Clinic Services

Since 1975, Northern Orthopedics has delivered exceptional care to thousands of patients with musculoskeletal disease or injury. As a full-service organization with six board-certified physicians and the most sophisticated medical equipment, Northern Orthopedics has the expertise you demand for health, comfort and compassion.

Trauma On-Call

Accidents can happen at any time. For that reason, there’s an experienced Northern Orthopedics surgeon available any time - 24 hours a day - seven days a week - 365 days a year.

Sports Medicine

The physicians and staff at Northern Orthopedics are sports medicine experts. In addition to surgery and procedures to repair sports-related injuries, we’re also available to work with athletes and sports organizations to educate everyone on ways to prevent common musculoskeletal trauma.

Learn more about our free walk-in sports medicine clinic.

Northern Orthopedics, in conjunction with Essentia Health St. Joseph's Medical Center Rehabilitation Department, is offering area athletes a free walk-in clinic on Tuesday afternoons. This gives area athletes a chance to be seen as soon as possible after any injury with the hope that we can get them back to their sports activities as soon as possible.

Your initial consultation with the orthopedic surgeon will be free, but you or your private health insurance will be billed for any x-rays that are taken or supplies that are given at the initial appointment. Any subsequent appointments that are needed will be billed to you or your private health insurance.

This is a walk-in clinic but a phone call ahead of time indicating that you wish to be seen is appreciated. If you are able to call ahead, please contact Lynn at the clinic - 1-888-829-7812, ext. 223, and she will set up a time for your appointment.

Joint Replacement

Degenerative joints once meant the end of an active life for countless men and women. Today, joint replacement gives patients a new lease on life. The surgeons at Northern Orthopedics are knee and hip replacement experts.

The Joint Wellness Center

Northern Orthopedics, along with Essentia Health St. Joseph's Medical Center, have teamed up to offer our patient's a program designed specifically for those undergoing total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery. Our designated care unit is staffed with specially trained nurses, therapists, and other caregivers who work with our physicians to provide the best in care and service for patients undergoing this important procedure. We treat our patients a little "special".

Learn more about The Joint Wellness Center.

While in the hospital, you will stay with other patients and families undergoing the same procedure. You will enjoy group meals, group activities, and other social interaction. You will even attend "Group Physical Therapy" each day with your new friends in the Joint Wellness Center. Since our goal is to return you to a more normal, healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible, we will provide education, information, and even a few pleasant surprises during your hospital stay. No one wants to be in the hospital, but our goal is to make your hospital stay as pleasant as possible, while providing outstanding medical care.

Repetitive Injuries

Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, shin splints, tendonitis... these and other repetitive strain injuries are characterized by chronic irritation to a body part. The good news is that Northern Orthopedics can help. Even better, the links available via this website can steer you toward ways to prevent repetitive injuries for you and your loved ones.

Feet

Your feet have the arduous task of bearing your total weight every day. When foot problems arise, they affect virtually every aspect of your physical life. For that reason, Northern Orthopedics has invested itself in effective treatments of foot and ankle conditions. Sometimes the solution is simply a new pair of shoes. Whatever the case, we can help.

Meet our Specialists

Christopher M. Metz, MD

Originally from the Twin Cities, Dr. Metz came on board in 1998 following his studies at the University of Minnesota and residency at the University of Michigan.

Robert L. Brown, MD

Dr. Brown grew up in Minnetonka, studied at the University of Minnesota and completed his orthopedic residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 1986.

Paul D. Thompson, MD

Alexandria, Minnesota was Dr. Thompson's hometown before studying at the University of North Dakota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2001 following his residency in Michigan.

Benjamin D. Robertson, MD

Studies at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Oslo [Norway] Medical School led Dr. Robertson to completion of his residency at the University of Minnesota. He joined Northern Orthopedics in 2007.

Amy E. Lelwica, MD

Dr. Lelwica grew up right here in Brainerd, MN and has practiced at Northern Orthopedics since 2008. Prior to that, she studied at the University of Minnesota and completed her orthopedic residency there too.

Paul T. Rud, MD

After graduating from the University of Minnesota and Finishing his residency in Michigan, Minnesotanative Dr. Rud joined the Northern Orthopedics team in 1993.