Vernon Health’s state-of-the-art Orthopedic Center provides advanced, patient-centered care for bone, joint, and mobility concerns—right here in Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art surgical suites feature digital, voice-activated technology and modern equipment to support safe, precise procedures. From knee and hip replacements to shoulder and knee reconstructions, our experienced surgeons, nurses, and therapy team work together to deliver coordinated, compassionate care.
Patients can feel confident knowing our orthopedic providers use leading surgical techniques, including computer-assisted procedures and the Direct Anterior Approach for total hip replacement using the Hana table. From your first visit through recovery, our team is committed to helping you return to daily activities with greater comfort and mobility.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 608-637-4081.
We provide a wide range of surgical procedures to support joint health, mobility, and injury recovery.
Procedures include:
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps stabilize the knee by preventing the shin bone from moving forward on the thigh bone. When torn, the knee may give way during activity, and untreated injuries can lead to cartilage damage or early arthritis.
ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament using arthroscopic surgery. A small camera is inserted into the knee, allowing the surgeon to examine the joint and place the new ligament through small incisions. Screws or other devices secure the graft. If the patient’s own tissue is used, a larger incision may be needed to collect the graft.
Most fractures can be treated with a cast or splint, but some require surgical repair. Surgery may be recommended when a fracture cannot be realigned by nonsurgical methods, especially in joints or complex injuries.
During fracture repair, the surgeon positions the bone correctly and uses screws, plates, pins, or nails to hold it in place. In some cases, a bone graft may be needed to support healing. The graft may come from the patient, a donor, or a synthetic substitute. Surgery is performed using general or local anesthesia.
Total hip replacement involves replacing damaged joint surfaces with metal, ceramic, or plastic components. The hip socket is fitted with a cement-free metal shell that allows bone to grow into it. Some shells contain a liner that provides a smooth bearing surface.
The head and neck of the femur are replaced with a metal stem that is secured in the bone, with or without cement. These components work together to restore movement and reduce pain caused by arthritis or joint damage.
Knee arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments to evaluate and treat conditions inside the knee. This minimally invasive procedure may be recommended for:
Torn meniscus
ACL or PCL injuries
Inflamed or damaged synovial tissue
Kneecap (patella) misalignment
Loose or broken cartilage pieces
Baker’s cyst removal
Some types of knee fractures
The approach allows surgeons to diagnose problems and perform repairs through small incisions, supporting faster recovery.
Vernon Health uses OmniBotics® technology for robotic-assisted total knee replacement. This system creates a 3D model of the patient’s knee at the start of surgery, allowing the surgeon to plan bone cuts and implant placement with greater accuracy than traditional methods.
Once the implant is positioned, the computer confirms alignment. The goal is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and provide a personalized fit. Most patients who are candidates for total knee replacement may benefit from this approach.
The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint and relies on a coordinated system of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Injuries from sports, work, or overuse can affect these structures, including the rotator cuff.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery uses a camera and small instruments to diagnose and repair damaged tissue. This minimally invasive approach can help reduce pain, improve movement, and support a return to daily activities.
Rehabilitation is an essential part of healing after orthopedic surgery or injury. At Vernon Health, physical and occupational therapists work closely with orthopedic providers to create individualized treatment plans.
Therapy focuses on restoring mobility, improving strength, reducing pain, and supporting a safe return to daily routines. Whether you are recovering from joint replacement, sports injury, or another condition, our team provides guidance tailored to your goals.
At Vernon Health, our care is rooted in people and their stories — the moments when trusted support helps someone regain strength, confidence, and quality of life.
In this testimonial, Paul reflects on his experience receiving care from Dr. Lawrence and the orthopaedic team at Vernon Health. He remembers a moment when Dr. Lawrence advised him that surgery would be the right choice once his condition began to affect his quality of life — a clear, practical guideline that stayed with him. When that time arrived, Paul trusted Dr. Lawrence completely.
He describes Dr. Lawrence as a surgeon with exceptional skill, energy, and presence. What stood out most was his bedside manner — confident, reassuring, and grounded in genuine care. Paul says he never doubted he was in the hands of an expert.
Beyond the surgical experience, Paul recalls the strong culture within the hospital itself. Every staff member he encountered contributed to a sense of seamless teamwork. Whether it was healing, rehabilitation, or simply checking in to make sure he was doing well, he felt surrounded by a coordinated team focused on his success. Being thoroughly informed before surgery eased his anxiety and eliminated surprises, making the entire experience smoother and more comfortable.
Looking back, Paul is grateful for the clarity, communication, and support he received. He credits the unified care team at Vernon Health — and Dr. Lawrence’s confident, compassionate approach — with giving him excellent outcomes and an experience he could trust from start to finish.
At Vernon Health, we believe exceptional care is about more than treatment. It is about people, their stories, and the moments when trusted care helps them reclaim the life they love.
In this testimonial, the couple shares how sudden, debilitating knee pain began disrupting daily life — moments where something would “catch” in the knee and bring them instantly to the ground. When it became clear that surgery might be the best path forward, their care team went above and beyond to make the process easier, even coordinating both of their procedures for the same day. That level of support set the tone for their entire experience.
They describe Dr. Lawrence as the surgeon who gave them back their quality of life. Before surgery, the activities they enjoyed were becoming difficult or impossible. After surgery, they were able to return to the lifestyle they wanted — something they say would never have happened without his skill, guidance, and steady reassurance.
What impressed them most was the teamwork within Vernon Health. Every staff member seemed fully connected, informed, and aligned. They never had to repeat information from one person to the next; each shift knew exactly what was going on and what each patient needed. That sense of continuity made them feel confident, cared for, and deeply supported throughout recovery.
They encourage anyone considering surgery to choose Dr. Lawrence if they can — even joking that the only thing he wouldn’t promise was an improved golf score. What he did deliver, they say, was something far more important: comfort, mobility, and the freedom to enjoy life again.
At Vernon Health, extraordinary care begins with listening, compassion, and being present in the moments that matter most — especially when life takes an unexpected turn.
In this testimonial, the patient reflects on the fears she had before surgery — especially worries about pain — and how those fears quickly faded once she experienced the process herself. She explains that the discomfort she lived with before surgery was far worse than anything she felt during the procedure. What once seemed scary became manageable, especially as her care team guided her through each step.
She encourages others not to delay getting evaluated when pain begins to limit everyday activities. An X-ray, a conversation with an expert, and a clear understanding of the problem can make all the difference. For her, meeting with Dr. Lawrence brought immediate reassurance. She describes him as a caring, attentive listener whose compassion is reflected throughout his entire team.
Pain management exceeded her expectations, easing her anxiety and helping her recover with confidence. Today, she feels grateful and energized by everything she can enjoy again — especially biking, an activity she has returned to fully and joyfully. Her experience has also strengthened her appreciation for the personalized attention found in smaller hospitals.
She closes with a simple recommendation: if you have the opportunity to see Dr. Lawrence, take it. In her words, “Why not get the best?”
At Vernon Health, we believe exceptional care is about more than treatment. It is about people, their stories, and the moments when trusted care helps them reclaim the life they love.
In this testimonial, a longtime pharmacist shares his journey from years of debilitating hip pain to restored mobility through the care he received from Dr. Lawrence and the orthopaedic team at Vernon Health. For far too long, he pushed through the discomfort — struggling to stand during long shifts and feeling his quality of life slowly slip away. Eventually, he decided it was time to seek help from a surgeon he had heard strong praise for throughout his career.
He describes Dr. Lawrence as a skilled surgeon and an exceptional person — honest, forthright, and clear about what to expect. Even with natural anxiety about major surgery, he recalls feeling reassured by the way Dr. Lawrence explained every step of the process. His first hip replacement went so smoothly that he felt more like an observer than the patient. When pain later began in his other hip, he didn’t hesitate to return for a second surgery.
Today, he is pain-free in both hips, able to do everything he loves, and deeply appreciative of the care he received. His experience has given him a new appreciation for the expertise and personal attention found in smaller hospitals — so much so that he even looks forward to coming back when it’s time for his shoulder replacement.
In this testimonial, the patient reflects on her repeated experiences with Dr. Lawrence and his team — experiences that have consistently shown her one central truth: everyone involved is committed to excellent results and positive outcomes. Her early impressions of joint replacement were shaped by watching her mother go through a hip surgery years before, and the idea of opening the leg and replacing bone felt overwhelming and frightening. Like many patients, she faced the familiar “what if” questions that come with any major decision.
Those fears faded quickly once she became a patient herself. After three surgeries, she describes Dr. Lawrence’s team as the most careful, communicative, and high-quality group she has ever worked with. She felt informed, included, and supported from start to finish. What surprised her most was how quickly her joints felt both solid and flexible — sensations she hadn’t enjoyed in years. Regaining that movement was not only relieving, but exhilarating.
She credits her strong recovery to both the surgical expertise and the rigorous physical therapy regimen she followed afterward. With her mobility restored, she even felt confident enough to welcome a new puppy into her life — something she says she would never have considered before surgery.
Filled with gratitude, she says she cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Lawrence and his exceptional team.
At Vernon Health, we believe exceptional care is about more than treatment. It is about people, their stories, and the moments when trusted care helps them reclaim the life they love.
In this testimonial, the patient shares how anxiety and uncertainty shaped her early search for answers — and how that changed the moment she met Dr. Lawrence. She remembers being nervous at her first appointment, unsure whether surgery would even be an option for her. But the very first question he asked, “How is this impacting your life?”, immediately put her at ease. It signaled that he was truly listening, genuinely invested in her well-being, and committed to understanding her full experience.
As a nurse, she often arrived with long lists of questions, but Dr. Lawrence never rushed her. She describes him as the kind of physician who makes you feel as though he would spend the entire day answering every concern. His patience, compassion, and willingness to explain each step made her feel prepared, respected, and fully supported.
She emphasizes that Dr. Lawrence’s care extends far beyond the operating room. He is attentive to every part of the journey — clinic visits, preparation, the surgery itself, physical recovery, and the experience of healing afterward. That comprehensive approach, paired with the kindness and professionalism of the Vernon Health team, made a challenging year easier to navigate.
After three joint surgeries in less than a year, she is grateful for the transformation in her mobility and quality of life.
Have questions about care at Vernon Health? Our team is here to help. For more information or to speak with someone about your care, please call (608) 637-2101.
At Vernon Health, we’re committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care wherever you are in your health journey. Explore our trusted providers and convenient locations to find the right support for you.