We are proud to be celebrating 70 years of independent orthopedic specialty service this year. Since 1955, our commitment to providing exceptional patient care has been unwavering. Each year of growth has brought an even deeper love of our community. And by only providing the best care, patient outcome has led to people living better, moving more, being healthier, and reaching their goals. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s the perfect time to look back and see how far we’ve come, so that we can carry on and continue serving you — our patients — with the same level of care we would provide to our own families. Thank you for helping us get where we are today! We look forward to all that’s to come.

St. Cloud Orthopedics History Timeline

1955 – Founded by Dr. Edmund Lafond, who saw the need for orthopedic specialty care.

1983 – Sports Center opens, adding Physical & Occupational Therapy and Athletic Training. A unique positioning with having therapists and surgeons working together under the same roof.

1999 – Dr. Kim Schaap is among the first in the country to perform a revolutionary robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery.

2015 – Urgent Injury Care (originally OrthoDirect) opens, creating the opportunity for patients to be seen directly by an orthopedic specialist for common yet urgent bone and joint injuries.

2021 – St. Cloud Orthopedics earns Minnesota’s Best Readers’ Choice award for the first time.

2024 – We wrap up seven decades of patient-focused care before turning the calendar to celebrate 70 years. We are more excited than ever for the future of independent orthopedic healthcare in Central Minnesota and beyond!