Lakewood Health System (LHS) recently completed the first two total knee replacement surgeries through its new Joint Connection program.

The surgeries were preformed Dec. 15, the day after LHS held an open house to introduce the surgeons and the Joint Connection team.

Dr. Paul Rud of Northern Orthopedics performed total knee replacement surgery on Karen Gorder, a Staples resident and Kari Kvamme, a Verndale resident.

After surgery, both completed one week of initial recovery with LHS’s rehabilitation department. Gorder and Kvamme will work directly with the rehab group to regain complete use of their knees. “I can’t wait to go dancing again,” said Gorder. “My new knee will allow me to do all the ordinary things I used to have trouble doing.”

Through Joint Connection, each patient and their coach in recovery are led through an easy-to-follow journey; starting with the first consultation and ending in full recovery. Joint Connection is in partnership with Northern Orthopedics in Brainerd. LHS will have three surgeons for Joint Connection: Dr. Paul Rud, Dr. Christopher Metz and Dr. Amy Lelwica.

LHS has been offering orthopedic services through consulting physicians for over 25 years.

Jennifer Strickland, RN, is the Joint Connection Coordinator and will guide each patient through the entire joint replacement process. After joint replacement surgery at LHS, patients will move towards normal activity within six to 12 weeks.

Joint Connection’s staff members are knowledgeable, experienced professionals who specialize in total joint care. Surgeons, physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurses and physical and occupational therapists comprise the Joint Connection team.

Joint Connection is available for appointment at LHS. Contact Jennifer Strickland, Joint Connection Coordinator at 218-894- 8578 for more information.

LHS is an employer of over 850 people and offers a spectrum of care including five primary care clinics and a 25-bed critical access hospital.