Lakewood Health System offers a broad range of orthopedic procedures to our patients. Some of the orthopedic surgery procedures offered include (but are not limited to):

• Total knee replacements
• Total hip replacements
• Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Arthroscopy procedures (shoulder / knee)
• Hand and foot procedures

We are pleased to partner with the surgeons from Northern Orthopedics out of Brainerd, MN, who perform many orthopedic procedures at Lakewood Health System. Every physician at Northern Orthopedics is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and belongs to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. CLICK HERE to visit Northern Orthopedic's website. Click on the "Joint Connection" tab to learn more specifics about our knee and hip replacement programs.

SURVEY RESULTS
The current overall patient satisfaction score for our Joint Connection program is 4.94 out of 5!

The following areas received a 100% score (5-out-of-5 rating):

• Quality of care you received
  
• Degree to which staff worked together to care for you
  
• Would you recommend this program to others?
  
• How would you rank our program overall?

Our Joint Connection Coordinator will work with you to plan your individual treatment program and will act as your guide. You’ll be supported by an entire team that specializes in total joint care, including physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists. Joint Connection will work with you to make your joint replacement ‘A Walk in the Park.”

Joint Connection at Lakewood Health System is designed to encourage the best results. As part of your "walk in the park", you will be provided with a comprehensive patient guide book for you to follow from your initial visit prior to surgery until three months after surgery and beyond. In addition, our program emphasizes group activites during your recovery process which includes group lunches as well as group therapy sessions.

Philosophy Statement
Our goal is to provide 5 star service through comprehensive and personalized care.

To meet this goal, we will develop a personal relationship with each patient, coach, family member and volunteer to ensure patient satisfaction and quality outcomes. Furthermore, we will personally meet with each individual patient to discuss personal goals and expectations of the program. We take the time to educate all parties involved throughout the entire process in order to meet the patient-established goals and expectations.

Overall, our team of interdisciplinary staff members will work together seamlessly to create the best patient experience possible.

Our Program
A total joint replacement surgery can improve the quality of life for people suffering from arthritis, previous joint injuries or chronic pain.
The Joint Connection program provides:

• A complete history and physical
• Pre-operative laboratory tests and diagnostics
• A comprehensive educational program and follow-up for the patient and their coach
• Physical and cccupational therapy evaluation, as well as in-patient and out-patient physical therapy
• Transitional care is available for those individuals unable to be discharged home after the anticipated 3-day program
• Your Orthopedic Medical Staff

Northern Orthopedic Surgeons
Christopher M. Metz, M.D.
Paul T. Rud, M.D., Program Medical Director

Lakewood Health System Staff
Joint Connection Coordinator & Orthopedic Case Manager
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Dedicated Nurses
Primary Care Providers
Social Workers
Massage Therapists
Dieticians


The nursing team who cares for our
Joint Connection patients.