Derek Purcell, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon - Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Specialist

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4.9
Based on 855 reviews.
Specializing in Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Arthroscopic, Cartilage Restoration & Total Shoulder Replacement
Fax: 719-623-1051
Derek Purcell

Dr. Derek Purcell is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with advanced specialization in sports medicine, shoulder, and knee surgery. His expertise includes arthroscopic techniques for the knee and shoulder, complex ligament reconstructions, cartilage restoration procedures, and both shoulder and knee joint replacements.

Dr. Purcell graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama and earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed both his orthopedic surgery residency and a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the prestigious Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis.

While in fellowship, Dr. Purcell served as an assistant team physician for multiple professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Rams (NFL), St. Louis Blues (NHL), and St. Louis Cardinals (MLB). He has participated in the NFL Combine and worked with the Cardinals’ spring training team in Florida. He is a former member of the NFL Team Physicians Society.

Now practicing in Colorado Springs, Dr. Purcell continues his commitment to athlete care as a Team Physician for Colorado College Athletics. He also supports several area high schools, including Vista Ridge, Colorado Springs Christian School, and Cheyenne Mountain. He is an active member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Specialties and Treatments

Why Choose Dr. Derek Purcell

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply want to return to an active lifestyle, Dr. Derek Purcell provides expert care to help you recover with confidence. His experience with elite athletes and advanced surgical techniques ensures patients receive the highest level of orthopedic treatment.

Education

  • Fellowship: Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
  • Residency: Orthopedic Surgery, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
  • Medical School: MD: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
  • Undergraduate School: BS: Microbiology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

Team Physician

  • 2009 – Present: Colorado College
  • 2009 – Present: Vista Ridge High School, Cheyenne Mountain High School, and Colorado Springs Christian School

Memberships & Organizations

  • Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Candidate Member, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • El Paso County Medical Society Member
  • Colorado Medical Society Member

Matthew Albrecht, PA-C

Physician Assistant

As a certified physician assistant, Matt works alongside Dr. Derek Purcell in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions. He assists in the operating room with upper extremity and knee surgery, including both arthroscopy and joint replacement procedures. Matt received his PA certification after graduating with a Masters in Health Science from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the CCOE team, Matt worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD with the shoulder, trauma, and sports medicine services.

Dr. Purcell's Reviews

Linda D.
I have had 5 surgeries by Dr Purcell and trust him completely. Top notch care.
Roxi F.
So far I'm pleased with my treatment. I have just had a consultation. Dr. Purcell was straight forward to the point and has got me on track for a right knee replacement. I will try to follow up I hope to give him a 5 star rating it is to soon in my process to know yet. I was impressed with the meeting.
Jay K.
Dr. Purcell is professional, knowledgeable, caring, and attentive. I highly recommend him and his staff. They really care. I had a devastating injury with a complex surgery. Dr. Purcell has done an amazing job helping me get to a place of healing and recovery.
Karen F.
I was very impressed with Dr. Purcell's professionalism and attention to my reason to see him. He was polite, personable, and down to earth which immediately put me at ease in knowing this was a doctor who would work with me in making the best decision in going forward with a treatment plan.
Kathy M.
Great doctor
Scott J.
Time you get there and the time you are dismissed. You are
Tomas G.
Great experience made me feel comfortable
James S.
Dr Purcell did a total knee replacement on my left leg . Everything went just as promised and the healing process was fast and smooth . Highly recommend him and his Staff !!
rita N.
Went to my first appointment with Dr. Purcell. As I was told , he was very through..explained the MRI results very clear for us to understand. Gave us all the possible treatments and was very easy to talk to, very clear. Didn’t feel rushed ..I feel I can trust him with my treatment. I am so thankful I found him.
Daniel S.
Dr Purcell and his team are consummate professionals. You can't get any better orthopedic support. Highly recommend.
Mary Jean M.
Dr. Purcell was punctual, thorough, and had a great bedside manner. Highly recommend.
David R.
Dr.Purcell replaced both knees left knee most recently, right knee feels great after 10 months, my son told me he was a great surgeon and he was right, I'm glad I chose Dr. Purcell to do the surgeries
Shawn V.
Dr. Purcell is awesome ! He is kind and actually cares about you. My knee is so much better.
Lori V.
Excellent service all the way around. My surgery TNP has gone better than I could ever expected. Katie, Matt, are always there with answer's with pain meds, pt. Dr. Purcell did a excellent job. Would highly recommend this practice.
Mike A.
Was a very pleasant visit.
The staff is very professional
Best place iwent for surgerys
Jeff L.
Dr. Purcell was very concise and straight forward. And I would expect I will be getting the same level of care I received from my experience with Dr. Kobayashi from my visit with Dr. Purcell. I was very pleased.
Dave B.
Dr. Purcell has given me excellent care and advice in the 16 months he has been treating my arthritic shoulder.

Now he has performed a Reverse Total Shoulder Anthroplasty (Total Shoulder Replacement). Operation went well and pain is slight with Tylenol. He continues to provide excellent follow-up care. Now it I can take care of it myself.

It has now been a month since the operation and the shoulder is doing great. I’m out of the sling and Dr. Purcell says the shoulder looks great on x-rays. No pain. I’m really pleased with Dr. Purcell’s care, both during the operation and following. I’m really happy I chose Dr. Purcell.

Another month has gone by and Dr. Purcell says the shoulder is doing great. Physical Therapy is getting it loosened up well and Dr. Purcell says I’m no longer limited to lifting 1 lb on my right arm - I can lift 5 lb now. Still no pain. Dr. Purcell did great work on replacing this shoulder.

It has now been 9 months since the shoulder replacement and all is well. Still no pain and the shoulder is stronger. Would be stronger still if I exercised it like I’m told to.

Now it’s been 11 months since surgery and all is well. Just had a checkup and got OK to go for 2 years before next checkup. Really happy with the job Dr. Purcell did and his follow-up.
Jody B.
He came highly recommended and I can see why. He took the to time to explain my MRI and treatment plan. He listened too!
B
Carolyn H.
I am in the beginning process of getting a knee replacement. Dr Purcell was very thorough in explaining the procedure and what I should expect. Marcus was also very helpful and answered any additional questions. I look forward to a positive surgical experience.
The surgery experience was exceptional - Dr Purcell's process is geared to patient safety and comfort. My recovery has been exceptional. OCC is a wonderful medical organization.
Thomas C.
Excellent care and service. Dr. Purcell is a very experienced surgeon and provides exceptional medical care.
Janet L.
Met with Dr. Purcell after I was told that I needed a knee replacement. Dr. Purcell was very thorough and explain to me what was wrong with my knee. He told me that I didn't need a knee replacement at this time and gave me a cortisone shot and told me what I could do to relieve the inflammation in my knee due to arthritis. I appreciate how he took the time to show me and explain what was going on with my knee. I would recommend Dr. Purcell, he is very professional and thorough.
William M.
Very pleased with the professionalism of Dr. Purcell.
Judy C.
My experience with Dr Purcell has been absolutely Amazing. From start to finish the care I received from Dr Purcell and his staff has been the very best I could have ever hoped for! Thank You Dr Purcell for taking such good care of me!
Stirling L.
Dr Purvell fully and clearly explained what would be involved in my knee replacement
. I felt and have complere confidence in him
Tamara S.
Dr Purcell performed knee surgery on me and has done an excellent job. Over the past years we discussed the options. He never pushed towards surgery as the only option, instead gave me great options to save my natural knee for as long as possible. Appreciated the options and plans that were presented. Highly recommend!! Plus, he’s always on time.
Angelika F.
Dr Purcell was personable and he took the time to explain what was going on with my knees prior to my steroid injections. Very efficient too.
Jerome W.
Dr Derek Purcell is absolutely amazing. He has performed two successful surgeries for me - rotator cuff / bicep repair and a full knee replacement. His expertise and skill as a surgeon is undeniable. I 10/10 recommend him. In addition, his team have also been amazing to work with.
Loretta Z.
Professional, explained all options very well and friendly.
Larry K.
Dr. Purcell is an excellent and caring orthopedic surgeon.
Mark S.
Doctor Purcell performed a complete knee replacement for me. He is very cautious about causing any infection that would negatively impact the outcome of the surgery. All of his requirements are posted in the information packet. Ive had a few surgeries before, but never had to go to such lengths to prevent infection. I know someone who ended spending weeks in the hospital after a knee replacement due to an infection from the surgery site.
Doctor Purcell is very straight forward and easy to understand. He gves you options if you do not want replace the knee. It's been roughly two weeks since my surgery and have experienced very little pain. I highly recommend Doctors Purcell.
Pamela B.
I had great service. Everyone was very gentle and courteous
Jack Alter S.
CCOES and our experience with Dr. Purcell & Staff was Excellent, 5 stars in all categories for our knees, my wife Susan, and myself. Best, most thorough Orthopedic exam & Xray reviews we have ever had. Injections totally Painless... All questions answered, multi-faceted plan of non-surgical treatment developed for our immediate and long term needs !!
Definitely Recommend CCOES & Dr. Purcell, Colorado Springs, for anyone's Orthopedic needs...
Jeff R.
Great skill as both a surgeon and a communicator. Highly recommend!
Rich
Treated very well by all, from staff to Dr. Purcell. Dr Purcell I believe gave me all the facts, and expected outcomes of doing or not doing my knee replacement including other options. Having chosen to have the surgery I have no doubt that I am in good hands and very happy with my choice to use OCC and Dr Purcell
Sara W.
As a 47 year old, who loves to run and hike, I appreciated that Dr. Pursell was willing to give me conservative treatments and a variety of surgical options to treat patellar osteoarthritis with subluxation. He looked at my MRI and gave me a surgical option that will help keep me running/hiking. Dr. Pursell and I both know that it is not a life long fix, but it will get me back to playing in the mountains with my family and friends for a number of years. I am grateful.
Eddie D.
Dr Purcell and his associates made sure my surgery was a pleasant experience. I will need a knee replacement in the future and this experience removed all anxiety of the process. Thank you!
Stephen L.
Very efficient office. Everything went as scheduled -- no hiccups. Follow-up physical therapy in home and outpatient went well after 1 day in the hospital. Started walking same day as surgery. This was my second total knee replacement with Dr Purcell so I knew what to expect .
David H.
Excellent communication and expertise!! This is severely missing with other ortho doctors. Don’t waste your time going anywhere else.
Kathy K.
Dr. Purcell is skilled and takes time to listen and answer questions completely. I highly recommend Dr. Purcel.
George W.
Everything was timely and all staff were respectful.

Dr. Purcell's Clinic Locations

CO Springs Briargate

2446 Research Pkwy, Ste 200
Colorado Springs
CO
80920