Jason Dragoo, MD
Professor, Orthopedics
Medical School:
- MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine (1998)
- BS, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (CA) (1992)
- UCLA Medical Center Program, Orthopedics (2004)
- Steadman Clinic Program, Orthopedic Sports Medicine (2005)
Professional Titles
- Vice Chair of Academic Affairs
- Director, UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver | CU Sports Medicine
- Head Team Physician, Denver Nuggets
- Endowed Chair of Regenerative Medicine
Recognition & Awards
-
Most Outstanding Orthopaedic Surgery Resident, Edgar Dawson Memorial Award
(2004)
Peer Selected - Aventis Orthopaedic Resident Scholarhship, UCLA Department of Orthopaedics (2002)
- Orthopaedic Hospital Resident Award, California Orthopaedic Association (2002)
-
Zimmer Resident Research Award, American Orthopaedic Association
(2002)
Annual AOA Meeting - Best Basic Science Manuscript Award, Smith and Nephew National Research Awards (2002)
-
Best and Brightest - Current Research in Surgery. Award-winning Studies by California Surgeons and Residents, American College of Surgeons
(2001)
First Prize-Best Overall Manuscript -
Zimmer Resident Research Award, American Orthopaedic Association
(2001)
Annual AOA Meeting - Bernard Revsin Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence, University of Arizona College of Medicine (1998)
-
Top Medical Student, University of Arizona Foundation
(1998)
University of Arizona College of Medicine -
McGraw-Hill Award, University of Arizona College of Medicine
(1996)
Top student in basic sciences - Junior Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, University of Arizona College of Medicine (1996)
-
President's List, Cal Poly
(1992)
1989 - 1992 - Academic Excellence Award, Cal Poly (1992)
- Outstanding Biological Sciences Student, Cal Poly (1992)
Publications
- Kelley N, Tuttle M, Sylvia SM, Dragoo JL, Khodaee M. Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in Sport. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2023 Mar 1;22(3):91-99.
- Dragoo, JL Editorial Commentary: Cartilage Restoration Typically Requires Joint Optimization as Well as Local Cartilage Resurfacing to Achieve Best Outcomes: The 30,000 Foot View Arthroscopy. 2023 Oct;39(10):2174-2175.
- Pasic N, Storaci H, Guzman R, Debaun M, Maruyama M, Hall K, Salazar BP, Dragoo JL. A Biomechanical Comparison of All-Inside versus Transtibial Meniscus Root Repair Techniques. Am J Sports Med. 2023 Jul;51(9):2366-2373.
- Hurley ET, Sherman SL, Stokes DJ, Rodeo SA, Shapiro SA, Mautner K, Buford DA, Dragoo JL, Mandelbaum BR, Zaslav KR, Cole BJ, Frank RM; Members of the Biologics Association; Ahuja M, Anz AW, Chahla J, Chu CR, Cugat R, Espregueira-Mendes J, Farr J, Flanigan DC, Gobbi A, Gomoll AH, Grande DA, Hall MM, Horsch K, Koh JL, Kon E, Lattermann C, McIntyre LF, Murray IR, Muschler GF, Nakamura N, Namdari S, Piuzzi NS, Saris DBF, Sgaglione NA, Spindler KP, Tokish JM, Yanke AB. Experts Achieve Consensus on a Majority of Statements Regarding Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pathology. Arthroscopy. 2023 Aug 23: S0749-8063(23)00673-4.
- Belk JW, Houck DA, Littlefield CP, Kraeutler MJ, Potyk AG, Mei-Dan O, Dragoo JL, Frank RM, McCarty EC. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Hip Osteoarthritis Yields Similarly Beneficial Short-Term Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Level I and II Randomized Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy. 2022 Jun;38(6):2035-2046. PubMed PMID: 34785294
- Murray IR, Chahla J, Wordie SJ, Shapiro SA, Piuzzi NS, Frank RM, Halbrecht J, Okada K, Nakamura N, Mandelbaum B, Dragoo JL, Borg-Stein J, Anz A, Gobbi A, Gomoll AH, Cole BJ, Lattermann C, Chu C, Grande DA, Saris DBF, Flanigan D, Kon E, Muschler GF, Malanga GA, Dummer G, Farr J, Tokish JM, Spindler KP, Horsch K, Zaslav K, McIntyre LF, Sgaglione NA, Sherman SL, Rodeo S, Awan TM, Vangsness CT. Regulatory and Ethical Aspects of Orthobiologic Therapies. Orthop J Sports Med. 2022 Nov;10(11):23259671221101626. PubMed PMID: 36479465
- Spitzer AI, Bert JM, Dragoo JL, Kandil R, Richmond JC. Nonsurgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: What You Should Be Injecting Now and in the Future. Instr Course Lect. 2022;71:119-134. PubMed PMID: 35254778
- Smith JH, Belk JW, Friedman JL, Dragoo JL, Frank RM, Bravman JT, Wolcott ML, McCarty EC. Predictors of Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Experiencing a Knee Dislocation: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. J Knee Surg. 2022 Oct;35(12):1333-1341. PubMed PMID: 33545729
- Belk JW, Lindsay A, Houck DA, Dragoo JL, Genuario JW, Mayer SW, Frank RM, McCarty EC. Biomechanical Testing of Suture Anchor Versus Transosseous Tunnel Technique for Quadriceps Tendon Repair Yields Similar Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2021 Dec;3(6):e2059-e2066. PubMed PMID: 34977665
- Williams AA, Deadwiler BC, Dragoo JL, Chu CR. Cartilage Matrix Degeneration Occurs within the First Year after ACLR and Is Associated with Impaired Clinical Outcome. Cartilage. 2021 Dec;13(2_suppl):1809S-1818S. PubMed PMID: 34894770
- Belk JW, Houck DA, Littlefield CP, Kraeutler MJ, Potyk AG, Mei-Dan O, Dragoo JL, Frank RM, McCarty EC. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Hip Osteoarthritis Yields Similarly Beneficial Short-Term Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Level I and II Randomized Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy. 2021 Nov 14. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34785294
- Kasitinon D, Dragoo JL, Hwang CE. Use of Platelet-Poor Plasma in Acute Quadriceps Muscle Strain in a Division I Football Placekicker: A Case Report. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021 Nov 1;20(11):572-574. PubMed PMID: 34752428
- Still C 2nd, Chang WT, Sherman SL, Sochacki KR, Dragoo JL, Qi LS. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling reveals distinct mechanical responses between normal and diseased tendon progenitor cells. Cell Rep Med. 2021 Jul 20;2(7):100343. PubMed PMID: 34337559
- Frank RM, Sherman SL, Chahla J, Dragoo JL, Mandelbaum B, Anz AW, Bradley JP, Chu CR, Cole BJ, Farr J, Flanigan DC, Gomoll AH, Halbrecht J, Horsch K, Lattermann C, Leucht P, Maloney WJ, McIntyre LF, Murray I, Muschler GF, Nakamura N, Piuzzi NS, Rodeo SA, Saris DBF, Shaffer WO, Shapiro SA, Spindler KP, Steinwachs M, Tokish JM, Vangsness CT, Watson JT, Yanke AB, Zaslav KR. Biologic Association Annual Summit: 2020 Report. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;9(6):23259671211015667. PubMed PMID: 34164559
- Kraeutler MJ, Houck DA, Garabekyan T, Miller SL, Dragoo JL, Mei-Dan O. Comparing Intra-articular Injections of Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Symptomatic Osteoarthritis of the Hip: A Double-Blind, Randomized Pilot Study. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Jan;9(1):2325967120969210. PubMed PMID: 33786329
- Smith JH, Belk JW, Friedman JL, Dragoo JL, Frank RM, Bravman JT, Wolcott ML, McCarty EC. Predictors of Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Experiencing a Knee Dislocation: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. J Knee Surg. 2021 Feb 5. PubMed PMID: 33545729
- Verschueren J, Van Langeveld SJ, Dragoo JL, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Reijman M, Gold GE, Oei EHG. T2 relaxation times of knee cartilage in 109 patients with knee pain and its association with disease characteristics. Acta Orthop. 2021 Jun;92(3):335-340. PubMed PMID: 33538221
- Belk JW, McCarty EC, Houck DA, Dragoo JL, Savoie FH, Thon SG. Tranexamic Acid Use in Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy Leads to Improved Outcomes and Fewer Hemarthrosis-Related Complications: A Systematic Review of Level I and II Studies. Arthroscopy. 2021 Apr;37(4):1323-1333. PubMed PMID: 33278534
- Konopka JA, Finlay AK, Eckstein F, Dragoo JL. Effects of unloader bracing on clinical outcomes and articular cartilage regeneration following microfracture of isolated chondral defects: a randomized trial. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2021 Sep;29(9):2889-2898. PubMed PMID: 33025056
- Kim SK, Roche MD, Fredericson M, Dragoo JL, Horton BH, Avins AL, Belanger HG, Ioannidis JPA, Abrams GD. A Genome-wide Association Study for Concussion Risk. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2021 Apr 1;53(4):704-711. PubMed PMID: 33017352
- Belk JW, Kraeutler MJ, Houck DA, Goodrich JA, Dragoo JL, McCarty EC. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Jan;49(1):249-260. PubMed PMID: 32302218
- Dragoo, J. L., Shapiro, S. A., Bradsell, H., & Frank, R. M. The essential roles of human adipose tissue: Metabolic, thermoregulatory, cellular, and paracrine effects. Journal of Cartilage & Joint Preservation. 2021, 1(3), 100023.
- Konopka JA, Finlay AK, Eckstein F, Dragoo JL. Effects of unloader bracing on clinical outcomes and articular cartilage regeneration following microfracture of isolated chondral defects: a randomized trial. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2020 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33025056
- Kim SK, Roche MD, Fredericson M, Dragoo JL, Horton BH, Avins AL, Belanger HG, Ioannidis JPA, Abrams GD. A Genome-wide Association Study for Concussion Risk. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020 Oct 1. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33017352
- Dragoo JL. Outcomes of Arthroscopic All-Inside Repair vs Observation in Older Patients With Meniscus Root Tears: Response. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Sep;48(11):NP50-NP51. PubMed PMID: 32870044
- Kon E, Di Matteo B, Delgado D, Cole BJ, Dorotei A, Dragoo JL, Filardo G, Fortier LA, Giuffrida A, Jo CH, Magalon J, Malanga GA, Mishra A, Nakamura N, Rodeo SA, Sampson S, Sánchez M. Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: an expert opinion and proposal for a novel classification and coding system. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2020 Sep 3;:1-14. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32692595
- Tran AA, Shen J, Wernecke C, Gatewood CT, Harris AHS, Dragoo JL. A comparison of the Functional Movement Screen(TM) and the Landing Error Scoring System: A cohort study. Curr Orthop Pract. 2020 Jan-Feb;31(1):8-12. PubMed PMID: 32454929
- Belk JW, Kraeutler MJ, Houck DA, Goodrich JA, Dragoo JL, McCarty EC. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Apr 17;:363546520909397. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32302218
- Dragoo JL, Konopka JA, Guzman RA, Segovia N, Kandil A, Pappas GP. Outcomes of Arthroscopic All-Inside Repair Versus Observation in Older Patients With Meniscus Root Tears. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Apr;48(5):1127-1133. PubMed PMID: 32182103
- Dragoo JL, Guzman RA. Evaluation of the Consistency and Composition of Commercially Available Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Systems. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Jan;8(1):2325967119893634. PubMed PMID: 32010732
- Murray IR, Chahla J, Frank RM, Piuzzi NS, Mandelbaum BR, Dragoo JL. Rogue stem cell clinics. Bone Joint J. 2020 Feb;102-B(2):148-154. PubMed PMID: 32009438
- Konopka JA, Hsue L, Chang W, Thio T, Dragoo JL. The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Hormones on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Strength. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Jan;48(1):85-92. PubMed PMID: 31765227
- Chang W, Callan KT, Dragoo JL. The Behavior of Tendon Progenitor Cells from Tendinopathic Tendons: Implications for Treatment. Tissue Eng Part A. 2020 Jan;26(1-2):38-46. PubMed PMID: 31111771
- Dragoo JL. Editorial Commentary: Platelet-Rich Plasma and Knee Meniscal Repair-The Use of Biologics Has Not Progressed Substantially Since 1983. Arthroscopy. 2020 Jun; 36(6): 1775-1776.
- Belk JW, McCarty EC, Houck DA, Dragoo JL, Savoie FH, Thon SG. Tranexamic Acid use in Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy Leads to Improved Outcomes and Fewer Hemarthrosis-Related Complications: A Systematic Review of Level I and II Studies. Arthroscopy. 2020 Dec 2: S0749-8063(20)31052-5.
- Merchant AC, Fraiser R, Dragoo JL, Fredericson M. A reliable Q angle measurement using a standardized protocol. Knee. 2020 Jun;27(3):934-939.
- Truntzer J, Schultz B, Dragoo JL. Arthroscopic Technique for Treating Patella and Femoral Condyle Lesions With DeNovo Natural Tissue Allograft. J Arthrosc Tech. 2019 Sep 21;8(10):1201-1207.
- Konopka JA, Hsue L, Chang W, Thio T, Dragoo JL. The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Hormones on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Strength. Am J Sports Med. 2019 Nov 25;:363546519887167. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31765227
- Dragoo JL, Meadows MC. The use of biologics for the elbow: a critical analysis review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019 Nov;28(11):2053-2060. PubMed PMID: 31585783
- Dragoo JL, Rodeo SA. The New York Times, May 13, 2019: "Stem Cell Treatments Flourish With Little Evidence That They Work". J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019 Nov;28(11):2039-2040. PubMed PMID: 31585782
- Chang W, Callan KT, Dragoo JL. The Behavior of Tendon Progenitor Cells from Tendinopathic Tendons: Implications for Treatment. Tissue Eng Part A. 2019 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31111771
- Scott A, LaPrade RF, Harmon KG, Filardo G, Kon E, Della Villa S, Bahr R, Moksnes H, Torgalsen T, Lee J, Dragoo JL, Engebretsen L. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Leukocyte-Rich PRP or Leukocyte-Poor PRP Versus Saline. Am J Sports Med. 2019 Jun;47(7):1654-1661. PubMed PMID: 31038979
- Dragoo JL, Kalisvaart M, Smith KM, Pappas G, Golish R. Single-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone grafting for posterior or widening tibial tunnels restores stability of the knee and improves clinical outcomes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019 Nov;27(11):3713-3721. PubMed PMID: 30980118
- Schäfer R, DeBaun MR, Fleck E, Centeno CJ, Kraft D, Leibacher J, Bieback K, Seifried E, Dragoo JL. Quantitation of progenitor cell populations and growth factors after bone marrow aspirate concentration. J Transl Med. 2019 Apr 8;17(1):115. PubMed PMID: 30961655
- Konopka JA, Hsue LJ, Dragoo JL. Effect of Oral Contraceptives on Soft Tissue Injury Risk, Soft Tissue Laxity, and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019 Mar;7(3):2325967119831061. PubMed PMID: 30923726
- Dragoo JL. Editorial Commentary: The Use of Allogenic Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Are Amniotic, Umbilical, and Other Allogenic Cell Sources Safe?. Arthroscopy. 2019 Feb;35(2):594-595. PubMed PMID: 30712634
- Le ADK, Enweze L, DeBaun MR, Dragoo JL. Platelet-Rich Plasma. Clin Sports Med. 2019 Jan;38(1):17-44. PubMed PMID: 30466721
Practice Locations
CU Medicine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver
175 Inverness Drive West
Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
303-694-3333
CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center
175 Inverness Drive West
Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
303-694-3333
Hospital Affiliation
175 Inverness Drive West
Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
303-694-3333
CU Medicine Regenerative Medicine, Hand and Spine Center
175 Inverness Drive West
Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
303-694-3333
Hospital Affiliation
- University of Colorado Hospital
Specialty Information
Specialties
- Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Board Certification
- Bones, Joints and Muscles
- Bones, Joints and Muscles - Knee Injuries and Disorders
Clinical Interests
Minimally invasive ligament repair and reconstruction (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) of the knee. Multi-ligamentous reconstruction. Meniscal repair, augmentation and transplantation. Cartilage regeneration using cell therapy, juvenile chondrocyte and osteochondral transplantation. Leg re-alignment surgery (osteotomy). Patellofemoral surgery including patellar instability. Patellar, quadriceps and Achilles tendon repair. Minimally invasive tumor resection of the knee. Modern treatment of female ACL tears. Specialist in Cell therapy (Stem Cell Therapy), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and treatment of tendinopathy, osteoarthritis and inflammation using Biologics. Joint preservation and restoration. General Sports Medicine.
Care Philosophy
Jason L. Dragoo, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs for the CU Department of Orthopaedics, is a pioneer in the field of Biologics and Regenerative Medicine, as well as minimally invasive Sports Medicine procedures. He is the Endowed Chair of Regenerative Medicine and has developed many procedures designed to augment the healing of a patient’s own body. He strongly favors the use of autologous procedures (the use of the patient’s own tissue or cells for the procedure) versus allograft procedures (using tissue and cells from another human). Dr. Dragoo believes that joint restoration techniques, which add tissue back to a damaged joint, should be used whenever possible (eg. cartilage and meniscal transplantation), rather than procedures that are designed to take tissue away (meniscal resection). He approaches standard procedures such as ACL reconstruction, meniscal and tendon repair with a less-invasive approach than commonly performed. A significant number of Dr. Dragoo’s patients are elite athletes (professional, collegiate, or Olympic) but he welcomes athletic patients of all ages and treats them with the same philosophy and surgical or non-surgical techniques.
Minimally invasive ligament repair and reconstruction (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) of the knee. Multi-ligamentous reconstruction. Meniscal repair, augmentation and transplantation. Cartilage regeneration using cell therapy, juvenile chondrocyte and osteochondral transplantation. Leg re-alignment surgery (osteotomy). Patellofemoral surgery including patellar instability. Patellar, quadriceps and Achilles tendon repair. Minimally invasive tumor resection of the knee. Modern treatment of female ACL tears. Specialist in Cell therapy (Stem Cell Therapy), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and treatment of tendinopathy, osteoarthritis and inflammation using Biologics. Joint preservation and restoration. General Sports Medicine.
Care Philosophy
Jason L. Dragoo, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs for the CU Department of Orthopaedics, is a pioneer in the field of Biologics and Regenerative Medicine, as well as minimally invasive Sports Medicine procedures. He is the Endowed Chair of Regenerative Medicine and has developed many procedures designed to augment the healing of a patient’s own body. He strongly favors the use of autologous procedures (the use of the patient’s own tissue or cells for the procedure) versus allograft procedures (using tissue and cells from another human). Dr. Dragoo believes that joint restoration techniques, which add tissue back to a damaged joint, should be used whenever possible (eg. cartilage and meniscal transplantation), rather than procedures that are designed to take tissue away (meniscal resection). He approaches standard procedures such as ACL reconstruction, meniscal and tendon repair with a less-invasive approach than commonly performed. A significant number of Dr. Dragoo’s patients are elite athletes (professional, collegiate, or Olympic) but he welcomes athletic patients of all ages and treats them with the same philosophy and surgical or non-surgical techniques.
Personal Interests
Dr. Dragoo is the Head Team Physician for the Denver Nuggets. He is also a consultant physician for the US Ski Team and was previously the Head Team Physician for the Stanford Football Program for 13 years. Dr. Dragoo grew up in the Napa Valley and is an avid wine collector, outdoor enthusiast, youth football coach and a hot air balloon pilot.
Dr. Dragoo is the Head Team Physician for the Denver Nuggets. He is also a consultant physician for the US Ski Team and was previously the Head Team Physician for the Stanford Football Program for 13 years. Dr. Dragoo grew up in the Napa Valley and is an avid wine collector, outdoor enthusiast, youth football coach and a hot air balloon pilot.
General Information
Medical Schools:
- MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine (1998)
Undergraduate Schools:
- BS, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (CA) (1992)
Residency Programs:
- UCLA Medical Center Program, Orthopedics (2004)
Fellowships:
- Steadman Clinic Program, Orthopedic Sports Medicine (2005)