Armando Vidal, MD

09/01/2025

Today, we honor the workers, dreamers, and doers who keep our communities moving forward. From Dr. Vidal and all of us here: wishing you a wonderful and happy Labor Day!

08/27/2025

Who is a candidate for a knee osteotomy?

✔️ Young, active patients with early arthritis
✔️ Patients with instability issues (ACL/PCL/FCL)
✔️ Those needing realignment for cartilage repair success

This advanced procedure can be life-changing — and experience matters.

What causes Cartilage Injuries and Knee Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the end result of cartilage damage to a joint and occurs from a complex cascade of biologic and biomechanical factors. Cartilage injuries and arthritis of the knee affect millions of individuals and can make even simple, every...

08/25/2025

What causes shoulder instability? A single dislocation can lead to:
🔹 Stretched or torn ligaments
🔹 Labrum tears
🔹 Rotator cuff injuries (esp. >40 years old)
This increases the risk of recurring dislocations.

What is shoulder instability? The shoulder is a remarkable joint, mobile and strong. It helps the arm rotate, lift and move overhead. Unfortunately, the shoulder’s mobility can come at a cost, making it more susceptible to dislocation and shoulder instability. Shoulder instability can occur from a...

08/24/2025

Strike one isn’t just a pitch…it’s a warning.

Tarik Skubal & Paul Skenes turn 0-1 counts into automatic outs.

Here's what separates the Cy Young favorites from other aces, according to those who watch them most.

08/21/2025

How does a posterolateral corner (PLC) injury happen?
· Rarely in isolation—only 28% of PLC injuries are standalone.
· Often involves ACL and/or PCL tears.

Caused by:
· Contact sports
· Car accidents
· Severe falls

What is the posterolateral corner of the knee? Not too long ago, the posterolateral corner of the knee, also called PLC, was referred to as the dark side of the knee. This was because of the limited understanding of the biomechanics, structures and treatment options for this area of the knee. In rec...

08/08/2025

In this video, Dr. Vidal demonstrates best-practice techniques for Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction using the FiberTag® TightRope® Implant—a powerful tool in restoring PCL stability.

This technique highlights his precision, innovation, and focus on preserving knee function. For surgeons, fellows, and sports med enthusiasts—it’s a must-watch.

Armando F. Vidal, MD (Vail, CO), demonstrates a posterolateral corner reconstruction using the FiberTag® TightRope® implant.

08/07/2025

"For resident physicians, feedback is a lifeline. That is especially true for interns and other junior resident physicians. Still, the challenge is taking it graciously, asking questions to confirm and clarify the underlying issue, and then demonstrating you have learned the lesson at hand."

Feedback is essential to every resident physician’s growth. Internal medicine resident Alisse Singer, MD, unlocks how to take it constructively.

08/06/2025

THEN: Surgeons used to remove the meniscus entirely, thinking it had no value. The result? Increased wear on the cartilage and early arthritis.

NOW: Dr. Vidal leads the way in preserving and repairing the meniscus—protecting your knee for the long haul. The meniscus isn’t vestigial. It’s vital.

What is a meniscus? The meniscus in the knee acts as a shock absorber between the bones, helping the joint glide easily and without pain. Each knee has two menisci which are wedge-shaped fibrocartilage discs. They are tough and rubbery, providing structural integrity to the knee joint when it is und...

08/01/2025

07/31/2025

She’s just 9 years old.
She stands 4 feet, 7 inches tall.
And she just made climbing history. 🧗‍♀️🏆
Proving that greatness doesn’t come with an age limit—or a height requirement.

The youngest person to climb 5.14b is now nine-year-old Veronica Aimee Chik from Hong Kong. She made history on 'Fish Eye' in Oliana, Spain.

07/29/2025

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the knee doesn’t have to end your child’s athletic dream. With expert care—including surgical options, PT, and stress-modifying techniques—most young athletes can return to competition.

What is Osteochondritis Dissecans of the knee? Osteochondritis Dissecans, or OCD, is a condition that is unique to the growing skeleton. It has been described in the medical literature for over 100 years but despite that – there is still a lot that is unknown about this condition. The name Osteoch...

07/25/2025

Diagnosing knee instability in kids involves:

1️⃣ Examining the knee while bending/straightening
2️⃣ Palpating the kneecap for proper bone position & muscle strength
3️⃣ Using X-rays to check the femoral groove
4️⃣ Ordering an MRI if soft tissue damage is suspected
https://armandovidalmd.com/patella-instability-children-pediatric-sports-medicine-orthopedic-knee-specialist-vail-aspen-denver-colorado/

What is patella instability in children? The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone that rests in a groove at the end of the femur (thigh bone). When the knee straightens and bends, the patella moves up or down within the groove. If the groove the patella sits on is shallow or if an accident forces