Glacial Ridge Health System has added robotic-assisted technology to its orthopedic knee replacement program. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joshua Thomas performs total knee replacement surgery using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution from Johnson & Johnson MedTech, giving patients in Glenwood and the surrounding communities a local option for advanced robotic knee surgery.

The VELYS™ system is designed to help surgeons deliver digital precision in knee replacement by creating a personalized surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy. It collects detailed data directly from the patient’s knee before and during the procedure, rather than requiring a preoperative CT scan. This streamlines patient preparation and eliminates additional radiation exposure and imaging costs. Patients also return to daily activities sooner and reach full recovery faster than with traditional approaches.

“I’ve always been committed to precision in knee replacement, and VELYS™ takes that even further,” said Dr. Thomas. “With real-time data from each patient’s anatomy, I can tailor the procedure to an even greater degree.”

The system works exclusively with the ATTUNE™ Knee System, an implant used in over one million knee replacements worldwide. During surgery, the VELYS™ system tracks the patient’s knee position in real time using advanced camera technology, assisting Dr. Thomas with precise bone preparation and implant placement tailored to each patient.

Prior to joining Glacial Ridge in 2023, Dr. Thomas completed a fellowship in advanced shoulder surgery at Johns Hopkins, where he also trained in plastic surgery closure techniques for faster recovery and minimal scarring. He has extensive residency training in joint replacement and emphasizes exhausting all non-surgical options before recommending surgery.

“Now our patients can receive robotic-assisted knee replacement here in Glenwood, without driving to a larger facility,” shared Kirk Stensrud, CEO. “This investment reflects our commitment to expanding advanced care options for the communities we serve.”

Glacial Ridge’s investment in the VELYS™ system complements the hospital’s existing robotic surgery program. General Surgeon Dr. Billie Jo Grieve uses the da Vinci® Xi Surgical System for minimally invasive general surgery procedures. Together, these technologies expand the range of advanced surgical care available to patients in Glenwood, Starbuck, Brooten, and the surrounding communities.

Patients experiencing chronic knee pain from arthritis, injury, or cartilage loss who are interested in learning whether robotic-assisted knee replacement may be right for them can request an appointment with Dr. Thomas by calling 320.634.5157.