Orthopedic surgeons bring new surgical services to New Prague

NEW PRAGUE, Minn. ― Two surgeons have joined the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department at Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague, bringing new services to the local practice.

Michael B. Stuart, M.D., and Bradley Kruckeberg, M.D., started seeing patients in September. In addition to the treatment of common musculoskeletal disorders, there will be additional services available due to their specialized training in orthopedic sports medicine. Both will provide joint preservation procedures new to the New Prague campus, including hip arthroscopy and knee osteotomy.

"These procedures aim to prolong and even prevent the need for total joint replacement surgery in the future," says Dr. Stuart.

Dr. Stuart and Dr. Kruckeberg attended medical school at the University of Minnesota and completed residencies in orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester. They both completed a post-residency fellowship in orthopedic surgery sports medicine at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo. Both also have personal backgrounds in sports, giving them insight into the importance of proper treatment and rehabilitation for injured area athletes.

Dr. Stuart was drafted into the National Hockey League (NHL) while attending Colorado College, where he was a member of the men's hockey team. After graduation he began a professional hockey career with the St. Louis Blues organization.

"Throughout my career as a professional ice hockey player, I have had the opportunity to travel and reside throughout the United States and abroad," says Dr. Stuart, a native of southern Minnesota. "I now consider myself incredibly fortunate to be practicing medicine back home, serving the communities that have played a significant role in defining my identity."

Dr. Kruckeberg, who also grew up in southern Minnesota, played college football at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. During his fellowship he helped care for professional athletes in the NHL, National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA) and Olympic teams, in addition to treating collegiate, high school and recreational athletes.

"My goal is to use team- and evidence-based approaches to get you back to your desired activity, whether that's recreational or elite-level sport," Dr. Kruckeberg says. "Our team offers a thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment of your condition. Treatment is individualized to each patient and is a joint decision between patient and surgeon after all options are discussed."

Dr. Stuart agrees.

"My approach is centered on listening to patients and identifying their objectives," Dr. Stuart says. "With these objectives in focus, patients should feel integral to our team as we jointly tackle their orthopedic challenges. Every patient deserves a tailored treatment plan that prioritizes their specific needs."

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Amanda Dyslin
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