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

05/05/2026

What does a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear feel like? Many athletes describe a tearing sensation in the knee, but not a “pop.” Swelling is often mild, especially when isolated. This differs from ACL injuries, which more commonly present with a pop and rapid swelling.

Minnesota knee specialist Dr. Robert LaPrade discuses a PCL injury and how a posterior cruciate ligament tear occurs.

05/01/2026

Why does marathon training cause runner’s knee?

Most cases come down to iliotibial band (IT band) friction syndrome.

A tight IT band repeatedly rubs over the outside of the knee during running → irritation, swelling, and pain.

Surgery is rarely needed. https://drrobertlaprademd.com/runners-knee/ #6

04/29/2026

Why do I have numbness after ACL reconstruction?

This is very common.

Small skin nerves, especially the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve, cross the front of the knee. Surgical incisions from patellar tendon or hamstring grafts can affect them.

As a result, most patients notice numbness over the front of the knee after surgery.

Meniscus repair incisions can also contribute to localized numbness around the knee.

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

04/28/2026

Are MCL and meniscus tears the same thing?

No.

The MCL is a ligament on the inside of the knee that prevents the joint from gapping open.

The medial meniscus is a cartilage cushion that helps absorb load and stabilize the joint.

While both can cause medial knee pain, meniscal tears are present in only about 10–15% of MCL injuries.

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

04/24/2026

Dr. LaPrade was honored to be a remote guest speaker at the Romanian Arthroscopy Association Meeting on April 24, 2026 with the topic of “Current State of Medial Meniscus Root Repairs.

https://drrobertlaprademd.com/dr-robert-laprade-presents-on-medial-meniscus-root-repair-at-international-arthroscopy-meeting-romania/

04/24/2026

Cartilage helps your joints move smoothly, but it doesn’t heal easily.

When it’s damaged, knee pain, swelling, and stiffness can follow.

One option for small defects is an OATS procedure, where healthy cartilage and bone are moved to the damaged area to restore the joint surface.

It’s a strong alternative to microfracture in certain cases.

One specific cartilage restoration procedure that has proven to bring patients relief, is an osteochondral autograft transfers (OATS).

04/23/2026

NEW PATIENT STORY!

Some setbacks don’t end your story, they redefine it.

After a devastating ankle injury and then a serious ACL tear, Addie refused to let adversity take her off the field for good. Through surgery, setbacks, and months of relentless rehab, she fought her way back to the game she loves.

Now? She’s not just returning, she’s chasing a state championship and preparing to play at the collegiate level.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about coming back stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever.

Keep your eye on Addie, this is just the beginning.

Addie’s Comeback Story: Overcoming Severe Knee Injury to Chase a Lacrosse Dream A complex knee injury can change everything, but it can also define what comes next. A complex and serious knee injury could have sidelined Addison’s athletic career, but with advanced surgical care from Dr. LaPrade,...

04/21/2026

Can you strengthen your way out of proximal tibiofibular joint instability?

Not exactly.

There aren’t really exercises that directly stabilize this joint. The muscles around it, like the hamstrings, lack the right angle or leverage to keep it stable during movements like deep squatting or twisting with a bent knee.

That’s why treatment often goes beyond just “strengthening” and focuses on smarter movement strategies.

Proximal tibiofibular joint instability is rather rare, but can be debilitating in patients who have symptoms.

04/17/2026

Even when an ACL reconstruction graft looks intact on imaging, it may not function properly. Patients often notice:
· Difficulty twisting, turning, or pivoting
· Swelling with activity
· Increased risk of injury to the medial meniscus, particularly the posterior horn

Interestingly, ACL graft tears may be less painful than the original ACL injury, likely because the graft’s blood supply is more limited than that of a native ACL.

Understanding these subtle signs is crucial. A functional assessment and careful follow-up with an experienced orthopedic surgeon can help protect the knee and guide timely interventions.

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.

04/16/2026

– From Devastating Injury to Climbing a 22,841 ft Summit

Jason Smith tore his ACL and posterolateral corner in a soccer game. The injury was severe: multiple ligament tears, meniscus damage, and a fractured tibial plateau.

After surgery with Dr. LaPrade and a disciplined rehab program, Jason set a goal: to climb Aconcagua in Argentina – one of the highest mountains outside the Himalayas.

12 months later, carrying 40–60 lbs., he reached the summit. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the importance of having the right medical team.

12 months after surgery, Jason began a 20-day expedition to summit Aconcagua, which is 22,841 feet, high carrying between 40-60 pounds.

04/14/2026

How to Read an MRI of an FCL (LCL) Tear

Dr. Robert LaPrade breaks down the imaging of fibular collateral ligament (FCL) injuries and how they differ from complete posterolateral corner tears.

Key points:
• FCL tears rarely occur in isolation
• Coronal view: look for lateral edema & “wavy” ligament appearance
• Sagittal view: can reveal ACL disruption & bone bruising
• Axial view: harder to see, but can indicate other disrupted structures

Understanding MRI perspectives is critical for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning. https://drrobertlaprademd.com/how-to-read-an-mri-of-an-fcl-lcl-tear/

04/10/2026

One of the most common questions Dr. LaPrade hears from patients after ACL reconstruction is, “When can I get back to golf?”

In general, the key to safely returning to golf is restoring knee strength and stability. For patients undergoing a first-time ACL reconstruction, without other complications, most can initiate golfing around 4 months post-surgery.

However, it’s not just about the calendar, your knee needs to:
🔹 Support lateral movements and rotation during the swing
🔹 Handle the weight transfer and twisting forces involved in the game
🔹 Maintain confidence without pain or instability

Working closely with your physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon ensures your knee is ready, minimizes the risk of re-injury, and helps you enjoy your game fully.

Golf is a wonderful way to stay active, but a safe and measured return is essential for long-term knee health.

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