Richard Cunningham, MD

About Richard Cunningham, MD

Dr. Richard Cunningham is a knee surgeon, shoulder specialist, and sports medicine physician at Vail Summit Orthopedics & Neurosurgery. Dr. Cunningham is an expert at treating conditions to the

Shoulder Surgery

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy? Shoulder Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat a large number of shoulder conditions. Shoulder arthroscopy has a faster recovery time compared to open surgery. The arthroscope allows for a better view of all the anatomy inside the shoulder joint as well as the surrounding area [...]

Shoulder Surgery2021-08-31T20:55:05+00:00

Rotator Cuff Surgery

What is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery? Rotator cuff repair surgery is the surgical repair of one or more torn rotator cuff tendons, in which the torn tendon is secured back to its normal bone attachment site on the top of the humerus (arm bone). This procedure is typically performed arthroscopically through several small [...]

Rotator Cuff Surgery2021-08-31T16:38:35+00:00

Meniscus Surgery

What is Meniscus Surgery?Meniscus surgery is used to treat tears of the medial and/or lateral meniscus. The meniscus is a rubbery, halfmoon shaped shock absorber cartilage in the knee that lies on top of the tibia (shin bone). It acts to cushion the cartilage that coats the bottom of the femur (thigh bone) and [...]

Meniscus Surgery2021-08-31T20:06:37+00:00

Knee Surgery

What is Knee Arthroscopy?Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique. 2 or 3 portals, each less than a half an inch in size, are established around the knee. An arthroscope, or medical camera the size of a pencil, is inserted through a portal and used to view the inside of the knee. Through [...]

Knee Surgery2021-08-31T16:51:30+00:00

MCL Surgery

What is MCL Reconstruction? Medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction is used to correct residual looseness or laxity in one’s MCL following an MCL tear that did not heal well. In MCL reconstruction surgery, a patient’s stretched out MCL is not removed but rather reinforced and tightened by augmenting it with another tendon, usually [...]

MCL Surgery2021-08-31T22:52:29+00:00

AC Joint Reconstruction

What is AC Joint Reconstruction? Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction is the surgical treatment often required for patients diagnosed with an AC joint separations and dislocations. Most often, AC joint injuries are caused by a traumatic fall on the tip of the shoulder. Symptoms of an AC joint injury include immediate pain and swelling, [...]

AC Joint Reconstruction2020-01-24T21:24:09+00:00

AC Joint Injury

What is an AC Joint Injury? Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are commonly caused by a forceful impact to the shoulder. The acromioclavicular joint connects the scapula (posteriorly) to the clavicle (anteriorly) with stabilizing tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These stabilizers facilitate a wide range of movement. A blow to the shoulder--most frequently a fall [...]

AC Joint Injury2021-08-31T23:12:59+00:00

Torn Biceps

What is a Biceps Tendon Injury? A bicep tendon injury consists of inflammation or tearing of the bicep tendon. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect a muscle to a bone. A bicep tendon injury can be acute or chronic. An injury can cause a partial or complete tear of the tendon. [...]

Torn Biceps2021-08-31T20:36:02+00:00

Biceps Tendonitis – Tendonitis in the Biceps

What is Biceps Tendonitis? Biceps tendonitis is an inflammation of the bicep tendon. The bicep tendon serves to attach the bicep muscle to a bone in the elbow (distal attachment) and to a bone in the shoulder (proximal attachment). The upper tendon--called the long head--is more susceptible to developing tendonitis. Overuse activities of [...]

Biceps Tendonitis – Tendonitis in the Biceps2021-08-31T16:30:01+00:00

Frozen Shoulder

What is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen shoulder, or Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition most commonly seen in adult females, ages 40 to 60. People with diabetes or those who have had their shoulder immobilized for a period of time are also at higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. Thickened bands of tissue or adhesions [...]

Frozen Shoulder2020-01-24T21:24:10+00:00

Knee Anatomy & Knee Pain

What is Knee Anatomy? The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. A hinge-type joint, the knee is responsible for bearing the body’s full weight and providing movement essential for everyday activities, such as walking, running, sitting or standing. The bones that make up the knee include: [...]

Knee Anatomy & Knee Pain2021-08-30T20:27:58+00:00

Meniscus Tear & Torn Meniscus

What is a Meniscus Tear? A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. The medial meniscus sits between the thigh bone and the shin bone on the inner side of the knee, while the lateral meniscus sits sits on the outside of the knee. The medial and lateral meniscus are [...]

Meniscus Tear & Torn Meniscus2021-08-30T20:48:13+00:00
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