Ryan Koonce, MD
Assistant Professor, Orthopedics

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Medical School:
  • MD, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (2005)
Undergraduate School:
  • BS, University of Colorado - Boulder (CO) (1996)
Residency:
  • University of Colorado, Orthopedics (2010)
Fellowships:
  • San Diego Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Program, Orthopedic Sports Medicine (2011)
  • Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute, Adult Reconstructive Orthopedics (2014)
Department: Orthopedics

Professional Titles

  • Assistant Professor

Recognition & Awards

  • Clinical Quality and Patient Safety Award, University of Colorado Hospital (2021)
    This award recognizes a commitment to providing extraordinary care to patients with continuing efforts to improve patient outcomes with the highest level of standards, evidence based practice strategies, and consistently evaluating data for process improvements.
  • The Permanente Award, Colorado Permanente Medical Group (2018)
    Kaiser Permanente's highest honor for physicians

Research Interests

My research interests are focused on the perioperative care of joint replacement patients. The surgery itself is critical, but we are investigating new ways to treat patients before and after surgery to make the process of joint replacement surgery safer, less painful, and more successful. I also have a strong interest in utilizing technology and software to educate patients about arthritis and joint replacement.

Teaching

  • Assistant Professor (2019)
    School of Medicine, Orthopedics

Publications

  • Norvell MR, Porter M, Ricco MH, Koonce RC, Hogan CA, Basler E, Wong M, Jeffres MN. Cefazolin vs Second-line Antibiotics for Surgical Site Infection Prevention After Total Joint Arthroplasty Among Patients With a Beta-lactam Allergy. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2023 Jun;10(6):ofad224. PubMed PMID: 37363051
  • Norvell M, Porter M, , Ricco M, Koonce RC, Hogan C, Basler E, Wong M, Jeffres M, Cefazolin vs. second-line antibiotics for surgical site infection prevention after total joint arthroplasty among patients with a beta-lactam allergy, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, published April 2023.
  • Zeng C, Koonce RC, Tavel HM, Argosino SE, Kiepe DA, Lyons EE, Ford MA, Steiner CA. Pre-Operative Predictors for Discharge to Post-Acute Care Facilities After Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2022 Jan;37(1):31-38.e2. PubMed PMID: 34619305
  • Zeng C, Koonce RC, Tavel HM, Argosino SE, Kiepe DA, Lyons EE, Ford MA, Steiner CA. Pre-Operative Predictors for Discharge to Post-Acute Care Facilities After Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2021 Oct 5. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34619305

Professional Memberships

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Fellow Member
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Fellow Member

Practice Locations

CU Medicine Orthopedics - Highlands Ranch Specialty Care Center
1500 Park Central Drive
Suite 401
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
720-516-4087

Hospital Affiliation
  • UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital
  • University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Adult Reconstructive Orthopedics, Board Certification (2013)
  • Orthopedics, Board Certification (2013)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Hip Injuries and Disorders
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Knee Injuries and Disorders
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Arthritis
Clinical Interests
Dr. Koonce's primary clinical interests are hip and knee replacements that utilize minimally invasive techniques, modern technology, and advanced peri-operative care. His practice focuses on adult patients who have been affected by injury or arthritis and want to return to an active lifestyle. He has done thousands of anterior approach hip replacement surgeries, and does all primary and revision hip replacement procedures using this minimally-invasive technique. Dr. Koonce has also done thousands of knee replacement surgeries including total, partial, and revision knee replacement procedures. He piloted the rapid-recovery and outpatient joint replacement initiatives at Highlands Ranch Hospital. Most importantly, Dr. Koonce is committed to helping patients maximize outcomes and long-term satisfaction after surgery. He promotes patient education as a critical element of achieving quality outcomes, and has authored several patient education books on hip replacement, knee replacement, and non-surgical treatment of osteoarthritis.

Care Philosophy
Dr. Koonce is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip replacement and knee replacement surgeries. He is one of a small number of surgeons in the United States that has completed fellowship training in both orthopedic sports medicine and adult hip and knee reconstruction. Prior to joining the prestigious group of orthopedic surgeons at the University of Colorado, he practiced in Washington state and then returned to Colorado as a leader in joint replacement at Kaiser Permanente. While at Kaiser, he piloted an outpatient joint replacement program and received Colorado Permanente Medical Group's highest honor for physicians – the Permanente Award – a recognition that establishes the recipient as “The Doctor’s Doctor.” In 2021, he received a Clinical Quality and Patient Safety Award for the University of Colorado Hospital. Dr. Koonce believes in developing individualized patient care plans that account for the overall health and wellness of each patient.

Personal Interests
Dr. Koonce is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors and traveling. He is a USA Triathlon age-group All-American, Team USA qualifier for triathlon, and USAT Aquabike (swim-bike) National Champion. He also races competitively in road cycling.

Public Speaking
Yes
Dr. Koonce speaks locally and nationally on subjects of relating to adult hip and knee reconstruction and perioperative care of joint replacement patients.

General Information

Medical Schools:
  • MD, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (2005)
Undergraduate Schools:
  • BS, University of Colorado - Boulder (CO) (1996)
Residency Programs:
  • University of Colorado, Orthopedics (2010)
Fellowships:
  • San Diego Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Program, Orthopedic Sports Medicine (2011)
  • Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute, Adult Reconstructive Orthopedics (2014)
Department: Orthopedics
Contact Us
CU Anschutz
Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place
Campus Box C290
Aurora, CO 80045

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