Aitkin woman appreciates exceptional orthopaedic care

Wanda Graham

Wanda Graham, a resident of Aitkin, expresses heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding orthopaedic care she received at Riverwood Healthcare Center. Over the past year, she underwent four surgical procedures performed by two highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons, all conveniently close to home.

Her journey began with Dr. Jeffrey Klassen, an orthopaedic surgeon fellowship-trained in shoulder and elbow surgery. Dr. Klassen performed a procedure to remove a cyst in her right shoulder and repair associated muscle tears.

“My shoulder is functioning very well now thanks to Dr. Klassen’s expertise,” Graham shares. “I love his fun and upbeat personality—he’s fantastic with patients. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone.”

Following her shoulder surgery, Graham required additional orthopaedic care. She underwent three outpatient procedures with Dr. Susan Moen, an orthopaedic surgeon fellowship-trained in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery.

Years of keyboarding for her medical company had caused issues with her ulnar nerve, a critical nerve running along the inside of the elbow. When compressed, it can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness, particularly in the ring and small fingers.

Dr. Moen addressed Graham’s condition with precision and care. The procedures included rerouting the ulnar nerve associated with her pinkie, ring, and middle fingers; a revision surgery on her middle finger; and ulnar nerve surgery on her left elbow with a carpal tunnel release on her left wrist.

“Dr. Moen has such a personable, down-to-earth communication style that instantly put me at ease,” Graham notes. “I also loved the new Riverwood operating room with its beautiful wall murals—they really helped distract me from the surgical equipment and the procedure ahead. Every caregiver I met at Riverwood was incredibly kind, making me feel like a VIP.”

Thanks to the expert care of Dr. Klassen, Dr. Moen, and the dedicated team at Riverwood, Graham has regained her mobility and confidence, underscoring the value of having topnotch medical services in her community.

To schedule an appointment with Riverwood Orthopaedics, call 218-927-5181. See more on orthopaedic care at www.riverwoodhealhcare.org