Our Blog

Back pain is one of the leading causes that brings people to the doctor’s office, yet it’s often misunderstood. While certain spinal conditions may call for surgery, most cases can be effectively treated through conservative, non-surgical methods. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) , we take a conservative, patient-first approach. For those searching for a spine doctor near me who offers non-surgical spine relief, our team includes two leading experts in physic

Not all ankle sprains are created equal. While most involve the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, a syndesmosis injury, commonly referred to as a high ankle sprain, affects a different, deeper set of ligaments and typically takes longer to heal. For athletes and active individuals, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) , we see syndesmosis injuries regularly, especially in skiers, snowboarders, and field sport athl

Lower leg injuries are all too common in athletes of all levels, from competitive skiers and trail runners to weekend warriors. Whether it's the nagging ache of shin splints or the sharp, sudden pain of a tibia fracture, injuries to the lower leg can disrupt your performance, training, and even daily life. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) , our team of orthopedic specialists helps active individuals stay on their feet and return to the sports they love. If yo

At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON) , we believe that not every injury needs to end in the operating room. In fact, for many patients dealing with joint or spine pain, advances in regenerative medicine are opening the door to healing without surgery, and with less downtime. VSON’s non-surgical and regenerative medicine specialists include: Dr. Matthew Gnirke , a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with expertise in musculoskeletal care

Injuries don’t wait for convenience — and neither should your care. Whether it’s a fracture from a ski accident, a dislocated joint after a fall, or a severe sports injury, the first steps you take after a traumatic orthopedic event can make a significant difference in recovery. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), our trauma team — including Dr. Richard Cunningham , Dr. Erik Dorf , Dr. John Paul Elton , Dr. Terrell Joseph , Dr. Max Seiter , and Dr. Henry Yu —

When it comes to managing chronic foot discomfort, footwear plays a critical role. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), we often see patients dealing with pain from flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes — and in many cases, their shoes are making things worse. Supportive, properly fitted footwear can go a long way in alleviating pain and slowing the progression of these common foot conditions. Understanding which shoe features work best for your specific needs is ke

A total knee replacement can be life-changing for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain. But in some cases, the original implant may wear out, loosen, or fail over time — leading to the need for a knee replacement revision. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), Dr. Henry Yu specializes in helping patients navigate this complex journey with expert care and precision. In this post, we’ll explore what knee replacement revision surgery is, when it’s necessary

When joint or soft tissue pain starts interfering with your daily life, cortisone injections can offer fast, effective relief. These injections are often used to treat inflammation and reduce pain in a variety of orthopedic conditions. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), Dr. Matthew Gnirke and Dr. Scott Raub specialize in using image-guided cortisone injections as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment approach. In this post, we’ll explore what cortiso

Your knee is a complex joint that depends on four key ligaments for stability and function: the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL. These structures work together to keep the knee strong, stable, and aligned during movement. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), our knee specialists— Dr. Richard Cunningham , Dr. Terrell Joseph , Dr. Max Seiter and Dr. William Sterett —help patients of all activity levels recover from ligament injuries and get back to doing what they love. I

Why More People in Their 40s and 50s Are Choosing Surgery—and Thriving Knee replacements were once considered a procedure reserved for older adults. But in recent years, more people in their 40s, and 50s are turning to surgery to reclaim their mobility and stay active. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), Dr. Henry Yu is at the forefront of this shift, offering solutions tailored to younger, athletic patients. Let’s explore why this trend is on the rise—and how

At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), we specialize in diagnosing and treating spinal conditions that impact mobility and...

At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), we understand how debilitating wrist pain can be, especially for athletes, outdoor...

Hip arthritis is a prevalent condition that can greatly affect your mobility and daily activities. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics &...

A broken collarbone, also known as a clavicle fracture, is one of the most common orthopedic injuries. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics &...

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a spine condition that can hinder movement and cause significant discomfort. At Vail-Summit...

Joint arthritis can severely impact your quality of life, turning simple tasks into daily challenges. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics &...

A herniated disc neck condition is a common yet often painful issue that affects the cervical spine. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics &...

Hip bursitis is a common condition that can disrupt your daily activities and hinder your mobility. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics &...

Imagine walking, bending, and moving with ease again—free from the pain that limits you. For those living with severe hip pain, a total...

Imagine lifting your arm with ease, free from the pain that’s held you back for so long. For those struggling with severe shoulder pain...