Dr. Richard Cunningham, a complex knee surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, was featured in Vail Health’s recent three-part series on ACL injuries, “Understanding ACL Tears: From Risk to Recovery.” In Part 1, Dr. Cunningham emphasized the heightened risk of ACL tears among skiers, noting that “skiing, in particular, is one of the highest risk sports for ACL tears.” He explained that factors such as sudden twisting motions, like catching an edge, can exert extreme stress on the knee, leading to ACL injuries. Additionally, he highlighted that women are more susceptible to ACL tears due to anatomical factors, stating, “Women are more likely to be ‘knock-kneed.’ The inward stress placed on the knee joint puts excessive strain on the ACL and can significantly increase the risk of tearing the ligament.” Dr. Cunningham also discussed the importance of pre-surgical preparation in Part 2, recommending that patients reduce knee swelling and regain range of motion before scheduling ACL reconstruction to improve post-surgical outcomes.
To check out the full series, please visit: