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Our Blog
Let’s get you back to the activities you love! At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, we’re dedicated to involving patients in their care. The VSON blog page offers the latest in orthopaedic, neurosurgery, and sports medicine education, news, and health tips.


Ankle Sprains vs. Strains: How to Tell the Difference and When to Seek Treatment
Ankle injuries are some of the most common orthopedic problems, especially in active mountain communities like Eagle and Summit County. Whether you twist your ankle on the trail, during a game, or just stepping off a curb, it can be difficult to know what’s actually injured. So, what is an ankle sprain vs strain, and how can you tell which one you have? Below, Dr. John Paul Elton , board-certified orthopedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics &
Nov 153 min read


Understanding MRI: How It Works and Why It’s Essential for Orthopaedics
When you’re dealing with an injury or unexplained pain, imaging is often the first step toward answers. While X-rays are useful for showing bones and fractures, they can’t reveal the full picture. That’s where MRI comes in. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), our orthopaedic specialists rely on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to uncover critical details that guide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plan. What Is an MRI? MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imag
Nov 12 min read


Preparing for Ski Season: Get Your Body Ready for the Slopes
As the mountains turn white and opening day draws near, anticipation builds for another unforgettable ski season. But before clicking into your bindings, it’s important to make sure your body is ready for the physical demands of skiing and snowboarding. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) , our physicians see a spike in snow-sport injuries each winter, many of which can be prevented with a few weeks of smart, preseason preparation. If you’ve been searching for a
Oct 153 min read


Acute vs. Chronic Back Pain: What’s the Difference and How Is It Treated?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, but not all back pain is the same. Understanding whether your pain is acute or chronic is the first step in finding the right treatment. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), our team of spine specialists – Dr. Ernest Braxton , Dr. Matthew Gnirke , and Dr. Scott Raub – work together to provide patients with both surgical and non-surgical options for back pain relief. If you’ve been searching f
Oct 12 min read
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