HealthEast Orthopaedic Care
Phone: 651-232-3232

The place to get a jump on feeling better
St. Joseph's Orthopaedic Care understands how orthopaedic pain and injury impacts your life. That's why our experienced team of doctors, nurses, therapists and technicians is dedicated to helping you make a speedy recovery.

We'll help you get back your strength and mobility. We have the resources to put you in touch with everything you need to make a strong recovery, from education to surgery, rehabilitation and home care.

Orthopaedic Care services
St. Joseph's offers education, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal (muscles and bones) system. Orthopaedic care is the specialty that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. This complex system determines how we move and includes the workings of our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. Musculoskeletal conditions include arthritis and osteoporosis.

Leader in orthopaedic research
HealthEast Care System, which includes St. Joseph's, has been nationally recognized for its research in orthopaedics. Our community-based hip and knee implant registry was the first in the country.

Beginning in 1991 and continuing today, HealthEast has recorded more than 13,000 orthopaedic procedures. HealthEast's orthopedic surgeons publish and present their registry research data nationally. This ultimately helps us improve treatment and recovery for our patients.

Related links

HealthEast Spine Care

Orthopaedic care team

St. Joseph's orthopaedic staff plays a large part in helping you return to an active life. Our expert staff cares about your recovery.

Surgeons
St. Joseph's medical staff includes more than 40 orthopaedic surgeons from throughout the Twin Cities' East Metro. Orthopaedic surgeons are doctors with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Nurses
Nurses educate, support and guide you throughout your hospital stay. They work closely with your doctors and therapists to coordinate a plan of care that will help you with mobility, treatments, pain management, personal care and discharge planning.

Physical and occupational therapists
Physical and occupational therapists play an important role in your recovery. Physical therapists provide education and instruction on muscle strengthening exercises, proper body mechanics and transfer techniques, such as getting in and out of a bed, chair or car. They will teach you how to use a cane, a walker or crutches, if needed. Our Physical Therapy department is conveniently located just down the hall from the orthopaedic unit.

Occupational therapists will work with you to practice everyday activities, from grooming to household chores.

Social workers/care coordinators
Social workers/care coordinators are available to work with you and your family to offer information on community resources that may help in your recovery. They can also assist you with discharge planning and help you understand insurance benefits.

Diagnostic testing

St. Joseph's diagnostic testing equipment will help your doctor make a diagnosis and determine the best treatment for your condition. Common diagnostic options include:

X-ray - Often the first test ordered by a doctor, an x-ray can visualize many different parts of the body, allowing for more accurate testing and diagnosis. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to view the chest, abdomen, spine, skull, arms or legs.

CT scan - A CT (computed tomography) scan is a modern imaging tool that combines X-rays with computer technology to produce a more detailed, cross-sectional image of your body. A CT scan lets your doctor see the size, shape and position of structures that are deep inside your body.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - MRI is another modern diagnostic imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike CT scans, MRI works without radiation. Instead, it uses magnetic fields and a sophisticated computer to take high-resolution pictures of your bones and soft tissues. An MRI may help diagnose conditions such as torn knee ligaments, cartilage or rotator cuffs; herniated disks; hip and pelvic problems; and other problems. Click here for more information.

Orthopaedic surgery

If you require surgery, we provide the education and support you need for a quick recovery. Your input is important and we encourage your involvement in your care both before and after surgery.

Arthroscopy
An arthroscopy procedure uses a tiny high-powered scope inserted through a small incision in the skin. The scope lets your doctor look at the inside of a joint to pinpoint damage or disease. Arthroscopy can also be used to repair damaged tissue.

Joint replacement
If you are preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery, we offer a free, comprehensive pre-surgery class to answer your questions and get tips on rehabilitation.

Specialty expertise
While we treat many injuries and diseases, HealthEast Orthopaedic Care has regionally recognized expertise in the following orthopaedic specialties:

• Joint replacement
  
• Shoulder surgery
  
• Spine surgery
  
• Arm/hand/elbow surgery
  
• Leg/knee/foot surgery
  
• Trauma and fracture
  
• Sports medicine

For information on specific orthopedic conditions, visit
the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons .

After surgery
After surgery, St. Joseph's offers additional education and support. Rehabilitation begins in the hospital and continues after you go home. You will be given exercises to follow to regain strength and stamina. When needed, HealthEast Home Care has physical therapists that are available to see patients at home. Some patients are referred to HealthEast Optimum Rehabilitation for outpatient therapy.

During rehabilitation and throughout your recovery, we want to ensure that you have regained strength and a renewed spirit.