Matthew N. Fournier, M.D.

Fellowship-Trained in Sports Medicine.

Shoulder, Hip and Knee Specialist, Including Traumatic and Degenerative Conditions.

UW Team Physician

Laramie | Casper | Cheyenne | Rawlins | Thermopolis

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy, or keyhole surgery, refers to minimally invasive techniques to treat various causes of joint pain. Arthroscopy and be employed in many joints in the body, including the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. Sports medicine surgeons like Dr. Fournier use the arthroscope, which a special camera about the size of a pencil to identify and treat injuries.

Who can benefit from arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy can be used to effectively treat many different kinds of injuries all over the body. The list below describes just a few of the many injuries Dr. Fournier can treat to relieve pain and restore function.

  • Shoulder

    • Tendonitis

    • Cartilage injuries

    • Instability

    • Labral tears

    • Inflammation

  • Hip

    • Labral tears

    • Femoroacetabular impingement

    • Cartilage damage

    • Arthritis

  • Knee

    • Meniscus tears

    • ACL and ligament tears

    • Cartilage damage

    • Arthritis

    • Stiffness

    • Kneecap pain and instability

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Sports medicine is a term that has come to encompass the minimally invasive treatment of the above injuries. Many of these injuries are sustained during sports, but the benefit of sports medicine can be applied to patients young and old and of all activity levels

  • In general, sports medicine arthroscopy procedures are able to be done as an outpatient. They also feature small incisions that reduce the risk of infection and complications while patients heal. Sports medicine experts like Dr. Fournier can accomplish most goals without making an incision bigger than an inch.

  • - Do not eat or drink any liquids for 8 hours prior to any procedure.

    - You may need to stop medications (blood thinners) that increase the risk of bleeding after a procedure.

    - Inform your care team of any relevant allergies.

    - Have a friend or family member available for transportation and to look after you for the first few days after surgery.

    - Make sure to tell your surgeon if you’ve had any relevant changes in your medical history.

  • Generally speaking, these procedure take place under regional or general anesthesia. You will likely be asleep for the entire procedure, and you won’t have any memory of the surgery or the pain associated with it. Arthroscopy utilizes sterile surgical fluid to visualize the joint structures, and it’s not uncommon to be swollen for 24-48 hours after. Dr. Fournier will use specialized instruments to accomplish the goals of the operation, and you will wake up in the recovery area with a clean surgical dressing in place.

Hip Arthroscopy

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Hip Pain

Hip arthroscopy is a new treatment for many hip disorders that previously went misdiagnosed or untreated. Through keyhole incisions, Dr. Fournier uses hip arthroscopy to treat labral tears, cartilage damage, muscle and tendon injuries, and inflammation. Because of its demanding technique hip arthroscopy was previously only offered out of state. With an accelerated recovery and quick return to activity, hip arthroscopy with Dr. Fournier is an excellent option for patients who have suffered with hip pain without answers or options.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Dr. Fournier specializes in treating rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, shoulder dislocation, biceps tendonitis, AC joint injuries, and arthritis of the AC and shoulder joints. Cutting edge technology is used to give patients with shoulder problems back their quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

Anterior Approach to Hip Arthroplasty

Compared to the more common approach on the back of the hip, replacement from the front of the hip (anterior approach) represents an important advance. Research has shown that anterior approach hip arthroplasty results in a faster recovery and minimizes risks associated with the operation such as muscle damage, blood loss, and instability. Dr. Fournier has extensive experience with the anterior approach, and has even published articles describing its effectiveness.

Postless Technology

What is a Postless Hip Replacement?

In addition to being one of the most experienced hip arthroscopy surgeons in Wyoming, Dr. Fournier is one of the only surgeons regionally to employ a post-less positioning system for every case. Hip arthroscopy traditionally has required the use of a perineal post in the groin in order to pull the hip out of the socket to allow for repair. Due to innovations in Dr. Fournier’s technique, the post is no longer necessary to achieve an excellent outcome.

Where can I be treated with hip arthroscopy in Wyoming?

Dr. Fournier performs hip scope procedures in a specialized surgery center in Laramie, Wyoming.

Patients from all over the state, including Cheyenne, Laramie, Casper, Rock Springs, Thermopolis, Gillette, and for patients from northern Colorado and Western Nebraska.