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 b

ack 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.

Why does the front of my knee hurt after a knee replacement?Anterior knee pain can stem from:🔹 Scar tissue🔹 Tight kneeca...
08/12/2025

Why does the front of my knee hurt after a knee replacement?

Anterior knee pain can stem from:
🔹 Scar tissue
🔹 Tight kneecap components
🔹 Other underlying issues

If pain is new, therapy might help. If it’s been there since day one of rehab—time for a deeper look.

Patellar chondromalacia refers to pain around the front (anterior) part of the knee. Colorado knee specialist discusses more.

📚 800 Publications | H-index: 128 | 54,182 CitationsDr. Robert LaPrade has reached a remarkable milestone. With 800 peer...
08/08/2025

📚 800 Publications | H-index: 128 | 54,182 Citations

Dr. Robert LaPrade has reached a remarkable milestone. With 800 peer-reviewed publications and over 54,000 citations, he continues to shape the global standard for complex knee surgery.

Join us in celebrating a career defined by surgical innovation, academic leadership, and international impact.

MCL Anatomy on MRI: What to Look ForThe medial collateral ligament is best visualized on coronal MRI sequences. It origi...
08/08/2025

MCL Anatomy on MRI: What to Look For

The medial collateral ligament is best visualized on coronal MRI sequences. It originates just behind the medial femoral epicondyle and attaches to the proximal tibia at two points:
– ~15–18 mm distal to the joint line (soft tissue region)
– 6 cm distal to the joint line (main bony insertion)

MRI helps assess not only normal ligament anatomy, but also the location and severity of tears—critical for surgical planning.

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

The second year of residency = more responsibility, more expectations.How can new PGY-2s thrive in this next phase?Here ...
08/07/2025

The second year of residency = more responsibility, more expectations.
How can new PGY-2s thrive in this next phase?
Here are 5 tips to help you excel. ➡️

After gaining footing as interns, second-year residents take on a new role and increased responsibility. These tips help new PGY-2s excel.

08/06/2025
Join us October 25, 2025, at the Orthopaedic Learning Center for “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: Pick Your Procedures,” a g...
08/01/2025

Join us October 25, 2025, at the Orthopaedic Learning Center for “Elevating Knee Arthroscopy: Pick Your Procedures,” a groundbreaking E.L.I.T.E. Skills Training course.

Chaired by Dr. LaPrade, this one-day course allows you to tailor your learning experience through real-time procedure selection and expert-guided cadaveric labs. From meniscus preservation to ligament reconstruction, the choice is yours.
✅ Interactive lectures
✅ Personalized cadaver labs
✅ One-on-one guidance
✅ Small-group collaboration

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...

Big Ten vs. SEC: The Cold War Goes Hot What started as collaboration on a playoff format has turned into a full-on rival...
07/31/2025

Big Ten vs. SEC: The Cold War Goes Hot

What started as collaboration on a playoff format has turned into a full-on rivalry. The battle?
· Strength of schedule
· Conference supremacy
· Control of the College Football Playoff

Who do YOU think reigns supreme? Drop your pick below 👇

LAS VEGAS — The hottest rivalry in college football is not between teams. It is not Ohio State vs. Michigan, even with the pepper spray. It is not Auburn vs. Al

Bone bruises can tell the story.With posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries, look for bruising on the medial femoral condy...
07/29/2025

Bone bruises can tell the story.

With posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries, look for bruising on the medial femoral condyle or tibial plateau—often due to compression from lateral gapping. Up to 10% may even show a medial tibial plateau fracture. Learn more 👇

Although posterolateral knee injuries represent a smaller percentage of cases, this injury pattern can create a devastating impact on athletic performance.

Dr LaPrade breaks down how to read an MRI of an FCL (LCL) tear — one of the key ligaments on the outside of the knee.Lea...
07/25/2025

Dr LaPrade breaks down how to read an MRI of an FCL (LCL) tear — one of the key ligaments on the outside of the knee.

Learn how to spot the subtle differences between an isolated FCL tear and a full posterolateral corner injury.

Coronal, sagittal, and axial views reveal different clues — including MCL tears, ACL disruption, and bone bruising. Watch and learn more ⬇️

Complex knee specialist Robert LaPrade, MD, PhD addresses how to read an MRI of an FCL (LCL) tear. Dr. LaPrade specializes in the treatment of FCL tears.

Results That Exceeded Expectations"I have been a patient of Dr. LaPrade's for over 20 years. Initially he saved my deter...
07/22/2025

Results That Exceeded Expectations

"I have been a patient of Dr. LaPrade's for over 20 years. Initially he saved my deteriorating right knee joint with a delicate surgery. I have had over 20 years of active athletic life on that joint. Now he is helping me avoid a joint replacement and I intend, with his help, to return to a competitive level in triathlon and other sports.

He is a polite, modest, unassuming type of man so much so that only recently did I discover that he is the finest knee surgeon in the country. I am given to understand that his patients include olympic, professional and collegiate athletes. His staff is also among the best in the world. If you love your sport and want to remain active in your athletic life he is the doctor with the team that will get you there. In his practice all patients are treated like they are Olympians. I suppose this is why he has so many good outcomes." -Warren Sheaffer

ACL graft failure depends on several factors:🔹 Graft type🔹 Patient age🔹 Joint hypermobility🔹 Other knee injuriesRisk ove...
07/18/2025

ACL graft failure depends on several factors:
🔹 Graft type
🔹 Patient age
🔹 Joint hypermobility
🔹 Other knee injuries

Risk overview:
🔹 Patellar tendon autograft = lowest failure rate
🔹 Allograft (cadaver tissue) = higher failure
🔹 Teens = failure rates up to 30%
🔹 Middle-aged = ~2–5%

Traumatic reinjuries also can occur, but in general are not felt to be the most common cause of ACL graft failure, which can lead to ACL revision surgery.

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Edina, MN

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

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+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.