How Sanford Health is transforming orthopedic care
Dec. 7, 2022
This paid piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.
What do you get when you put the latest technology in the hands of orthopedic experts working in expanded facilities? Orthopedic care that goes unmatched in the region.
Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is at the forefront of providing advanced care to patients, thanks to expanded facilities, services and teams. The benefits of this growth go directly to patients.
“To see our patients moving, thriving and living their lives fully motivates us to keep pushing the envelope even further,” said Paul Hanson, president of the Sioux Falls region of Sanford Health.
Van Demark Building expansion
The Van Demark Building at the Sanford USD Medical Center campus recently shot farther skyward with the addition of two floors. The expansion added a third and fourth floor with 36,550 square feet of new space. It was completed in June.
The new third floor is the home of the entire sports medicine team, which now can serve patients with 20 exam rooms, expanded X-ray capabilities and more.
The expansion also brings the latest orthopedic research to the clinic space. The third floor will house research trials, orthobiologics and a 3D printing lab.
But what’s on the new fourth floor? According to Julie Wetering, director of orthopedics and sports medicine at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, it’s room to grow.
“Technology and research in orthopedics are advancing quickly,” she said. “We are excited to have space to grow in this building as the industry grows, so we are able to continue providing exceptional care to our patients through the latest technology and top talent.”
With advanced care now and space for future growth, Sanford Health can offer the best orthopedic care in the region. And that’s just in time for the next addition coming to the health system’s main campus.
New orthopedic hospital
Sanford Health broke ground for an orthopedic surgical hospital this summer, with the facility set to open in fall 2025. The project will add more than 160,000 square feet of new space and 44,000 square feet of remodeled space.
The new hospital will nestle between the Sanford Children’s Hospital and the surgical tower. For its construction, it will need a 208-foot crane, the tallest ever used on a Sanford Health site.
The hospital will offer comprehensive surgical and post-surgical care with:
- 19 inpatient rooms.
- 12 operating rooms.
- 56 medical suites.
- A new intraoperative MRI machine, providing near real-time imaging during procedures.
Dr. Kristofer Kimber is the department chair and senior sports medicine surgeon at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. He said the new hospital’s medical suites will be “hotel-type rooms for families.” They’ll make a difference in patients’ healing.
“These new additions will help us get patients back home quicker and without it feeling like a true hospital stay,” he said.
In addition to advancing orthopedics, the hospital is an investment in rural health care. Dr. Joshua Crabtree, vice president of Sanford Clinic in Sioux Falls, said the decision to build the orthopedic hospital was made with patients’ best interests in mind.
“When we put a building like this in place and we make a commitment like this, it really solidifies our intention to be the premier rural health care provider in the country. We will always be part of this community,” Crabtree said.
Using the latest technology
Enhanced care is made possible only through enhanced technology. That’s another area Sanford Health is committed to expanding. From orthobiologics to orthopedic research to stem cell treatments, Sanford Health is providing the latest in orthopedic care.
One of the most exciting advancements Sanford Health is offering now is EOS imaging. This walk-in, full-body X-ray uses significantly lower levels of radiation than conventional X-rays. With EOS, specialists also can examine precisely a person’s spine and joints to determine the best care plan for their pain or injury.
With the addition of the orthopedic hospital, Sanford Health providers will have access to top-of-the-line surgical capabilities thanks to an intraoperative MRI. This machine provides near real-time imaging of the brain and spinal cord during procedures.
“I have no doubt that we’ll continue to make bold moves in the advancement of orthopedic care, so we can continue to keep our communities moving boldly,” Wilde said.
Meet the experts
Sanford Health’s orthopedic team is growing as well. Three new orthopedic surgeons have joined recently. They include:
- Dr. Mark Heidenreich, a total joint surgeon and musculoskeletal oncologist.
- Dr. Elizabeth Helsper, a hand surgeon.
- Dr. Alan Yan, a foot and ankle surgeon.
These new faces are joining an established team providing total orthopedic care. Sanford Health also has more than 50 specialists offering outpatient services in Sioux Falls.
