Medical icon Ronald Hugate, MD

Dr. Ronald Hugate, M.D., FAAOS, is a renowned orthopedic surgeon and considered leader in the field of orthopedic oncology, hip preservation, complex joint reconstruction, and limb salvage. He is considered an innovator, treating a wide range of complex orthopedic cases, including cancer, prosthetics, and rare conditions that most others cannot. 

Education and Training 

Dr. Hugate graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Tech University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1994. He then completed medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School. In 1998, he began his surgical internship at Penn State University, where he also completed his orthopedic surgery residency. In 2003, Dr. Hugate completed the Ivin’s Research Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and then an orthopedic oncology fellowship there as well. For his dedication, the Mayo Clinic awarded him the title “Instructor of Orthopedics” in 2005. 

Professional Achievements and Research 

Dr. Hugate is committed to advancing orthopedic care. As an adjunct associate professor of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Denver and clinical faculty at the Rocky Vista University School of Medicine, he inspires and trains future engineers and physicians. Through collaborations with educational institutions, he actively researches improving osseous and other bio-integrated implants, the medical and surgical treatment of bone cancers, and joint reconstructions. 

Publications and Media Features 

Dr. Hugate has authored and co-authored several scientific articles and a patient guide to joint replacement called “The Handbook of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery: Through the Eyes of the Patient, Surgeon, and Medical Team!”. His work has been featured on numerous television and radio programs, including local news stations, public radio, The Today Show, and even Animal Planet. 

Service and Military Experience 

In addition to his commitment to excellence in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hugate is dedicated to service. He has participated in multiple medical mission trips to aid underserved populations, such as in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Dr. Hugate has proudly served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army reserves, deploying four times, including to combat hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq. For his efforts, he has twice been awarded the Army Commendation Medal. 

Personal Life 

Dr. Hugate lives with his family in the Denver Metro Area. He hails from Virginia where he was born and raised in Williamsburg with his two brothers. He enjoys spending his free time with his children. Other hobbies include traveling, wood-working, high-performance cars, and car restoration. 

Meet Dr. Hugate

Hip Preservation

Dr Hugate is a specialist in Hip Preservation and performs the following reconstructive procedures to correct hip dysplasia and abnormalities of the hip joint.

  • Ganz Osteotomy (Ganz) – Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy (PAO)
  • Pelvis osteotomy
  • Pelvic Osteotomy
  • Femoral Osteotomy
  • Femur Osteotomy

Hip Preservation Patient Resources

Combined Hip Preservation Guidebook

Combined Post Operative Physical Therapy Protocols

Learning About Ganz Osteotomy – Patient Video Resources

Correcting Hip Dysplasia With Ganz Osteotomy

What to Expect from Ganz Osteotomy Surgery

Recovery from a Ganz Osteotomy

Step into the Operating Room with Dr. Hugate - Watch him Perform a Ganz Osteotomy

Orthopedic Oncology

Orthopedic Oncology – Bone & Muscle Tumors

Dr. Hugate is trained as an orthopedic oncologist and specializes in treating all types of bone, muscle or joint tumors.  He treats both benign and cancerous tumors, including:

  • Sarcomas
  • Osteosarcomas
  • Ewing’s Sarcoma
  • Osteogenic Sarcoma
  • Soft Tissue Sarcoma
  • Bone Tumors
  • Joint Tumors
  • Muscle Tumors
  • Bone Cysts

Patient Testimonials

 

 

 

Primary & Revision Joint Replacement

Primary & Revision Joint Replacement

Dr. Hugate performs both primary and revision joint replacements in the knee, hip and shoulder. He uses the anterior approach to hip replacement.

Dr. Hugate specializes in the most complex joint replacement revision cases, including:

  • Fractures around an implant
  • Loosening of the prosthetic device
  • Pain from the implant
  • Dislocation
  • Instability
  • Swelling around the implant
  • Hematomas
  • Seromas
  • Wound Complications

Dr. Hugate in the News

March 2020 - Medical Professionals - Denver South

3D Systems Technology reduces lead times, Enables customization

Together We Make Football - NFL NBC Series

Colorado Surgeon, Students Design Permanent Artificial Leg

Doctor Develops a New Prosthetic for Amputees

Local Surgeon Heading to Haiti, With Victim's Limbs on the Line

Meningitis Took Man's Limbs But Not His Spirit

A Note from Dr. Hugate

First and foremost:  My team and I strive to deliver world-class care each of our patients. There is no higher level of trust than that a patient gives to their medical caregivers. My team and I understand this, and we are truly honored and humbled that patients entrust us with their care. We do everything in our power to validate and earn that trust.

My philosophy of care is to treat patients as I would any family member or friend. I like to involve patients and their families in their treatment plan and make them a part of their own treatment team. We spend time with our patients: first of all gaining an accurate diagnosis, and then, helping them understand what their condition is and what options are available to them for treatment. Over the years, I have found that well-informed patients who take on an active role in their care are the happiest patients. We offer a wide range of options (surgical, and non-surgical when appropriate) and then look at the pros and cons of each option presented. Together, we put together a treatment plan that works best for you, the patient.

 A sincere thank you for entrusting me and my team with your care.

 

Team

Dr. Hugate has a large number of patients, often with very complex orthopedic issues. For that reason, he has a team of outstanding dedicated health care professionals to collaborate in your care. He has hand-selected each of these providers to be a part of his team. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with them as they will likely be involved in your care.

Working With

Justin

Burtz, PA-C