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Expert insight from Dr. Richard Cunningham, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery A successful rotator cuff repair surgery usually eliminates associated shoulder pain and restores shoulder strength and function. However, understanding how to recover properly is just as important as the procedure itself. Given that every rotator cuff tear is [...]

Expert insight from Dr. Richard Cunningham, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery If you've been told you have knee arthritis, you may have heard about a newer cartilage restoration procedure called MACI (Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation). This innovative treatment can be life-changing for the right patient. However, it is not [...]

Expert insight from Dr. Richard Cunningham, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery If you experience pain when squatting, lunging, or descending stairs but feel fine while walking, you are not alone. Many active adults experience knee pain in the front of their knee during these activities, even though normal walking [...]

Expert insight from Dr. Richard Cunningham, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & NeurosurgeryThere are different types of biceps tears. The location of a biceps tear makes a major difference in how the injury presents and how the injury is treated. In most cases, the most important consideration is whether the bicep tendon [...]

Expert insight from Dr. Richard Cunningham, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery Key Takeaways A patient who underwent a technically successful rotator cuff repair can still struggle due to compromised biology, tissue quality, or rehab factors. A failed rotator cuff surgery does not always mean the initial procedure was done [...]

Expert Insights from Dr. Richard Cunningham, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & NeurosurgeryHow Long Does It Take to Return to Sports After a Patellar Dislocation?Patellar (knee cap) dislocations are serious injuries that typically occur during sports, a fall, or when the knee sustains a sudden rotational force. For active individuals, one of [...]

By Dr. Richard Cunningham | Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON)For years, athletes were told they needed to eat meat to build muscle and maximize performance. But recent research has shown that a plant based diet can fuel elite-level performance. From endurance athletes to powerlifters, more people are asking: Can plants power my [...]

Youth sports are a fantastic way to build confidence, discipline, and lifelong habits of fitness. But as young athletes train harder and compete more, the risk of injury rises, especially from overuse. These injuries can creep in quietly, often without a single dramatic incident, and sideline a child just as they become [...]

Dr. Richard Cunningham of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is no stranger to helping active individuals recover from orthopedic injuries—especially those that affect their ability to return to the sports and hobbies they love. One question that comes up in his clinic is: “Can I ride a bike after a shoulder dislocation?”Whether [...]

Dr. Richard Cunningham of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is a leading expert in orthopedic trauma, treating skiers and athletes who suffer lower leg injuries on the slopes. One of the most common and serious ski-related injuries is a tib fib fracture—a break in the tibia and fibula, the two bones of [...]

Dr. Richard Cunningham of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is a trusted expert in orthopedic sports medicine care and a strong advocate for staying active while also staying injury-free. As we step into 2026, many of us are setting ambitious new year's fitness resolutions. Whether you’re striving to reach workout goals or [...]

Dr. Richard Cunningham of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) is an orthopedic sports medicine specialist who is dedicated to helping athletes stay active. As ski season approaches, it’s essential to prepare for the slopes and take steps to avoid injuries. Dr. Cunningham frequently addresses questions about preventing common knee injuries with skiing [...]