Episode 46: Dr. Catherine Logan - Repair. Rehab. Return: Modern Knee Surgery Through A Different Lens

In sports medicine, few professionals bridge the gap between rehabilitation and surgical precision like Dr. Catherine Logan. A former physical therapist and personal trainer turned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Logan brings a rare, 360-degree view to injury, prevention, and recovery. Now at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, she specializes in complex knee and shoulder reconstruction for athletes pushing their bodies to the limit.In this episode, Dr. Cameron Roth and Andrew Rizza dive deep with Dr. Logan into what makes an athlete “unbroken.” She shares her journey from working the clinic floor at Johns Hopkins to leading advanced surgical care for high-performance athletes. Dr. Logan breaks down the latest in ACL reconstruction protocols, explains how her team approaches meniscus and MCL tears, and discusses where biologics fit into the future of healing.They explore the differences between adolescent and professional recoveries, the science behind preventing ski-related knee injuries, and the realities of pushing back too soon after surgery. Dr. Logan’s insight reminds us that recovery is both science and art - a process that demands patience, discipline, and trust between athlete and care team.From the operating room to the slopes, this conversation is a masterclass in performance longevity and resilience, the foundation of what it truly means to be The Unbroken Athlete.Meet the Guest:Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopedics (COSMO) in Denver, COSpecializes in complex knee and shoulder surgeryWorked with Riz in BostonTopics Discussed:Handling the different type of knee tearsPreventing ski injuriesCreating the Unbroken AthleteHighlights:0:00 Introduction2:13 Background9:14 Reconstruction protocols13:10 Meniscus tears15:35 MCL tears18:04 Biologics19:50 Reconstruction recovery for high schoolers26:16 Preventing ski injuries28:38 Knee Injuries30:45 Free time32:54 Fun Fact35:53 The Unbroken AthleteQuotes:“What you care most about is the retear rate.”"It’s really important that people go to a PT that’s convenient for them.”“I’m always hoping to fix and preserve, but we can’t always do that.”“They’re doing everything they can do to avoid surgery.”“I’m a big fan of giving all the options and weighing the pros and the cons because I don’t think there’s one solution for everybody.”“I like helping people. That’s what we do.”“If I see 100 ACLs a winter, 98 of them are skiers.”“Can we change these grit scores and will that change the physical outcome?”The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.