Riley J. Williams III, MD

01/20/2026

A hamstring tendon graft is a common option to repair a torn ACL. The gracilis and semitendinosus tendons are harvested through a small incision and combined to create a strong graft with minimal effect on strength.

This method is ideal for patients who crawl, squat, or kneel frequently. Unlike patellar tendon grafts, hamstring grafts rarely cause front-of-knee pain, making it a patient-friendly, low-morbidity option for ACL reconstruction.

ACL Reconstruction Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve jumping or quick stopping? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. Did you know there are many different types of ACL grafts that can be used to reconstruct the ACL?

01/16/2026

Subacromial impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendon and bursa become irritated beneath the acromion (top of the shoulder). When you raise your arm overhead, these tissues can get compressed, leading to pain and inflammation.

Pain is most noticeable with overhead movements, especially when the shoulder space narrows. Early treatment can help restore motion and prevent worsening symptoms.

Shoulder Impingement Specialist Do you participate in activities at work or in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of developing shoulder impingement. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is shoulder impingement (sometimes call subacromial impingement.) Shoulde...

01/15/2026

Defensive coordinators rarely get a second shot at being a head coach, but Vance Joseph is ready to break that trend. The Broncos’ defensive mastermind has earned the opportunity.

Defensive coordinators don’t often get second chances to be head coaches, but the Broncos’ mastermind is deserving of the opportunity.

01/13/2026

The radial collateral ligament (RCL) is a short, strong band connecting the humerus (upper arm bone) to the radius (forearm bone). Its main job is to stabilize the elbow against side-to-side stress.

RCL tears most commonly occur from a fall on an outstretched hand, which puts excess pressure on the elbow and can stretch or rupture one of the elbow’s three key ligaments. In some cases, this injury can also happen alongside an elbow dislocation.

Elbow Ligament Specialist Are you an athlete who participates in sports that might cause you to fall on an outstretched hand? If so, you may be at risk of injuring or tearing your radial collateral ligament (RCL) or your lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in your elbow. RCL and LCL ligament injuries

01/09/2026

What is a meniscus-preserving partial knee replacement?

This procedure replaces only the worn cartilage surfaces of the knee with thin metal implants, while keeping your own meniscus intact. Minimal bone is removed, and the knee retains its natural structures which helps restore smooth, frictionless motion and reduce pain. Learn more ⬇️

Meniscus Preserving Partial Knee Replacement Surgeon If you have arthritis in just one part of your knee, you may not need a total knee reconstruction or knee replacement. There is now an innovative procedure that replaces only part of the knee, while preserving the meniscus. The OvertureTi implant....

01/07/2026

Can billionaire Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell reshape college athletics? With major investments and influence, his vision could impact the future of sports at Texas Tech and beyond.

01/06/2026

Experiencing elbow pain? Posterior elbow impingement may be the cause. Common signs include:
· Back-of-elbow pain
· Stiffness or swelling
· Pain after activity
· Trouble straightening your arm

Early evaluation can help prevent worsening symptoms.

Elbow Impingement Specialist Do you participate in sports or work that requires repetitive movements of the elbow? Baseball pitchers, swimmers and boxers can experience pain in the back of the elbow caused by inflammation to the soft tissues around the elbow. Posterior elbow impingement occurs when....

01/01/2026

Here’s to new beginnings and a new year! Dr. Williams and the Hospital for Special Surgery team are thinking of all our patients near and far. May 2026 bring you healing, hope, and more smiles than you can count.

12/31/2025

Do you play sports or do work that repeatedly stresses your elbow? Pain in the back of your elbow could be posterior elbow impingement.

This happens when inflammation in the soft tissues at the back of the elbow gets compressed during movement. Common in athletes like baseball pitchers, swimmers, and boxers, it can also affect anyone with repetitive overhead motions.

Elbow Impingement Specialist Do you participate in sports or work that requires repetitive movements of the elbow? Baseball pitchers, swimmers and boxers can experience pain in the back of the elbow caused by inflammation to the soft tissues around the elbow. Posterior elbow impingement occurs when....

12/30/2025

Why is Iliotibial band tenodesis (ITB) sometimes done with ACL surgery?

The ACL keeps your knee stable during pivoting and sudden direction changes. When it’s injured, the knee can feel unstable. ITB tenodesis helps improve knee stability by supporting the outer part of the knee, supplementing traditional ACL reconstruction.

Itliotibial Band Tenodesis Surgeon Are you a younger patient and have you torn your ACL? A torn ACL in skeletally imature young patients can cause an additional knee condition called anterolateral knee instability. Young patients are often good candidates for a procedure called Iliotibial Band (ITB)...

12/25/2025

For many, this season is a time of celebration; for others, it’s a season of recovery. Wherever you are in your journey, we’re honored to be part of your care and your progress. May this Christmas holiday bring comfort to your home, peace to your mind, and confidence for the year ahead.

12/24/2025

An allograft is a donor tendon from a tissue bank used to reconstruct the ACL. Common donor grafts include patellar, quadriceps, and hamstring tendons. These tissues are fully tested, sterilized, and processed to reduce infection or rejection risk.

Allografts are especially useful in patients with multiple ligament injuries. Although they may be slightly less strong due to processing, they remain an excellent option for many patients. Dr. Williams evaluates each case to recommend the safest, most effective graft choice.

ACL Reconstruction Surgeon Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve jumping or quick stopping? If so, you may be at risk of tearing your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. Did you know there are many different types of ACL grafts that can be used to reconstruct the ACL?