The Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopaedic Institute at Saint Francis Medical Center is the region's trusted source in caring for sports injuries, broken bones, torn ligaments/cartilage, total joint replacement surgeries and other orthopaedic conditions.

In November 2007, Saint Francis introduced the services of the Center for Joint Replacement – the premier option for total joint replacement in Southeast Missouri.  The Center for Joint Replacement boasts an unprecedented patient experience in which patients are treated as healthy adults undergoing a procedure that will allow them to return to an active life, rather than as "sick."

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri has designated Saint Francis Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Surgery. The designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based, objective selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians' and medical organizations' recommendations. The program is part of The Blues^® efforts to collaborate with physicians and medical facilities to improve the overall quality and safety of specialty care. To be designated, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield evaluated the range of services in each area of expertise, experience and training of surgeons, quality management programs, clinical pathways, and patient involvement in education and shared decision making. As of February, 2010, Saint Francis was one of only six facilities in the state of Missouri to receive this designation.

The Orthopaedic Institute is staffed with the finest surgeons, nurses, technologists, therapists, support staff and volunteers to provide the highest-quality care. For more information on Saint Francis' Orthopaedic Institute, call 573-331-5593 or e-mail sfmc@sfmc.net.