Bio
Dr. Darden is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon dedicated to helping athletes and individuals recover from injury and return to the activities they love. Her approach to patient care is rooted in a passion for science, understanding the complexities of the musculoskeletal system, and compassion.
Dr. Darden earned her Master of Science degree and medical degree from New York Medical College, followed by her orthopedic surgery residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She then returned to her home state of Virginia and completed fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at Inova Fairfax Health System, where she further developed her expertise in the comprehensive treatment of sports-related and musculoskeletal injuries. Dr. Darden has also provided sports medicine coverage at the highest levels of competition. She has served on the medical teams for the Washington Nationals, the DC Defenders UFL team, Washington Spirit, D.C. United, US Open Tennis Championships and the Loudoun United Football Club.
As a former competitive athlete, Dr. Darden developed an early appreciation for the physical demands placed on the body and the importance of staying active. Orthopedic sports medicine allows her to bring these interests together, combining her passion for anatomy, biomechanics, and athletic performance with her commitment to helping patients achieve their individual goals. She believes in developing personalized treatment plans that allow patients to make informed decisions about their care and confidently return to the lifestyle that matters most to them.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Darden enjoys cooking, hosting her family and friends, traveling, and discovering new foods and cultures. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, staying active, and creating lasting memories with the people closest to her.
Education & Training
- Inova Fairfax Medical Center, Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship, 2026
- Mount Sinai Hospital at Icahn School of Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery Residency, 2025
- New York Medical College, Doctor of Medicine, 2020
- New York Medical College, Master of Science in Basic Medical Sciences, 2016
- Howard University, Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine, 2012
Hospital & Team Affiliations
- McLean Tysons Orthopedic Surgery Center, LLC
- OrthoVirginia Herndon Operatory
- VHC Health Virginia Hospital center
Organizations & Awards
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
- J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society
- American Medical Association
- National Medical Association, Timothy L. Stephens Jr., MD Research Symposium
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Member of the Month
Treatments
- Achilles tendon rupture and tendonitis surgeries
- ACL reconstruction surgery
- Acromioplasty
- Ankle arthroscopy
- Ankle sprain and fracture surgeries
- Arthroscopic knee reconstruction
- Arthroscopic meniscectomy and meniscal repair
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff
- Arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction
- Autograft (UCL tear)
- Biceps tendon reinsertion
- Biceps tendon rupture surgery
- Biceps tenodesis
- Broken collarbone surgery
- Bursitis/impingement surgery
- Cartilage injury treatments
- Cartilage reconstruction procedures
- Cartilage restoration
- Closed reduction (elbow)
- Closed reduction (shoulder)
- Computer navigated joint replacement
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Elbow surgery
- Femoroacetabular impingement surgery
- General – bony stress reactions/stress fractures surgery
- Hip arthroscopy
- Impingement – rotator cuff tendonitis
- Knee ligament reconstruction
- Labrum surgery
- Latarjet procedure
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) repair/reconstruction
- Little League elbow treatment
- Little League shoulder treatment
- Loose bodies/spurs surgery (knee)
- Meniscal tear surgeries
- Meniscal transplant surgery
- Minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair
- Non-operative anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment
- Non-operative Bankart lesion treatment
- Non-operative biceps tendon rupture treatment
- Non-operative broken collar bone treatment
- Non-operative bursitis/impingement treatment
- Non-operative cubital tunnel syndrome treatment
- Non-operative elbow bursitis treatment
- Non-operative general – bony stress reactions/stress fractures treatment
- Non-operative golfer’s elbow treatment
- Non-operative hip loose bodies treatment
- Non-operative labral tear treatment
- Non-operative lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury treatment
- Non-operative medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury treatment
- Non-operative mensical tear treatment
- Non-operative muscle strain treatment
- Non-operative olceranon fracture treatment
- Non-operative patellar tendonitis treatment
- Non-operative posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury treatment
- Non-operative radial head fracture treatment
- Non-operative rotator cuff tear treatment
- Non-operative runner’s knee (chondromalacia patella) treatment
- Non-operative shoulder arthritis treatment
- Non-operative shoulder instability treatment
- Non-operative shoulder separation treatment
- Non-operative superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion tear treatment
- Non-operative tennis elbow – lateral epicondylitis treatment
- Non-operative throwing injury treatment
- Non-operative ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) treatment
- Olceranon fracture surgery
- Open shoulder reconstruction
- Osteoarthritis treatment
- Patellofemoral knee replacement
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shin splints treatment
- Shoulder arthritis surgeries
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Shoulder impingement syndrome treatment
- Shoulder instability surgery
- Shoulder separation surgery
- Sprain and strain treatment
- Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion tear surgery
- Tennis elbow – lateral epicondylitis surgery
- Throwing injury surgeries
- Tommy John surgery (Ulnar collateral ligament repair surgery)
- Total shoulder replacement (anatomical)
