Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you see patients?
I work out of Blaine, Vadnais Heights, and Woodbury.
Where do you perform surgery?
Summit Orthopedics Vadnais Heights Surgery Center, United Hospital, St. Paul, MN and Maple Grove Hospital, Maple Grove, MN.
What are the most common procedures you perform?
I most often treat conditions of the hip and knee. As a fellowship trained joint replacement surgeon I perform many hip and knee replacements each year. As a specialist in this area I also revise hip and knee replacements when they may fail. I also commonly perform arthroscopic surgery of the knee as well as treat fractures. My approach is a combination of both conservative and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient.
I'm a new patient, what do I need to bring or do?
If you are a new patient, please arrive to your appointment 15-20 minutes early in order to
complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:
o Driver’s License or State ID
o Referral (if required by insurer)
o Insurance information
o List of current medications and any known allergies
o Copies of operation records, medical records, lab results, x-rays, MRIs and CT scans and
the report for the imaging from prior relevant doctor visits
What should I do if I'm interested in getting a second opinion from Dr. Lindgren?
The decision to undergo surgery, whether primary or revision, is a major one. I believe in
helping you through the process, educating, and answering all of your questions. If you
would like to be seen for another opinion, simply contact us via phone to set up an
appointment or speak with a member of our care team.
Can I bring someone along with me to my appointment?
Yes, of course. The support of family and friends is important when considering surgery.
Please feel free to bring whomever you would like to the consultation to join in the
discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my appointment going to be like? What should I expect?
The initial visit is about getting to know you and listening to your story. I will examine your
symptoms and concerns, review x-rays or MRIs if you have them, and discuss treatment
options. I will answer your questions and help guide you through the treatment process.
What can I expect after my appointment?
After your appointment, or after surgery, you can expect prompt and accessible follow-up
treatment. Care continues long after surgery and we want to be a part of your complete
healing process. We will offer you our best communication. If you are awaiting the results
of an MRI or diagnostic test, we will call you when the results become available. If you
ever have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Who can I contact with follow up questions after my appointment?
All members of Dr. Lindgren's team are qualified and happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact Rachel at 651-968-5524 or the team via the website www.summitortho.com
What is the cause of osteoarthritis (OA)?
The cause of osteoarthritis is unclear, but several factors often contribute to its
development including obesity, genetics, trauma/ injury, instability, and age:
• The global rise in obesity correlates with a significant rise in the frequency of arthritis,
particularly in the knee joint.
• Genetics clearly plays a role and has been correlated with osteoarthritis, especially in
the joints of the hand and wrist.
• Trauma and injury can result in damage to the cartilage, and poor alignment of the
bones can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
• Instability of the joints related to poor ligaments or weakness can also lead to cartilage
loss and ultimately osteoarthritis.
• Age has been associated with osteoarthritis. Although the frequency of OA increases
with age, it does not occur in all individuals and should not be considered inevitable.
When should I have a joint replacement?
We only have one coating of cartilage on our joints that is supposed to last our lifetime.
Unfortunately, that cartilage can become damaged and wear out over time. This can
happen for a number of reasons, but when it does, it is called end-stage arthritis. When
the cartilage wears out, you are often left with a painful, unstable joint. Throughout this
process the symptoms can be managed through many different conservative means.
Ultimately, I tell patients that when the joint pain is significantly altering your day to day
activities, when you are no longer getting relief from the other means, and have simply
had enough, it is time to discuss joint replacement.
What exactly is a joint replacement?
When your cartilage wears away over the years, it leaves bone-on-bone interaction within
the joint. During the joint replacement surgery, prosthesis can take the place of the
damaged parts. In the case of knee replacement, just the surface of the joint is removed.
This procedure is sometimes referred to as joint resurfacing. In the hip, the native ball and
socket joint is replaced with a new one. The new joint surfaces are made of either metal,
ceramic, and/or medical-grade plastic material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I be in the hospital?
It is variable. In most cases, joint replacement is given an insurance designation of "outpatient." This typically means that patients go home the same day or will stay in the hospital or care suites for up to 23 hours. You are ready to go home when: you are eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom well, your pain is well controlled, and you are able to get around. For revision, or redo, surgery people commonly will stay for 1-2 days. Some people need the third day to be ready for home.
Do I need to go to a nursing home after a joint replacement?
No. It is true that historically most people went to a nursing home for a short time after
their joint replacement. At this time, most people are able to go straight home from the
hospital. We know, through research, that going directly home rather than to a care
facility lowers your risk of infection, lowers your risk of readmission to the hospital, and
increases your overall satisfaction with the process. We have a great team of individuals
who can help you through the process and offer services that will come directly to your
house to assist in the weeks directly following your joint replacement.
When can I walk on my new joint?
In most cases of hip or knee replacement it is safe to put all of your weight on the extremity right away. My goal is to allow you to put all of the weight that you can tolerate on it and begin walking the same day of surgery. Early motion and activity is very helpful for a speedy recovery.
When can I drive after a joint replacement?
It is variable. If it is your right leg or you have a manual transmission the time frame will
usually be longer – typically 4- 6 weeks or more. If it is your left leg, it may be possible to
drive even as early as 2 weeks from surgery. The first requirement is that you be off all
narcotic pain medications before you drive. The second is that your strength and reaction
time must be getting back to normal. This will be assessed at your post-operative visit
which occurs about two weeks from your surgery.
How long until I can go back to work or regular activities?
The amount of time will vary depending on each unique patient, procedure, and desired
activities or work type. My goal is to get you back to your regular lifestyle as fast as
possible. I look forward to discussing your activities and expected recovery time at your
appointment.
When can I shower after surgery?
For most patients, I use waterproof dressings that allow for showering as early as the day
after surgery. In those cases you may leave the dressing on until your follow up visit. If the
dressing does become soiled or begins to peel, it may need to be removed and the
incision should be patted dry. In those cases, it simply needs to be covered with gauze
until you come for follow up. There is usually no soaking for about 4 weeks to allow the
incision to fully heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need general anesthesia?
While general anesthesia is a safe option, both hip and knee replacements can be
performed under regional anesthesia. Choices for regional anesthesia include spinal
anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, or one of a variety of peripheral nerve blocks. Many
surgeons and anesthesiologists prefer regional anesthesia because data shows it can
reduce complications and improve your recovery experience with less pain, less nausea,
less narcotic medicine required, etc. We will use either options based on what is safest for the individual.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a term that describes a combination of reducing the incision
length and lessening tissue disruption beneath the incision. This includes cutting less
muscle and detaching less tendon from bone. There have also been advancements in
anesthesia and pain management during and after total joint replacement. All of these
practices allow you to feel better, have less pain, and regain function faster.
Will I need physical therapy, and if so, for how long?
Most people who have undergone knee replacement require outpatient physical therapy
following surgery. A skilled therapist can accelerate the rehabilitation as well as make the
process more efficient with the use of dedicated machines and therapeutic modalities.
Depending on your condition before surgery, physical therapy is beneficial for up to 3
months after surgery, rarely longer. The amount of therapy needed depends upon your
condition before surgery, motivation, and general health. For hip replacement, physical
therapy is not necessary. It may be beneficial early on, but that will be addressed on an
individual basis around the time of surgery.
Can I kneel after my knee replacement?
Yes. It is perfectly safe to kneel on your replacement. You will not damage anything. It is
true however, that most people avoid kneeling after their knee replacement due to
discomfort. Most people will modify and kneel on a pad and over time kneeling becomes
more comfortable.
Will my replacement set off metal detectors?
Usually patients with joint replacements will set off metal detectors. It is reasonable for
you to inform the TSA screening agent at the airport that you have had a joint replacement; however, you will still require screening and will need to follow the directions of the screening agent.
There are millions of individuals with joint replacements, and screening protocols recognize that people who have had joint replacements may set off detectors. You do not need to carry specific documentation to prove that you have a joint replacement. Metal detector screenings follow universal protocols that allow for people with joint replacements to proceed after confirmation that no threat exists.
Will I need to take antibiotics prior to seeing a dentist or having other invasive procedures?
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS) and American Dental Association
(ADA) have historically recommended short-term antibiotics prior to dental procedures
(one dose, one hour prior to dental procedure) for patients who have had joint
replacements. This is no longer the case. For individuals of normal risk having routine procedures, the official recommendation of the AAOS and ADA is that prophylactic antibiotics are no longer needed.
Use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures is addressed on an individual basis. Many factors will be considered including whether or not you are at increased risk of infection due to immune suppression (i.e. diabetic, transplant patients, and rheumatoid arthritis).