Alec Winzenried, M.D.

When you come to see me, my goal is to understand not only your injury but also what you want to get back to, whether that’s a sport, your job, or simply walking without pain. I’ll start by listening to your story and doing a thorough examination. If you’ve had X-rays or an MRI, I’ll go over the images with you so you can see what I see and understand what’s going on. Then we’ll talk through your options together.

Many conditions get better with nonsurgical care like physical therapy, bracing, or injections, and I recommend those first whenever they’re a good fit. When surgery is the best path, I’ll explain why, what it involves, its risks and benefits, and what recovery realistically looks like, so you can make the decision that’s right for you. I believe the best care is a partnership. I’ll be honest with you, answer your questions and make sure you leave with a clear plan. When other health conditions are part of the picture, I’ll work with your primary care team and other specialists to keep you safe. Whether you’re a high school athlete, a weekend warrior, or hoping to stay active as you age, I’m here to help you move better and get back to doing what you love.

Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played college basketball at Cornell College, and those years taught me what it means to be an athlete: the early mornings, the hard work, the teamwork and how frustrating it is when your body won’t do what you want it to. That experience shapes how I care for my patients. I understand that an injury is about more than pain. It can mean missing games, falling behind at work, or giving up activities that keep you healthy and happy. I know how much you want to get back to what you love, and I take that goal as seriously as you do. When you see me, I want you to feel heard. I’ll take the time to understand your story and your goals, explain your diagnosis in plain language, and work with you to build a plan that fits your life, whether that’s getting back on the court, back to the job site, or back to chasing your kids or grandkids. I’m proud to care for athletes and active people of all ages and levels. My hope is that you’ll leave every visit knowing you have someone in your corner, someone who will be honest with you, support you through your recovery, and celebrate with you when you’re back in the game.

I have been a team physician for the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Blugolds. During my fellowship, I provided care for professional, collegiate, high school and performing arts athletes, including: Houston Texans (NFL); Houston Astros (MLB); Rice University Athletics (NCAA); Houston Ballet; Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, through the Center for Performing Arts Medicine NASA Astronaut Corps at Johnson Space Center; and Houston-area high schools.

Education

• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Internship

• Orthopedic Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics

Residency

• Orthopedic Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics

Fellowship

• Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital

Memberships

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

• Complex knee: Patellofemoral instability, including medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and tibial tubercle osteotomy; anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, including revision and pediatric/adolescent ACL surgery; meniscal repair and preservation, including root and ramp repairs; cartilage restoration — matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and osteochondral procedures; multiligament knee injuries
• Complex shoulder: Shoulder instability, including glenoid bone loss reconstruction — Latarjet and distal tibia allograft; rotator cuff repair, including massive and revision tears; reverse and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty; biceps and labral disorders
• Elbow: Elbow arthroscopy, including loose body removal and debridement; osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow in young athletes; distal biceps tendon repair and reconstruction; throwing and overhead athlete elbow injuries, including ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries; ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel conditions.
• Sports medicine care for athletes of all ages — youth to professional level

• The modified Hardinge approach to hip hemiarthroplasty: An alternative in high-risk patients, August 2026.
• Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction utilizing autograft quadriceps tendon, May 2026.
• Tibial tubercle osteotomy with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction utilizing autograft hamstring tendon and knotless suture anchor fixation, February 2026.
• Transosseous tunnel suture fixation results in similar rerupture rates and patient-reported outcome measures compared to suture anchors for primary quadriceps tendon repair: A systematic review, May 2025.
• The “chopsticks” method: A technique for capsular retraction during hip arthroscopy utilizing switching sticks, January 2025.