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For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Gloria O'Connell, 612-863-4801

Abbott Northwestern Hospital opens 'destination center' for joint replacements

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 08/27/2008--Abbott Northwestern Hospital opened a new destination center for joint replacement surgery today. The number of people having joint replacements is expected to skyrocket over the next 20 years. Abbott Northwestern's Joint Replacement Center is part of its nationally recognized Orthopaedic Institute, where nearly 1,000 joint replacements are already performed each year.

"Not only is the joint replacement population growing, baby boomers have a greater desire to be active than past generations," says Orthopedic Surgeon James Larson, MD. "Today's technology is better and recovery from surgery is easier and faster. With this center, we're changing a somewhat fragmented system into an integrated team approach where we can demonstrate better outcomes."

A unique aspect of the Abbott Northwestern program is the training of a personal coach for each patient. Someone who is close to the patient, such as a friend, relative or spouse, is trained by the staff to act as a coach during the patient's recovery process.

In addition, the center features a group approach, instead of traditional one-on-one care. Dr. Larson says the group approach motivates patients to be more active in their care and provides more consistency in all aspects of treatment. Patients receive group pre-surgical education, physical therapy, dining and other activities during the three-to-four-day stay. After discharge, there is a reunion for patients to share their experiences, provide feedback and reunite with other patients, their coaches and the staff.

Joint Replacement Center patients have access to other Abbott Northwestern resources and programs for even the most complex needs:

• Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center offers comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation services throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
• The Institute for Health and Healing provides integrative medicine in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. Integrative medicine blends conventional medicine with healing philosophies and therapies such as acupuncture, guided imagery, healing touch, therapeutic yoga and reflexology to help patients with pain control, relaxation and anxiety.
• Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute provides services to treat any short-term or long-term condition or disability in the rare instance that a higher level of rehabilitation is required. Typically, after their hospital stay, Joint Replacement Center patients are discharged with a plan for outpatient or home health care services.

"We believe our unique approach, dedicated staff and full range of resources contribute to improved results, fast recovery and a return to the best possible quality of life," said Stephanie Berg, Abbott Northwestern's joint care coordinator.

The Joint Replacement Center staff includes physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, physical and occupational therapists and volunteers. Orthopaedic Institute physicians who are available for consultation at Abbott Northwestern Hospital's Joint Replacement Center include:

• Scott Anseth, MD
• Douglas Becker, MD
• Douglas Drake, MD
• Tilok Ghose, MD
• John Kearns, MD
• Desiree Kempcke, MD
• James Larson, MD
• Frank Norberg, MD
• Kayvon Riggi, MD
• Robert Tuttle, MD

More about Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Abbott Northwestern Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin and employs more than 22,000 people.

Related Links

The Joint Replacement Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Orthopedic surgery

Total hip replacement

Total knee replacement