Whether recovering from a sports injury, managing chronic joint pain or facing a complex spinal condition, orthopedic care can play an important role in restoring mobility and function. In a community where outdoor recreation is part of everyday life, specialized treatment is especially valuable. The Best of the Boat 2026 highlights orthopedic surgeons serving the Yampa Valley through advanced surgical techniques, individualized treatment and rehabilitation-focused care.
Sports medicine and minimally invasive surgery are central to the practice of Dr. Alexander K. Meininger, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. Meininger completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals and a sports medicine fellowship at the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Foundation. His specialties include arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder and hip, cartilage restoration, joint preservation and complex ligament reconstruction. As a physician for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, he also provides specialized orthopedic care for competitive athletes and active Northwest Colorado residents.
Treating conditions affecting the neck and back is the specialty of Dr. Alejandro Miranda, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. Following his orthopedic residency at the University of Minnesota, Miranda completed advanced spine surgery training at the University of California, San Francisco. He provides surgical and nonsurgical treatment for conditions including spinal stenosis, herniated discs, scoliosis and degenerative disc disease. His surgical techniques include minimally invasive procedures and motion-preserving disc replacements, with treatment plans focused on addressing spinal problems and supporting functional mobility.
Hand and upper extremity surgery are areas of expertise for Dr. Patrick Johnston, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. Johnston completed his orthopedic residency at Michigan State University and specialized fellowship training at the Hand Center of San Antonio. His practice addresses injuries and conditions involving the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, with procedures including fracture repair, carpal tunnel release, tendon repair and joint replacement. He provides both surgical and nonsurgical care for patients managing sports injuries, repetitive-use conditions and chronic joint degeneration.
More than two decades of experience in Steamboat Springs inform the orthopedic practice of Dr. Andreas Sauerbrey, a board-certified surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow conditions. Sauerbrey completed his medical education and orthopedic residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, followed by a shoulder and elbow surgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His clinical work includes total and reverse shoulder replacement, rotator cuff repair, complex fracture treatment and sports medicine. He serves patients ranging from competitive athletes to community members seeking treatment for injuries and degenerative joint conditions.
Hip and knee replacement surgery is the primary focus of Dr. Jay Thompson, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. Thompson earned his medical degree and completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine. His specialties include primary and revision joint replacement, anterior approach hip replacement, partial knee replacement and reconstruction following complex joint injuries. He incorporates joint preservation strategies, individualized implant selection and recovery protocols into treatment planning, helping patients address mobility limitations associated with hip and knee conditions.
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