Richard Cunningham, MD is a top knee and shoulder sports medicine surgeon in Colorado. Formerly the Chief of Surgery at Vail Valley Medical Center, he was recognized by his physician colleagues with the Clinical Excellence Award. Dr Cunningham is the longest tenured orthopedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurology (VSON). He specializes in knee and shoulder problems. He treats patients from his active community in Colorado’s high country as well as patients from around the U.S. and the globe who travel to receive treatment from him.
Patients value the fact that Dr. Cunningham treats most injuries non-surgically. When surgery is required, he utilizes minimally invasive, cutting edge techniques in orthopedic sports medicine. Patients report high satisfaction with the experience and expertise of this top sports medicine surgeon and his professional care team. His goal is get you back to all the activities you enjoy as soon as possible.
Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Colorado
As a top sports medicine surgeon and active mountain sports athlete himself, Dr. Cunningham is committed to his community at large. He offers comprehensive orthopedic care in his position as a Team Physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. He is one of the docs providing care at the Birds of Prey Alpine ski races every year. He is also the ringside physician at MMA fights that occur every year in Vail. He donates his time and expertise to evaluate local youth athletes. He provides free sports medicine physicals to local high school athletes every year, and is on the sideline of highschool soccer and football games.
Top Knee Surgeon in Colorado
His expertise as a knee surgeon is sought out by elite athletes as well as recreational athletes. Dr. Cunningham is widely respected given the large volume of ACL reconstructions and repairs that he has treated over the last 20 years. He utilizes innovative procedures such as the first of its kind Bridge Enhanced Anterior-Cruciate Repair (BEAR) procedure and the Matrix Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) treatment for knee cartilage defects, to the satisfaction of many patients. He has repaired thousands of meniscal tears which is a critical shock absorber cartilage to try to preserve.
Best Shoulder Surgeon in Colorado
As one of the best orthopedic doctors, Dr. Cunningham utilizes his knowledge and experience to treat various shoulder conditions such as:
- Rotator Cuff Tendon Tears – Dr. Cunningham has repaired many thousands of torn rotator cuff tendons utilizing minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. He employs the latest non-metallic implants and high strength sutures to repair these torn tendons so that patients are then able to return to full activities and their normal lifestyle.
- Shoulder instability surgery – Dr. Cunningham specializes in arthroscopically repairing labral and ligament tears in order to prevent further shoulder dislocations.
- PRP: Regenerative Medicine treatment of the shoulder – Dr Cunningham utilizes Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for several shoulder conditions responsive to the regenerative benefits of PRP. As a conservative option to surgery, Dr. Cunningham encourages the use of regenerative treatment for his patients, when indicated.
Compassionate and conservative care is the hallmark of Dr. Cunningham’s treatment philosophy. This along with his experience and expertise have made him the sports medicine surgeon of choice when patients require the care of a knee or shoulder surgeon.
Request a consultation with Dr. Cunningham today. In Vail, CO (970) 476-2451, in Frisco (970) 668-3633, and Edwards (970) 569-3240.