Hometown Orthopedic Excellence
September 26, 2024
THE HURON REGIONAL Medical Center orthopedic program is expanding services. In recent years, we’ve welcomed new orthopedic team members and introduced new advances. All this progress has one purpose: to better serve you.
“The biggest benefit to growing our capabilities is that Huron residents don’t have to travel two or more hours for quality orthopedic care,” says Kevin Hofer, MD, orthopedic surgeon at HRMC. “Benefits continue after surgery, as patients stay close to home for follow-up care as well.”
HRMC recently expanded its orthopedic surgery team with the addition of Leonard Wonnenberg, PA-C. Wonnenberg assists Dr. Hofer and Todd Anderson, MD, in the clinic and in the operating room, including surgeries performed with the Mako SmartRobotic arm. This advanced technology, used at HRMC for robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements, allows specially trained orthopedic surgeons to create a 3D, virtual model of each patient’s unique joint, resulting in a precise and better-aligned joint replacement.
A GROWING CONCERN
Retired schoolteacher Linda Thelen has firsthand knowledge of the benefits of local orthopedic care, as her knees hurt for years. When she fell going up a flight of stairs, the pain grew more intense.
A surgeon at another hospital previously removed some arthritis damage and cysts from her knee, but “it didn’t fix the root of the problem,” Thelen says.
MOVING TOWARD AN ANSWER
An X-ray showed mild arthritis. Convinced something else was at fault for Thelen’s pain, Dr. Hofer ordered an MRI. That showed the arthritic damage was more severe than initially thought.
Dr. Hofer recommended anti-inflammatory medication and injections to reduce infl ammation and pain.
“We’re careful not to jump into surgery too soon, because sometimes patients benefit from less-invasive therapies,” Dr. Hofer says. “Surgery is proven to bring healing, but typically only after all reasonable conservative treatment options have been attempted without success.”
THE SURGERY SOLUTION
Following her injection, Thelen experienced some relief, but the pain returned in full force. She needed a lasting solution.
Dr. Hofer scheduled a joint replacement procedure. In the meantime, Thelen attended HRMC’s Joint Journey, where she learned about what would take place during her surgery and what to expect afterward.
“Joint Journey was wonderful. I learned a lot,” she says. “I’d encourage anyone preparing for a joint replacement to participate.”
On January 29, Dr. Hofer replaced Thelen’s right knee. After a short stay at the hospital, Thelen returned home and eventually regained her range of motion and strength.
“My care team was excellent,” Thelen says. “I’m very pleased with the results, and I’m thankful I got all my care done right here in town.”
Thelen is now back to her regular activities. She’s playing with her grandchildren again, traveling and enjoying reduced pain. While she plans to have her left knee replaced soon, she’s content, hopeful and grateful for cutting-edge orthopedic care right in her hometown.
From Dr. Hofer’s perspective, Thelen’s success is a significant victory.
Do you need orthopedic care? Call (605) 353-7660 or visit www.huronregional.org/ortho to learn about orthopedic options at HRMC.
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