Blog article hero background
Altru through Trees
Patient Stories

Farming with a Fixed-Up Shoulder | Andrew’s Story

May 04, 2016

Andrew and Wife

When Andrew Grotte isn’t driving a tractor near Thompson, N.D., he can often be found snowmobiling, hunting, or riding motocross. But in the fall of 2015, Andrew’s motocross fun landed him at Altru Advanced Orthopedics in the care of Dr. Darin Leetun.

“I misjudged a jump and fell off my bike, landing on my shoulder,” explains Andrew. “I could immediately tell something was wrong by the pain I felt. It appeared to be misshapen compared to my other shoulder.”

During his initial appointment, Dr. Darin Leetun presented Andrew’s options and shared the pros and cons of each.

Joint Separation

“Dr. Leetun was very knowledgeable about my injury, which was a grade three acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation in my dominant shoulder,” explains Andrew. “My ligaments were torn, so the bones in my shoulder were no longer held together as they should be.” In other words, Andrew’s collar bone was separated from his shoulder blade.

“Once I decided to go through with surgery, Dr. Leetun encouraged me to do it as soon as possible in order to get the best outcome.”

“The nursing staff were all caring toward me and my wife,” shares Andrew. “They made us feel comfortable and checked on us often, both in the emergency room and on surgery day. Dr. Robin Severud, my anesthesiologist, was good at explaining each type of anesthesia I would get, how it works and what to expect.”

Back in the Field

A local potato, sugar beet, wheat and soybean grower, Andrew likes (and needs) to stay active. “I was told my recovery time would be about 12 weeks, and that the outcome would be better than with a nonsurgical route. I chose to go through with the surgery to enable me to continue working and doing other activities I enjoy for many, many years to come.”

 

Featured Articles

One Heart Screening, Two Stents | Altru

Patient Stories

One Heart Screening, Two Stents | Altru

September 28, 2023
girl

Patient Stories

Sensory Processing Disorder Diagnosis Improving Quality of Life

October 13, 2023
Taking Care of the Tweed Triplets | Altru

Patient Stories

Taking Care of the Tweed Triplets | Altru

March 1, 2023
Saving Lives One Donation at a Time | Wayne Burlog's Altruism Story

Patient Stories

Saving Lives One Donation at a Time | Wayne Burlog's Altruism Story

January 31, 2023
Two Heart Attacks in Two Days | How Altru Helped Save Jim Karley’s Life

Patient Stories

Two Heart Attacks in Two Days | How Altru Helped Save Jim Karley’s Life

February 2, 2023