Matthew Provencher, MD - Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

04/23/2026

42-year-old recreational skier. Chronic “deep front-of-knee pain.” Failed injections, failed PT. Told to wait for a total knee replacement.

Stairs were becoming a negotiation. Downhill skiing was disappearing from his life.

But only one compartment was failing.

→ Decision:
Careful evaluation confirmed isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis with preserved tibiofemoral compartments which is a classic pattern where partial knee replacement may outperform total knee replacement in restoring more natural mechanics.

→ Outcome:
Patellofemoral arthroplasty restored smooth kneecap tracking and eliminated the “grinding pain” that had dominated every descent. Recovery was faster than expected, with early return to low-impact sport.

→ Lesson:
A total knee replacement is not always the “next step.”
In isolated disease, replacing everything can be overtreatment. Preserving healthy cartilage preserves function.

Patellofemoral arthroplasty is a surgical treatment for osteoarthritis. The knee joint is resurfaced with metal and plastic prosthetics.

04/22/2026

When your knee loses stability, everything changes.
Walking. Training. Competing. Living without pain.

Multi-ligament injuries aren’t just injuries, they’re life interruptions.

The right care team helps you take it back.

Dr. Matthew Provencher is highly experienced at treating a variety of torn ligament knee injuries cases, such as a multi-ligament knee injury.

04/21/2026

If your shoulder has dislocated more than once…

That’s not “just bad luck.”
It could be chronic instability.

And without proper treatment, it often gets worse over time.

The Latarjet procedure is designed for cases where traditional repairs aren’t enough, especially when bone loss is involved.

Don’t wait for the next dislocation.

The Latarjet procedure is reserved for anterior bone loss during a dislocation, a dislocation that cannot be reduced or chronic shoulder instability.

04/16/2026

- In the latest Lead Change episode, Dr. Provencher shares lessons from his U.S. Navy service, elite-athlete sports medicine, and national orthopedic leadership.

He discusses:
· Building high-performing teams
· Advancing large-scale orthopedic research
· Leading in complex medical and humanitarian environments

Listen & learn from real-world experience driving innovation in medicine. https://medilink.us/e9rh

Leadership, Military Medicine, and Innovation in Orthopedic Sports Surgery: Podcast Dr. Matthew Provencher on Leadership, Military Medicine, and Elite Sports Orthopedics In this episode of Lead Change, Dr. Matthew Provencher discusses his career which includes the U.S. Navy service, elite-athlete sp...

04/15/2026

Did you know? Tibial plateau fractures are rare but serious knee injuries.

Even minor fractures require careful attention to avoid long-term complications like joint instability or arthritis. Treatment depends on severity:
· Conservative: Immobilization, restricted movement, and regular imaging
· Surgical: Rods, plates, screws, bone grafts, or external fixation for complex fractures

As a surgeon, Dr. Provencher's goal is always to restore proper alignment, function, and mobility so patients can safely return to their active lives.

A tibial plateau fracture is often the result of a high-impact injury, osteopetrosis, or an underlying condition.

04/14/2026

04/09/2026

Bow-Legged vs. Knock-Knee: Why Alignment Matters

Lower extremity malalignment isn’t just cosmetic, it’s biomechanically significant.
· Varus (Bow-Legged): Weight passes through the medial knee → LCL stress.
· Valgus (Knock-Knee): Weight passes through the lateral knee → MCL stress.

Even subtle misalignment can lead to osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. Proper assessment and, when necessary, surgical correction restore balance, protect joints, and improve long-term function.

Key takeaway: Healthy knees rely on proper alignment. Early intervention matters.

Knocked knees and bow legged conditions, malalignment of the lower extremity, are usually visible when a patient is standing or walking.

04/08/2026

Shoulder Instability Symptoms:
· Pain after injury, worse with reaching/throwing
· Decreased range of motion
· Swelling/bruising
· Shoulder “giving out” or recurrent dislocations

Learn more 👇

Shoulder instability is the result of weakening or damaged soft tissues within the shoulder joint resulting in recurrent shoulder dislocation.

04/07/2026

❌ Myth: “All ACL tears need surgery.”
✅ Reality: Some patients can rehab non-surgically, but many require ACL reconstruction to restore knee stability. Graft type, surgical approach, and post-op care are tailored individually.

Dr. Matthew Provencher specializes in ACL reconstruction so athletes and other active individuals can return to the sporting activities they love.

04/02/2026

- One year ago, Dr. Provencher “put Katherine back together” after a Tibial Plateau and ankle fracture. Today, she’s riding 27 miles a day pain-free in the North Carolina Mountains. Watch her inspiring recovery story ⬇️

A Special Thank You from Patient Katherine Jeter To Dr. Provencher Dr. Provencher receives a delightful and personal thank you from patient Katherine Jeter The video “Thank you” marks Katherine’s one year anniversary of Dr. Matt Provencher “putting her back together” after her Tibial Plate...

04/01/2026

Meniscus Deficiency: Understanding Your Treatment Options

Meniscus tears and cartilage loss can impact knee function and quality of life, but the right treatment depends on injury severity, symptoms, age, and activity level.

For acute tears or minor cartilage injuries, non-surgical approaches including rest, ice, activity modification, physical therapy, and sometimes cortisone injections—can effectively reduce pain and swelling.

In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Dr. Matthew Provencher tailors the procedure to the patient, considering tear size, location, cartilage health, and prior treatments. Options include:
· Meniscus repair (stitching) – often for mild, repairable tears.
· Debridement (removal of torn tissue) – for complex, degenerative, or non-repairable tears.
· Meniscus transplant – for serious or previously treated injuries where cartilage loss is significant.

With a personalized approach, patients can restore knee stability, reduce pain, and return to an active lifestyle.

Dr. Provencher specializes in the treatment of a torn meniscus and other articular cartilage injuries in patients in the Vail, CO area.