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

Improved surgical outcomes for some common joint injuries

A “separated shoulder” is an injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The terminology can be confusing as there is the actual ball and socket joint of the shoulder (or glenohumeral joint). Rather, there is disruption of the AC joint, which is where the collarbone (or clavicle) and the highest point of the shoulder blade [...]

Improved surgical outcomes for some common joint injuries2019-12-27T03:11:42+00:00

Clavicle fractures: What you need to know before you hit the slopes

Mountain biking season may be winding down, but ski and snowboarding season has already begun. Clavicle fractures often result from these high-energy activities. Most commonly, clavicle (collarbone) fractures are a result of a direct blow to the shoulder.  Frequently, a fall over the handlebars of a bike or catching an edge on a snowboard [...]

Clavicle fractures: What you need to know before you hit the slopes2019-12-27T03:12:46+00:00

Shoulder Instability: Bony Bankart Lesions

Shoulder instability can be a frustrating and painful issue to deal with for athletes of all kinds. Often, younger athletes, especially males from age 18-25, or those participating in high-risk activities, are the most susceptible to shoulder subluxations or dislocations. Most commonly, athletes report to us that they fell forcefully on an outstretched hand [...]

Shoulder Instability: Bony Bankart Lesions2019-12-27T03:16:15+00:00

I Think I Tore My ACL: Now What?

The town is buzzing with excitement over the recent snowfall here in the Vail Valley! While we wish everyone a safe winter season, with just 52 days until the opening of Vail Mountain, we want our winter enthusiasts to be informed about ACL injury and what to expect if you experience a forceful twisting [...]

I Think I Tore My ACL: Now What?2019-12-27T03:17:59+00:00

Knee Dislocation: A Rare But Serious Injury

Knee dislocations are a rare but very serious injury. In a knee dislocation, the hinge joint of the knee, made up by the thigh bone (femur) articulating on the shin bone (the tibia) is disrupted. In order for the knee joint to dislocate, at least two major ligaments about the knee must tear and [...]

Knee Dislocation: A Rare But Serious Injury2019-12-27T03:19:12+00:00

Do Injectable Treatments Help An Arthritic Knee?

An arthritic knee can be extremely limiting to any active person. Hiking can become a chore, running can lose all its fun and getting on the hill to ski can be regrettable for days after taking off the boots. As with any pain, most people will turn to the classic remedies: rest, ice, compression [...]

Do Injectable Treatments Help An Arthritic Knee?2019-12-27T03:20:48+00:00

Horseback Riding Can Affect The Body Is Ways Often Overlooked

If you’re an equestrian athlete, you know the physical and mental demand that comes with riding a horse.  An equestrian myself, I have experienced firsthand the challenge and coordination that comes with trying to effectively perform a set of skills or patterns while sitting upon a moving animal weighing upwards of 1,000 pounds. Would [...]

Horseback Riding Can Affect The Body Is Ways Often Overlooked2019-12-27T03:23:35+00:00

Volleyball Injuries Span Shoulders, Legs And Hands

Rotator cuff tendonitis Rotator cuff tendonitis is often associated with repetitive overhead activities and we see it in patients who do housekeeping, construction work and various other actions and sports (throwing and volleyball). There is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and the lubricating bursa above the tendons. The most common symptom is an aching pain [...]

Volleyball Injuries Span Shoulders, Legs And Hands2019-12-27T03:25:11+00:00

Kayakers and Shoulder Dislocations

How does a shoulder dislocate: Shoulder dislocations that happen in the river relatively occur the same way they happen on land. The arm gets into a “position of vulnerability” and a traumatic force overwhelms the structures holding the humeral head in the socket. The position of vulnerability is when the arm is abducted (away [...]

Kayakers and Shoulder Dislocations2019-12-27T03:26:09+00:00

That Knee Pain Could Be Arthritis

Degenerative arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage between the bones starts to break down and wear away. Our active lifestyles increase the wear and tear on our joints. An estimated 33.6% (12.4 million) adults over the age of 65 will be affected by degenerative arthritis. Isolated kneecap arthritis (patellofemoral arthritis) is the breakdown of cartilage [...]

That Knee Pain Could Be Arthritis2019-12-27T03:27:48+00:00
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