ACL Surgery in Vail - Why Vail Is a Hub for Knee Surgeons and Athletes
Vail, Colorado is a major hub for ACL Surgery, featuring some of the most experienced and talented Surgeons in the United States. So why shouldn’t you come to Vail to get your ACL fixed?
Vail is an amazing place, whether you are getting orthopaedic surgery here or just enjoying our amazing mountains!
Vail, Colorado has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful places on earth. Nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains, not only is Vail a natural wonder, but it also features amazing shopping, restaraunts, lodging, and accessibility, making it the perfect place to kick back and relax for an inspiring vacation.
And that's not even taking into account what REALLY makes Vail special: world class skiing, golfing, hiking, and camping that draws outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the United States (and the globe) to visit or even settle in the Vail Valley.
Vail is truly special, and with our amazing skiing, we've become a major hub for elite athletes who push their bodies to the limit on a daily basis, including the members of the women's U.S. Alpine Team, who I work with on a consistent basis. It constantly amazes me to see how hard these athletes train while reaching for the greatest heights of their sport.
With the constant drive to make themselves stronger and faster, many of these top-level athletes incur injuries, often to their knees. One of the major injuries we see in Vail are ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tears. As evidenced in the diagram below, the ACL is responsible for the vast majority of knee joint stability, making it a vital component of knee health to an athlete.
Notice the ACL Ligament, which contributes to the majority of total knee joint stability
However, this injury isn't just limited to elite athletes. Every week I see weekend warriors who incur ACL injuries while participating in sports such as skiing, field hockey, soccer, and basketball.
Why has Vail become a center for ACL Surgery?
People come from all over Colorado (and the country) to have their ACL injuries treated in Vail, and for good reason. Vail is home to some of the most respected and talented surgeons in the world. You may have heard of the Steadman-Hawkins clinic, which was a pioneering clinic for ACL Treatment, both in Vail and around the world. I worked as a partner at the Steadman Clinic for many years, and was proud to help lead one of the most forward-thinking centers for ACL surgery.
As I continue my career with Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, it's so gratifying to help so many athletes undergo successful ACL Surgery and subsequent recovery. It's always an honor and a joy to watch an athlete excel at an even higher level after they undergo ACL surgery and push themselves to achieve despite the obvious challenge.
With such a rich history in orthopaedics, a talented group of surgeons clustered in the Vail Valley, and a bevy of elite athletes pushing themselves on the mountain every day to get better, it only stands to reason that Vail would become a progressive center for ACL surgeries.
World Class Ski-Resorts (and Mountain Injuries) Attract the Best Orthopaedic Surgeons
With so many skiers frequenting our amazing local mountains, ACL surgery is common in Vail
Another factor that makes Vail such a "popular" place to undergo ACL surgery is the proximity to so many world-class ski resorts. With nearby Summit County featuring five major resorts (A-Basin, Copper, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Loveland) and Beaver Creek and Vail in our own Eagle County, the number of visitors skiing in the area on a yearly basis is pretty staggering. (Did you know there are 16 ski resorts within a 3-hour driving distance from Vail?)
With so many visitors to the area pushing their bodies on the slopes, there are inevitably ACL injuries to contend with. But...
Why Do Elite Athletes Come To Vail For ACL Surgery?
We have plenty of "local" world-class athletes who have undergone successful ACL surgery in Vail. But we also have athletes who live all over the world who come to Vail for their ACL surgery and recover. Why is this? Well, for many of the reasons that I previously mentioned and more:
Access to some of the best Orthopedic Surgeons in the world
State-of-the-art facilities for rehabilitation
A relaxing environment with plenty of nature
Variable hiking and walking trails in the area to help ease into recovery
A proven history of exemplary results when it comes to ACL surgery
Why Should YOU come to Vail for Your ACL Surgery
If you need ACL surgery and you are looking for a place to come for the procedure, I highly recommend Vail for all of the reasons I mentioned above. We have a slew of amazing surgeons at the top of their game, amazing natural beauty that certainly aids in the healing process, plenty of top-notch facilities for your recovery, and dining, shopping, and entertainment that you would come to expect in a much larger town. You won't get bored in Vail!
Yes, I'm a little tiny bit biased because I call the Vail Valley home myself. But take it from somebody who could live anywhere but choses to live and work here every day-- Vail is a great place to visit, whether you are coming to undergo ACL surgery or just coming for a visit. I hope to see you hear for the latter circumstance, but if you do need ACL surgery, I'll be here if you need me!
Dr. William Sterett
