Dr. Dr. Stephen B. Gunther

Expert Publications

• Magnetic resonance imaging of the rotator cuff.
• Interactive computer simulations of knee-replacement surgery.
• Internal fixation of symptomatic os acromiale: a series of twenty-six cases.
• Total shoulder replacement surgery with custom glenoid implants for severe bone deficiency.
• Finite element analysis and physiologic testing of a novel, inset glenoid fixation technique.
• Unscrewing instability of modular reverse shoulder prosthesis increases propensity for in vivo fracture: a report of two cases.
• Rigid internal fixation of displaced distal radius fractures.
• [Not Available].
• Hand infections in patients with diabetes.
• Diabetic hand infections.

Media Releases

SMJH Orthopedic Surgery, 590 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, Virginia  (434) 654-5575

Dr. Gunther is a renowned shoulder surgeon and sports medicine doctor who began his academic career at UCSF/Stanford Healthcare as Chief of the UCSF Shoulder/Elbow Service and Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship. His expertise involves both arthroscopic and reconstructive shoulder surgery as well as sports medicine injuries to the knee, shoulder, and elbow. He treats patients of all ages with rotator cuff injuries, fractures, shoulder arthritis, instability, labral tears, sports knee injuries, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, and elbow injuries at the SMJH Sports Medicine clinic at the Pantops location in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Dr. Gunther has an extensive academic and teaching focus with more than 30 peer reviewed scientific publications, abstracts, and book chapters, and he has presented more than 100 lectures at regional, national, and international orthopedic meetings. He invented novel shoulder implants and techniques that reduce complications after surgery, minimize patient’s pain, and improve their long-term function. Dr. Gunther enjoys creative innovation as a means to improve patient outcomes. He has 15 issued patents. He is the Founder of a medical device company, Shoulder Innovations, Inc., with novel minimally invasive shoulder implants that improve patient results and minimize costs to the hospital system through improved fixation techniques, streamlined efficiency, and reduced sterilization tray systems (www.shoulderinnovations.com).

Dr. Gunther’s greatest passion is patient centered, compassionate care involving extensive patient education and shared decision making. He is a 3rd generation orthopedic surgeon. He is also a lifelong competitive athlete in multiple sports including hockey, soccer, wrestling, and baseball. He was head team physician for the US Canoe & Kayak team and consultant to the US Olympic teams.

Dr. Gunther earned his medical degree from Dartmouth, and then he completed an orthopedic residency at GWU followed by fellowships in shoulder/elbow surgery and then sports medicine. During his early career at UCSF/Stanford Healthcare, he earned a Teaching Scholar’s degree. In 2019, he completed a 1 year medical business & leadership degree at Harvard Medical School/Harvard Business School. 

He is an active, contributing member of multiple prestigious orthopedic societies including the American Shoulder & Elbow Society, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Twentieth Century Orthopedic Society, and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Gunther has been the recipient of multiple patient centered physician awards including Compassionate Doctor Recognition, On-Time Doctor Award, Patients’ Choice 5th Anniversary Award, Patients’ Choice Award, and Top 10 Doctor – City. He also enjoys mentoring young minority students through the Ron Brown Scholar’s program.

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