Local Orthopedic Care

In November, Brookings native Dr. Patrick Moriarty moved his general orthopedics practice to his hometown. His goal: to help members of the Brookings area community receive great orthopedic care close to home. 

Born and raised in Brookings, Dr. Moriarty has spent the last 19 years in Bemidji, Minn. where he has practiced general orthopedics. He received his doctorate degree from Creighton University, performed his residency in orthopedics at Mayo Clinic Rochester and completed his fellowship in orthopedics at Lake Tahoe Orthopedic Institute. As an orthopedic specialist, he focuses on injuries and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. 

“Our objective in general orthopedics is to help people heal and return to their normal function and activities,” said Dr. Moriarty. 

To meet this objective, Dr. Moriarty is available to see patients at the Avera Medical Group Specialty Care clinic, perform surgeries at Brookings Hospital, and also tend to those who present with orthopedic injuries at Brookings Health System’s ER. Conditions he’s able to treat patients for include:

• Fractures that require casting or surgical repair
• Sprains, strains and muscle painsJoint dislocations
• Joint replacements
• Arthroscopy of joints, including knees, shoulders, wrists and ankles
• Carpel tunnel syndrome and trigger fingers
• Arthritis
• Sports-related injuries

To treat patients, Dr. Moriarty often orders imaging diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans, to help diagnose conditions. Treatment may also include physical therapy or injections before pursuing surgical treatment. 

“We only perform surgery when a patient becomes a good candidate for the procedure,” said Dr. Moriarty. “Sometimes therapy or pain management can help a patient maintain function for years. Our bodies naturally wear down, but it’s best to wait for surgery when the time is right for each patient.”

Dr. Moriarty takes a team approach to care, working alongside with primary care providers, occupational and physical therapists, radiologists, nurse anesthetists, operating room staff and other professionals to provide as holistic of an approach as possible. He also keeps himself up-to-date on the newest advancements in orthopedics to help people recover quickly. 

“There’s been many advancements in orthopedic care,” said Dr. Moriarty. “What was once a fatal injury, like a hip fracture, we can now better treat and repair to get patients mobilized and bearing weight again on the joint.”

And for orthopedic patients, Dr. Moriarty and his team’s services mean patients can recover close to home without additional expense and travel time. 

Could you benefit from local orthopedic care? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Moriarty by calling Avera Medical Group Specialty Care clinic at (605) 696-2700.