About me
Colonel (retired) Steven Svoboda, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a sub-specialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Svoboda is associated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center and serves as a team physician for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, Major League Rugby's Old Glory DC Rugby Club, and Prince George’s County High Schools.
Dr. Svoboda practices at the MedStar Orthopaedic and Sports Center at Lafayette Centre, where he works to build a better healthcare environment in the Washington, D.C. area. Joining MedStar Health after a 23-year military career, with the last 10 years at the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Keller Army Community Hospital, Dr. Svoboda seeks to apply what he has learned caring for American soldiers to the community in the District, Maryland, and Virginia.
An accomplished clinician-scientist, Dr. Svoboda firmly believes that evidence-based outcomes assessment of patient care is essential to improving orthopaedic sports medicine care. Dr. Svoboda serves as the Director of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Research at MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre. He is helping to lead MedStar Health’s efforts in patient-reported outcomes assessment within the orthopaedic sports medicine domain.
A native of Bowie, MD, Dr. Svoboda attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where upon graduation, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He graduated from medical school at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, in Baltimore. Dr. Svoboda completed a Transitional Internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., and a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at the COL John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship in West Point.
Dr. Svoboda’s research regarding major knee joint injuries in the athletic population of Cadets at the United States Military Academy has won the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine O’Donoghue Award for Sports Injury Prevention and has received multiple United States patents. While leading the John A. Feagin Sports Medicine Fellowship at West Point, Dr. Svoboda was also the site Principal Investigator on the NCAA-DoD Grand Alliance CARE Consortium studies on concussion in college-level athletes.
During his military career, Dr. Svoboda served as Chief of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center and the Director of Orthopaedic Research, US Army Institute for Surgical Research, both located at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, from 2005-2007. He was the Program Director of the COL John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship, the Department of Defense’s only program of this type, at West Point from 2009 to 2017. In that role, he was responsible for training all of the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine sub-specialists in the US Army.
Dr. Svoboda is a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and has been a member of its Fellowship Accreditation Task Force and its Enduring Education Committee, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and has been a member of its Advocacy Committee. He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA). He is also a reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, and the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Clinical areas of focus
- Ankle Pain
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Cartilage Injury
- Elbow Injury
- Elbow Pain
- Hip Labral Tear
- Hip Pain
- Knee Injury
- Knee Pain
- Meniscus Injury
- Rotator Cuff Disorders
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Shoulder Instability
- Shoulder Pain
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair
Conditions and procedures
Conditions I treat
- Achilles Tendon Injury
- Achilles Tendon Tear
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendonosis
- Acromioclavicular Fracture
- Acromioclavicular Joint Separation
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Adhesive Capsulitis Of The Shoulder
- Ankle Dislocation
- Ankle Fracture
- Ankle Impingement
- Ankle Injury
- Ankle Instability
- Ankle Pain
- Ankle Sprain
- Ankle Strain
- Ankle Tendon Tear
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Anterior Tibialis Tendon Tear
- Arm Fracture
- Arm Injury
- Arm Pain
- Arthritis
- Arthritis Of Knee
- Athletic Pubalgia
- Avascular Necrosis Of The Arm
- Bicep Injury
- Bicep Pain
- Bicep Tear
- Biceps Tendonitis
- Bucket Handle Meniscus Tear
- Bursitis
- Bursitis Of The Elbow
- Bursitis, Subcutaneous Tendo Achilles
- Calcific Tendonitis
- Calf Muscle Injury
- Calf Pain
- Cartilage Injury
- Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
- Chronic Muscle Injury
- Clavicle Fracture
- Comminuted Fracture
- Compartment Syndrome
- Compound Fracture
- Dislocated Patella
- Distal Radial Fracture
- Elbow Arthritis
- Elbow Bone Spur
- Elbow Dislocation
- Elbow Fracture
- Elbow Injury
- Elbow Pain
- Elbow Tendonitis
- Epicondylitis
- Femur Fracture
- Fibula Fracture
- Foot Fracture
- Foot Pain
- Foot Tendon Tear
- Forearm Fracture
- Fracture
- Gastrocnemius Injury
- Gluteal Injury
- Gluteus Medius Tear
- Hamstring Injury
- Hip Abductor Tear
- Hip Click
- Hip Dislocation
- Hip Impingement
- Hip Injury
- Hip Labral Tear
- Hip Pain
- Hip Pain Over Age 60
- Hip Pain Under Age 60
- Hip Rotator Cuff Tear
- Humerus Fracture
- Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome
- Joint Dislocation
- Jumper's Knee
- Knee Clunk Syndrome
- Knee Fracture
- Knee Injury
- Knee Instability
- Knee Pain
- Knee Pain For Patients Aged Younger Than 60
- Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Leg Fracture
- Leg Injury
- Leg Pain
- Ligament Injury
- Ligament Tear
- Locking Knee
- Loose Body In The Knee
- Medial Collateral Ligament Injury Of The Knee
- Medial Epicondylitis
- Meniscus Injury
- Meniscus Tear
- Multiple Ligament Knee Injury
- Non Displaced Fracture
- Non-Displaced Fracture Of Radius
- Non-Displaced Fracture Of Ulna
- Nonunion Fracture
- Overuse Injury
- Overuse Injury Of The Ankle
- Paratenonitis
- Patella Dislocation
- Patella Injury
- Patellar Instability
- Patellar Tendon Rupture
- Patellofemoral Injury
- Patellofemoral Syndrome
- Pectoral Muscle Injury
- Pectoralis Major Tendon Injury
- Peroneal Tendon Tear
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- Persistent Pain After Orthopedic Surgery
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Tear
- Posterolateral Corner Injury
- Proximal Humerus Fractures
- Proximal Ulnar Fracture
- Quadrangular Space Syndrome
- Quadriceps Injury
- Radial Fracture
- Repetitive Stress Injury
- Rotator Cuff Disorders
- Rotator Cuff Impingement
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Running Injury
- Scapular Dyskinesis
- Separated Shoulder
- Sesamoiditis
- Shin Splints
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder Injury
- Shoulder Instability
- Shoulder Labral Tear
- Shoulder Pain
- Shoulder Strain
- Snapping Hip Syndrome
- Soft Tissue Injury
- Sports Related Ankle Injury
- Sports Related Foot Injury
- Sports Related Injury
- Stress Fracture Of The Radius
- Stress Fractures
- Synovial Chondromatosis
- Tarsal Coalition
- Tendinitis Of The Hand
- Tendinitis Of The Wrist
- Tendinosis
- Tendon Injury
- Tendonitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Throwing Injury
- Tibia Fracture
- Tibial Spine Fracture
- Tibial Tendonitis
- Toe Fracture
- Tricep Injury
- Twisted Ankle
- Ulnar Fracture
- Ulnar Nerve Compression
- Ulnar Nerve Injury
- Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Wrist Dislocation
- Wrist Pain
Procedures I perform
- Arthroscopy Of Elbow
- Arthroscopy Of Hip
- Damaged Knee Cartilage Removal
- Knee Surgery
- Meniscus Transplant
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Labral Tear Repair
- Shoulder Surgery
- Total Knee Replacement, Age Greater Than 50
- Total Knee Replacement, Age Less Than 50
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.
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List of insurance plans we accept
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Signature and Select (aka Senior Advantage)
- Blue Choice Advantage & Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
- UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Complete Plans/ UHC Group Medicare Advantage Plans HMO, POS, PPO
- United Healthcare Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO, GEHA, Compass Rose)
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Adv/Special Needs Plans
- UHC Community Plan of MD
- Private Health Care Systems (PHCS) (PPO)
- Medicare Fee for Service
- Kaiser Virginia Premier
- Kaiser PermanenteSelect-Added Choice
- Kaiser Permanente Signature-Added Choice
- Kaiser Permanente Signature
- Kaiser Permanente Select
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus (Medicare Supplemental Plan)
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice POS
- Kaiser MD Medicaid MCO
- CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)
- CFBCBS EPO
- Aetna Innovations: HMO & EPO Plus
- Open EPO Plus
- Innovation Health: POS Plus
- United Healthcare Choice
- Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
- Open POS II
- Innovation Health: Indemnity
- Choice POS & Choice POS II
- Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
- CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO
- Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
- Innovation Health: PPO
- Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
- Innovation Health: Open POS Plus
- Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
- Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus
- Aetna HMO
- BlueChoice Open Access
- CIGNA HMO Open Access (OA)
- CIGNA EPO
- Innovation Health: POS
- POS OA & OA Plus
- Choice Fund PPO
- Opoen HMO Option
- PPO and PPO Plus
- CFBCBS Blue Choice Opt Out Open Access
- Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
- Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
- HealthyBlue PPO
- Network OA
- Open HMO
- Tricare for Life (Medicare Supplemental Plan)
- Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
- Aetna Worker's Compensation Network
- CFBCBS BlueChoice HMO
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
- CIGNA HMO & Network (HMO)
- Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
- Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
- United Healthcare Select HMO - EPO/NPP
- Coventry Health Care of Virginia
- First Health PPO
- CIGNA POS/Network POS
- Tricare Prime
- M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund) Innovation Health: Network Only Plus
- Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)
- CIGNA Indemnity
- CFBCBS Blue Choice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
- United Student Resources
- M.D. IPA (HMO)
- CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
- MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan)
- FIRST HEALTH
- CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)
- CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity
- United Healthcare Select Plus (POS)
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- United Healthcare Choice Plus
Education
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Fellowship Program: Keller Army Community Hospital (2005)
Residency Program: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (2002)
Internship Program: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (1996)
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine (1995)
Awards
- O’Donoghue Research Award, 2012 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
- First Place Poster Award Winner for the paper, 2011 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
- 2006 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Aircast Award for Basic Science
- 2001 J. Leonard Goldner, MD, Award for the Outstanding Basic Science Study
- Young Investigator Award Winner presented for Changes in serum biomarkers for cartilage turnover following ACL injury, Atlanta, GA, 4-5 November 2010
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Leadership Fellow, Class of 2009-2010 AAOS Leadership Fellows Program (LFP)
- Aircast Fellow Research Award in Clinical Science, 2015 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
- US Army Health Professions Scholarship Recipient, August 1990-May 1995
- MAJ William C. Whitehead, Jr. Memorial Award for the Graduating West Point Varsity Football Letterman with the Highest Class Rank, 1989
- Military Awards
- Bronze Star Medal (Permanent Order 166-003, 14 June 2008)
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Commendation Medal (Five awards)
- Army Achievement Medal
- National Defense Medal (Two awards)
- Iraqi Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon
- Korean Defense Service Ribbon
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
Team Affiliations
- Team physician for the Washington Capitals (NHL).
- Team physician for the Major League Rugby's Old Glory DC Rugby Club.
Hospital affiliations
News and publications
Svoboda SJ, Harvey TM, Owens BD, Brechue WF, Tarwater PM, Cameron KL. (2013). Changes in serum biomarkers of cartilage turnover after anterior cruciate ligament injury. Am J Sports Med. Sep;41(9):2108-16.
Svoboda SJ, Owens BD, Harvey TM, Tarwater PM, Brechue WF, Cameron KL. (2016). The Association Between Serum Biomarkers of Collagen Turnover and Subsequent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture. Am J Sports Med. Jul;44(7):1687-93.
Svoboda SJ. (2014). ACL injury and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Clin Sports Med. Oct;33(4):633-40
Cameron KL, Driban JB, Svoboda SJ. (2016). Osteoarthritis and the Tactical Athlete: A Systematic Review. J Athl Train. Nov;51(11):952-961.
Cameron KL, Thompson BS, Peck KY, Owens BD, Marshall SW, Svoboda SJ. (2013). Normative values for the KOOS and WOMAC in a young athletic population: history of knee ligament injury is associated with lower scores. Am J Sports Med.Mar;41(3):582-9.
Lanzi JT Jr, Felix J, Tucker CJ, Cameron KL, Rogers J, Owens BD, Svoboda SJ. (2016) Comparison of the Suture Anchor and Transosseous Techniques for Patellar Tendon Repair: A Biomechanical Study. Am J Sports Med. Aug;44(8):2076-80.
Cameron KL, Hsiao MS, Owens BD, Burks R, Svoboda SJ. (2011) Incidence of physician-diagnosed osteoarthritis among active duty United States military service members. Arthritis Rheum. Oct;63(10):2974-82.
Shoulder
Pickett A, Svoboda S. (2017). Anterior Glenohumeral Instability. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. Sep;25(3):156-162.
Dickens JF, Owens BD, Cameron KL, DeBerardino TM, Masini BD, Peck KY, Svoboda SJ. (2017). The Effect of Subcritical Bone Loss and Exposure on Recurrent Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Intercollegiate American Football. Am J Sports Med. Jul;45(8):1769-1775.
Owens BD, Cameron KL, Peck KY, DeBerardino TM, Nelson BJ, Taylor DC, Tenuta J, Svoboda SJ. (2015). Arthroscopic Versus Open Stabilization for Anterior Shoulder Subluxations. Orthop J Sports Med. Jan 23;3(1):2325967115571084.
Owens BD, Cameron KL, Peck KY, DeBerardino TM, Nelson BJ, Taylor DC, Tenuta J, Svoboda SJ. (2015). Orthop J Sports Med. Jan 23;3(1):2325967115571084.
Cameron KL, Mountcastle SB, Nelson BJ, DeBerardino TM, Duffey ML, Svoboda SJ, Owens BD. (2013). History of shoulder instability and subsequent injury during four years of follow-up: a survival analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Mar 6;95(5):439-45.
Owens BD, Cameron KL, Clifton KB, Svoboda SJ, Wolf JM. (2016). Association Between Serum Relaxin and Subsequent Shoulder Instability. Orthopedics. Jul 1;39(4):e724-8.
Concussion
Asken BM, Bauer RM, Guskiewicz KM, McCrea MA, Schmidt JD, Giza CC, Snyder AR, Houck ZM, Kontos AP, McAllister TW, Broglio SP, Clugston JR; CARE Consortium Investigators, Anderson S, Bazarian J, Brooks A, Buckley T, Chrisman S, Collins M1, DiFiori J, Duma S, Dykhuizen B, Eckner JT, Feigenbaum L, Hoy A, Kelly L, Langford TD, Lintner L, McGinty G, Mihalik J, Miles C, Ortega J, Port N, Putukian M, Rowson S, Svoboda S. Immediate Removal From Activity After Sport-Related Concussion Is Associated With Shorter Clinical Recovery and Less Severe Symptoms in Collegiate Student-Athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2018 May;46(6):1465-1474.
Overtraining
Chachula LA, Cameron KL, Svoboda SJ. Association of prior injury with the report of new injuries sustained during CrossFit training. Athl Training Sports Health Care. 2016 Jan;8(1):28-34.
View Dr. Svoboda's publications on PubMed.