The Astera Health Orthopedics team has completed their 1,000 joint replacement! This historic moment represents 1,000 joints changed for the better and an improved quality of life for patients. This milestone has resulted in grandmothers being able to garden once more, fathers playing catch like they used to, and people waking up with less discomfort.
The shoulder replacement
On August 26, 2024, Kevin Wood entered Astera Health to have his shoulder replaced. The 61-year-old press operator elected care with Astera Health in 2018 and had both knee joints replaced by Ben Robertson, MD. Kevin spoke highly of Dr. Robertson and his staff, praising them for their work ethic and always being attentive to his care. Kevin has struggled with bad joints for nearly his entire life but found relief with the care received from Dr. Robertson. Specifically, his right shoulder had been getting progressively worse. The pain was no longer manageable with medication so surgery became the best option for relief.
“They always get me in,” remarked Kevin while reflecting on his care. He described needing cortisone shots in the past to help with pain. The orthopedics staff were always ready to help with these issues. The quality of care kept Kevin coming back. As a Brainerd Lakes native, he sometimes travels up to an hour away to meet with Dr. Robertson.
Astera Health celebrated the 1,000th joint replacement milestone organization-wide on the day of the surgery. Kevin was awarded a special Astera Health blanket for being the milestone patient.
Physical therapy after surgery
Physical therapy is a vital part of recovery following shoulder replacement surgery. The process begins with a light passive range of motion and the use of a sling for around six weeks after surgery. If all goes well, the patient starts active range of motion therapy. The last step is strength conditioning. Most patients need physical therapy for three to five months following shoulder replacement surgery.
Continued growth
In late 2021, Astera Health celebrated the 500th joint replacement. In a little over two years, the orthopedics staff doubled that number. The department has seen a steady pattern of growth since its inception. In recent years, the team added several new providers and staff members. Additionally, sports medicine and surgeon-assisted robotics have been expanded within the department to meet the ever-changing landscape of orthopedics care. So far in 2024, Astera Health Orthopedics has completed 132 joint replacements. Total knee replacements are the dominant procedure but shoulder replacements will likely hit a record high for 2024. So far 23 shoulder replacements have been completed.
The Orthopedics providers serve patients at the Astera Health main campus but also visit the Henning and Sebeka clinics. Dr. Robertson also does consultations in Baxter out of the CentraCare Clinic on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
A message from Dr. Robertson
“It is really exciting to have completed 1,000 joint replacements at Astera Health. We started this program six years ago and have continuously worked to grow and improve. We strive to provide excellent care to every patient and the steady growth reflects this. Having a successful joint replacement program requires so much care and effort from everyone involved in our patients’ treatment, including those directly involved in patient care and those working behind the scenes. We have wonderful people working throughout all of our departments who see patient care as a privilege, and that is reflected in the patients’ experience.” – Ben Robertson, MD
Scheduling
For more information about orthopedics and joint replacements, please visit asterahealth.org. Orthopedics care supports online scheduling. On the orthopedics web page, simply navigate through the online scheduler and select a date, location, and provider to schedule your appointment.
To schedule an appointment via phone, please call 218-631-3510. Remember to follow Astera Health on social media for important health and wellness updates.