniscus.Repair if possible.If not: monitor for arthr...
09/16/2025

The priority in posterior horn lateral meniscus tears:
Preserve the meniscus.
Repair if possible.
If not: monitor for arthritis & consider alternatives.

A posterior horn lateral meniscus tear is usually due to twisting or turning activities or falls. Lateral meniscal tears are common in sports such as skiing

In Case You Missed It!We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. LaPrade will chair the upcoming “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: P...
09/12/2025

In Case You Missed It!

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. LaPrade will chair the upcoming “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: Pick Your Procedures” course at the Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC)!

Part of the E.L.I.T.E. Skills Training Series, this innovative course allows surgeons to tailor their arthroscopic training based on real-time clinical decision-making and hands-on cadaver labs.

Focus Areas:
✅ Meniscus preservation
✅ Cartilage restoration
✅ Ligament reconstruction

· Led by Dr. LaPrade and a global faculty of experts
· Case-based learning + high-fidelity labs
· One-on-one instruction
· Limited seats for maximum engagement

“This course is all about elevating the surgeon’s skill set by focusing on what’s most relevant to their clinical practice.” – Dr. LaPrade

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 (O...

Patrick Mahomes opens up on turning 30, getting better, and what might make him walk away from football.The toughest act...
09/10/2025

Patrick Mahomes opens up on turning 30, getting better, and what might make him walk away from football.

The toughest act to follow? His own legacy. Read more 👇

The three-time Super Bowl champion's reality is one few professional athletes face at his level—the toughest act for him to follow might be his own.

How successful is Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?In the past, outcomes were poor, but that’s changed. Today,...
09/09/2025

How successful is Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

In the past, outcomes were poor, but that’s changed.
Today, anatomic double-bundle reconstructions yield 85–90% success, comparable to ACL outcomes.

Minnesota knee specialist Dr. LaPrade has found that a double bundle PCL reconstruction has been extremely effective in restoring knee stability.

Trochlear dysplasia? It’s not always what it looks like on X-ray!· That “groove” you see might just be cartilage playing...
09/02/2025

Trochlear dysplasia? It’s not always what it looks like on X-ray!

· That “groove” you see might just be cartilage playing tricks.
· MRI shows the real shape — especially those axial cuts — giving a true view of the trochlear groove.

Flat or dome-shaped? MRI doesn’t lie.

A diagnosis of trochlear dysplasia is usually made by a thorough physical exam and radiographic work-up.

This Labor Day, we’re grateful for every hard-working hand...from those building our communities to those healing them. ...
09/01/2025

This Labor Day, we’re grateful for every hard-working hand...from those building our communities to those healing them.

A special shoutout to healthcare heroes and the many patients working hard toward recovery every single day. You inspire us!

Are MCL and meniscus tears the same thing?The MCL is the main ligament on the inside of the knee which prevents the knee...
08/29/2025

Are MCL and meniscus tears the same thing?

The MCL is the main ligament on the inside of the knee which prevents the knee from gaping open. The medial meniscus is the cushion on the inside of the knee. While the pain can often be at the joint line for either of these, medial meniscal tears are not common with most MCL injuries and may be present only 10% to 15% of the time.

Dr. LaPrade will perform an MCL reconstruction on patients who exhibit a grade III tear of the medial collateral ligament.

Address

4010 W. 65th Street
Edina, MN
55435

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16126152240

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Complex Knee Specialist - Robert LaPrade, MD PhD

Often referred to as a “Doctor’s doctor”, Robert LaPrade, MD, PhD is an International Leader in the treatment of complex knee injuries. He specializes in diagnosing and treating complicated knee injuries and previously failed surgeries. From weekend warriors who want to remain active, to Olympic, professional, semi-professional and intercollegiate athletes, Dr. LaPrade has returned many patients back to full functionality. Dr. LaPrade has special expertise in treating posterolateral knee injuries, PCL tears, revision ACL reconstructions, meniscal transplants, MCL injuries, knee osteotomies, fresh osteoarticular allografts, articular cartilage resurfacing procedures, and other difficult combined and revision injuries. Consistently selected as “One of the Best Doctors in America” and “One of the Most Compassionate Doctors”, Dr. LaPrade is passionate about providing high quality, personalized care. As a prolific medical researcher, Dr. LaPrade remains on the cutting edge of surgical techniques. He uses a vast and comprehensive research on sports medicine injuries to improve patient care and invent new ways to treat knee problems. Many of the surgeries that he has devised have been performed worldwide and are recognized as the top level of care for many complex knee surgeries. As one of the world’s most celebrated complex orthopaedic knee sports surgeons, Dr. LaPrade has published more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, 75 book chapters, and has given over 750 professional presentations, symposia, and instructional course lectures. He has received many awards for his research, including the OREF Clinical Research Award, considered a Nobel Prize of Orthopaedics. He is also the sole author of the only comprehensive textbook on posterolateral knee injuries. He is recognized as a pioneer in knee research, with many referrals from international and nationally recognized physicians due to his successful patient outcomes and his development of more effective surgical techniques for the reconstruction of complex knee injuries. In addition to his outstanding clinical care and research accomplishments, Dr. LaPrade is also recognized internationally as an outstanding teacher. He has been awarded several teaching awards, including the last 3 annual teaching awards given by the fellows at the Steadman Clinic Sports Medicine Fellowship program. Dr. LaPrade practices at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Edina and Eagan, MN. His policy is to see athletes and injured patients in a very timely fashion. He sees patients from all over the world and his staff provides a full service environment coupled with a physical therapy program recognized as one of the world’s best. Office appointments can be made by calling 612-615-2240.