Jamestown, ND (JRMC) An educational opportunity to learn about total joint replacement will help individuals in the community know if surgery is the best option for them.

The JRMC U: Total Joint Replacement is set for 11 a.m., Thursday, March 16. Call for location details. The event will help people understand how to keep the musculoskeletal system healthy and when to consider surgery as an option, said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael T. Dean.

In his career, Dr. Dean has replaced more than 5,000 joints.

“We hope to help people understand options for care of their bones, muscles and joints,” Dr. Dean said. “If total joint replacement is the best option, we can help people understand what to expect before, during and after surgery. We can also help them assess the pros and cons of surgery as well as treatment options instead of surgery.”

JRMC Orthopedics specializes in diagnosing and treating bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The specialty includes procedures such as total joint replacements of the hip, knee and shoulder, knee arthroscopy and fracture repair.

Dr. Dean is a member of the comprehensive team, which includes Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Timothy Volk as well as Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Crystal Krapp and Physician Assistant Patrick Walter. Orthopedics also includes Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Drs. Kayla Emter and Rachael Renschler.  

Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is collaborating with Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) this year to offer monthly opportunities to learn (right from local providers!) about common health issues.

Dr. Dean said he hopes to answer questions regarding surgical options, nonsurgical options as well as recovery and what happens after surgery.

Questions people ask are: “What’s normal?” and “When do I see a doctor?” Individuals can ask questions, privately, and in advance at info@jrmcnd.com.

The event is free of charge and includes a light lunch.

Information like this is important because care joint issues can impact a person’s quality of life. Soreness and pain can get in the way of work, family and the hobbies an individual loves.

JRMC U classes offered monthly

JRMC offers virtual and in-person learning opportunities throughout the year. Called JRMC U, these events help individuals make informed choices about their health.

“We care about this community. If we can offer learning opportunities like this, people can find a home-based solution for their needs. If those do not work, individuals can at least know what treatment options are available,” said JRMC President & CEO Mike Delfs. “Missing work and life to see a doctor can be a challenge, so we want to remove as many barriers as we can.”

The Orthopedics JRMC U is in-person and at TRAC because that is convenient for the people who often need this care, Delfs said.

Future JRMC U classes include:

  • Thursday, April 16: “Happy Feet” featuring Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Drs. Kayla Emter and Rachael Renschler
  • Wednesday, April 26: “Pelvic Floor It” featuring Urologist Dr. Brent Williams

All events are set for 11 a.m. Attendees do not need to be TRAC members to attend.

To learn more about Orthopedics care or future JRMC U classes, visit jrmcnd.com/U.

About Jamestown Regional Medical Center

Jamestown Regional Medical Center in Jamestown, N.D. serves 35,000 people in the North Dakota heartland. In 2022, the National Rural Health Association named it a “Top 20 Critical Access Hospital” for the third consecutive year. Since 2017, Modern Healthcare recognized JRMC as a Best Place to Work five times. Specialty services include ear, nose & throat, cancer care, OB/GYN, podiatry, orthopedics, urology and wound care. For more information, visit jrmcnd.com or call (701) 952-1050.