BCHC Celebrates 100th Jiffy Knee™ Procedure — A True Team Triumph

By: Aprill Murphy

ALBION, Nebraska (August 20, 2025) – When arthritis began to take its toll on Lori Beeson’s right knee, mornings became a struggle. The 69-year-old from Spalding knew it was time to find a solution as the pain and stiffness gradually worsened.

Her primary care provider, Courtney Ruzek, recommended the Jiffy Knee™ procedure—a cutting-edge approach to knee replacement that offers the potential for quicker recovery. While Lori also sought a second opinion from a surgeon in a nearby city, as suggested by a friend, she ultimately chose Dr. Jordan Ochs at Boone County Health Center (BCHC). She appreciated how Dr. Ochs answered all her questions and conducted a thorough evaluation of her knee. Knowing that her knee was significantly misaligned, Dr. Ochs assured her he could correct it.

Under Dr. Ochs’s care, Lori became the 100th patient to undergo the Jiffy Knee™ procedure at BCHC. The hospital’s first Jiffy Knee™ surgery was performed on August 20, 2024, and the milestone 100th took place on July 29, 2025. Over the past year, BCHC has welcomed Jiffy Knee™ patients from neighboring communities, as well as places like Iowa, Kansas City, and Colorado—drawn here by this innovative procedure.

What Makes the Jiffy Knee™ Different?

Unlike traditional knee replacements, which involve cutting through the quadriceps tendon, the Jiffy Knee™ procedure preserves both the tendon and muscle by gently lifting them over and to the side, rather than cutting through. This approach results in less tissue damage, significantly lower post-operative pain, and an exceptionally fast recovery. The procedure itself takes just 30–45 minutes, marking a remarkable leap in both efficiency and patient comfort at BCHC.

Recovery and Support: A Team Effort

Before her surgery, Lori met with the Physical and Occupational Therapy teams to prepare. Understanding what to expect made all the difference. Throughout her surgery and recovery, Lori received outstanding care from every department at BCHC—from managing her pain to supporting her as she began to walk, and tracking her progress every step of the way.

At her two-week follow-up, Dr. Ochs showed Lori her “before” and “after” X-rays—and the improvement was astounding. Her leg had been straightened significantly, her knee felt 100% better, and her mobility was far superior to what she would have experienced with traditional surgery. “I had my doubts after the first week,” Lori admits, “but the pace of my recovery quickly surpassed my expectations. This is my preferred place. I had excellent care. Every day, I see improvement.”

Behind Every Patient: The Power of Teamwork

Lori’s journey—and the success of 100 Jiffy Knees™—reflects the strength of teamwork at BCHC. It’s a collaboration across departments: primary care, specialty clinics, lab services, radiology, surgery, anesthesia, nursing, dietary, housekeeping, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.

This spirit of teamwork runs deep—even among the families of our staff. A prime example is our physical therapy department: Allison Rankin (PT, Department Supervisor) and Crystal Fitchner (PTA) both recommended BCHC for their fathers’ surgeries—and both saw incredible results. In fact, both dads chose to return for the Jiffy Knee procedure on their other knee. Dr. Ochs’s expertise and the welcoming atmosphere at BCHC made it the perfect choice for their family members.

In Summary

Lori Beeson’s story isn’t just about transforming one knee—it’s a celebration of teamwork, innovation, and patient-centered care. From that first Jiffy Knee™ in August 2024 to the 100th in July 2025, Boone County Health Center has delivered faster recoveries, compassionate support, and unmatched outcomes. It truly takes a village—and at BCHC, that village is making strides, one knee at a time.

Photos:

Lori Beeson with the Boone County Health Center team.