Springfield getting new orthopedic hospital

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - Ozarks baby boomers with creaky knees and sore shoulders will have a new place to seek treatment in a few years.

Doctors from St. John's Hospital in Springfield helped break ground Wednesday for a new orthopedic hospital in the southern part of the city. KSPR-TV reports the $105 million hospital is expected to open in mid-2013.

Orthopedic medicine includes sports medicine, joint replacements, shoulders and knee specialists, among others.

St. John's says it's building the new hospital because demand for orthopedic medicine from aging baby boomers was outstripping space at the main hospital.

Dr. Brad Wyrsch says older Americans are remaining active and playing sports on weekends, resulting in lots of joint problems.

The hospital will have 48 beds and eight operating rooms.

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Information from: KSPR-TV, http://kspr.com