Derek Purcell, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon - Sports Medicine, Knee & Shoulder Specialist

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4.9
Based on 829 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

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
Loretta Z.
Professional, explained all options very well and friendly.
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.
Amanda C.
Dr. Purcell and his office staff were amazing with my daughter’s ACL surgery. We had to travel across the state to see him and get the surgery done, and they were very accommodating, the surgery was a breeze, and she is on the road to recovery.
Mark C.
I went in for a meniscus tear repair. During the whole experience I was informed of everything that was being done and I felt in good hands.
Stirling L.
Dr Purvell fully and clearly explained what would be involved in my knee replacement
. I felt and have complere confidence in him
SK B.
The Dr is excellent, very focused and careful, personable. He explained everything thoroughly before my total knee replacement. The scheduler was so helpful & followed up immediately with any questions or concerns. My knee is healing well; my degree of mobility with the PT was on spot with the given timeline.
Braxton B.
Dr. Purcell is clearly the surgeon anyone would want to work with. Clearly intelligent, concise, deliberate. I look forward to working with him to aid in my knee recovery.
Laura G.
Excellent experience with all staff members including the doctor. Everyone treated me with respect and kindness. The doctor answered all of my questions concerning my pain in my knee.
george C.
Doc Purcell is the best!
Barbara S.
Always a great experience with Dr. Purcell. He answers all concerns clearly and with patience.
Joyce Q.
Dr Purcell was very knowledgeable and extremely professional. I am confident in moving forward to a knee replacement. Marcus was very helpful in scheduling my date for surgery and answered questions I forgot to ask. Hannah and Kim emailed my paperwork out the next day after my appointment. This is an awesome team. I am just starting my process but will soon have a working knee.
Maria G.
I’m very satisfied with the care I received from Doctor Purcell.
Robert E.
Dr. Purcell was really good.He did a total knee on me the whole team there is really good, had 4 surgeries there. Thank you, guys.
Debbie B.
Knee surgery is never easy, but Dr. Purcell made it better than expected. My scars are minimal and will barely be visible once healed. When I needed a Cortisone shot for pain and swelling, I was bracing for the worst, and he said, "Done", before I had a chance to say anything. I was floored! It was the only time I'd ever had a pain free shot. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Purcell his staff.
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...
Craig C.
When I arrived for my appt., I was told that, contrary to what my medical provider told me, none of my MRI and radiography had been forwarded to Dr Purcell.
I wanted to call and insist they wake up.
Instead, the office staff told me they would deal with my provider.
12 minutes later, they had the images.
I was so thankful.
Then I met with Dr Purcell. He is very professional, but also kind. After ten minutes of physical tests, he told me the report was inaccurate. I did not have any partial tears in my shoulder. He showed me the MRI image and showed me where arthritis was causing my problems. No tears at all. I asked some questions which he took time to answer.
I was overjoyed that my problems would not require surgery and also happy that he took the time to explain things to me.
He is a credit to his profession.
Doug L.
Had both shoulders replaced. Full range of motion both arms. Very happy with the results. Friendly staff.
BJ M.
A very talented surgeon
Humberto P.
La mejor atención y muy profesional
JOHN
Excellent, if your not seeing Dr. Purcell, change.
Rich M.
Dr. Purcell is the absolute best, bar none. He is quick, competent and to the point. My knee replacement surgery was expertly preformed. He's just great as far as I'm concerned.
Richard McMullen
LESLIE F.
Thorough explanations, both verbally and through imaging by Dr Purcell. He took the time necessary to ensure my complete understanding
Ernie S.
Dr. Purcell is very professional and my knee replacement went very well, and not much of a scar either!! Marcus and Katie were awesome too, I'll definitely return for my other knee replacement!
Ken M.
I had my left shoulder repaired by Dr. Purcell about 10 years ago. My wife has had both her shoulders operated on by Dr. Purcell over the years. Now I find myself needing my right shoulder repaired. Guess who I am returning to, Dr. Purcell. Great guy and easy to talk to besides being an excellent surgeon.
Debra F.
Dr Purcell is the best doctor for knee replacement surgery. I couldnt have asked for a better outcome. Thank you Dr Purcell from the bottom of my heart.
Gregory O.
Dr. Purcell and the entire team at OCC are just outstanding. PA Matt took the time to explain the procedure and how everything was going to flow. Dr. Purcell's bedside manner was very caring and post-op follow up was like clock work. Thank you for a very successful knee replacement. I'll see you all again in December for the left knee procedure.
Rebecca M.
dr. Purcell and staff are so tentative to what your needs are they get back with you as soon as possible at first I was hesitant about having my surgery done with Dr. Purcell but now I wish that I would’ve had the first surgery done with him. He’s an excellent person and I’m so grateful of the outcome so thank you Dr. Purcell and staff.
Israel O.
Great experience!
Daniel W.
Good information and really knowledgeable and out my knee.
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.
Ron P.
My experience with the office staff has been wonderful as has the results of my knee replacement surgery performed by Dr Purcell. He has been so open to questions and I could not be more pleased with the results. Will be doing my other knee replacement in several months I highly recommend Dr. Purcell!
Melodie H.
Did not have to wait long, he explained everything clearly talked a little bit fast but my husband had been through the surgery a few years back so I was familiar with it.Now I am just waiting for scheduling to call. He seems like a very nice Dr.
Marti V.
Dr. Purcell did an excellent job with my TKA. His staff is extremely prompt with responses which is so comforting when one calls with questions. Thanks you so much for the professional detailed care.
Sylvia B.
Dr. Purcell is amazing, I’m feeling so much better after my surgery and no more pain. Thank you so much for helping me be pain free. I appreciate all that you’ve done and I’m grateful that my pain is now minimal and I have confidence that after physical therapy I will feel great. Thank you.
T B.
Dr. Purcell is very personable, straight forward with answers to questions, explains answers to your understanding. I will contact Dr. Purcell again if I need help in the future.

Dr. Purcell's Clinic Locations

CO Springs Briargate

2446 Research Pkwy, Ste 200
Colorado Springs
CO
80920