Quality of life really boils down to remaining active. Keeping patients mobile keeps me on my toes. So does keeping up with my son.

Specialties

Team

At Summit, each physician works alongside a team of professionals to care for you, our patient. Read more about our team approach to care.

Introducing Daren Wickum, M.D.

Listen to Daren Wickum, M.D. discuss direct anterior hip replacement surgery, as well as some of his background and specialties.

Dr. Daren Wickum’s approach to care

“Quality of life really boils down to remaining active. Keeping patients mobile keeps me on my toes. So does keeping up with my son.”

Education and background

As the father of three energetic children that keep him very busy, Dr. Daren Wickum appreciates the link between remaining active and quality of life. His Minnesota roots are reflected in his credentials. His degree from Concordia University in Moorhead, Minnesota was followed by medical school and his residency program at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Dr. Wickum went on to complete a fellowship at the Florida Orthopedic Institute.

Expertise in direct anterior hip replacement

Working with experts across the country, he has perfected the complex techniques required to perform direct anterior hip replacement. The benefits of this highly specialized and muscle-sparing procedure include more initial strength after surgery, less post-operative pain, and increased ease performing activities like getting out of bed, putting on socks and shoes, and going up and down stairs. The direct anterior hip replacement procedure is also a particularly effective approach for hip deformities including hip dysplasia and leg length inequality. 

Hip replacement insights from Dr. Daren Wickum:

Team approach to care

Patients appreciate Dr. Wickum’s meticulous attention to making a thorough diagnosis, and his frank, relaxed personality. Dr. Wickum understands that every patient’s circumstances and concerns are unique, and takes the time to explore all treatment options to find the best approach for each patient.

Find out more: What Questions Should I Ask My Hip Surgeon?

Dr. Wickum appreciates the colleagues in his group as much as his patients appreciate him. “I am lucky to be in a group that has so many knowledgeable, caring, and talented surgeons and doctors—my team benefits me and my patients. If patients ever have concerns when I am unavailable, one of my partners will see them right away and take care of the situation. At Summit Orthopedics, there are a number of doctors in my sub-specialty. If one of us isn’t available, our patients can always count on the others to make sure they have the best possible outcome after surgery. For us,” he says with a grin, “playing on teams didn’t end with high school sports!”

More resources from Dr. Wickum:

Undergraduate Studies
Concordia University — Moorhead, Minnesota

Medical School
University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota

Residency
University of Minnesota Medical School — Minneapolis, Minnesota

Fellowships
Foot and Ankle, Florida Orthopedic Institute — Tampa, Florida

  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Fellow
  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Minnesota Orthopaedic Society

  • Volunteered in Haiti with other Summit Orthopedics doctors following the January 2010 earthquake

Wakeboarding, family time, movies, outdoor activities

Knee Replacement: Quality Information

Patient Education

Knee Animated Conditions and Treatments Library

Hip Animated Conditions and Treatments Library

Comment from patient satisfaction survey

Dr. Wickam is an incredible physician. I felt completely at confident in his abilities from day 1 and never questioned his ability.

Comment from patient satisfaction survey

Every experience I have had with Dr. Wickum’s team (2 total knee replacements) has been PERFECT!

Patient Survey Comment

Doctor Wickum was phenomenal in his knowledge, attitude, and assessment, and consultation concerning my injury . I was extremely happy after his diagnosis and with his treatment advice. He was very professional, made me feel relaxed and confident after I left the office. I highly recommend Dr. Wickum and hope I do not see him again (professionally!) Thank You Doctor!

Patient Comment

I had a full hip replacement surgery on 12-10-2013 with Dr. Daren Wickum. Would like to sincerely thank Dr. Wickum and his entire team for changing my life that day. Prior to my surgery I lived with hip pain on a daily basis and was not able to live an active lifestyle as I wanted. Since my surgery I have totally changed my life by being able to enjoy daily walks outdoors or on the treadmill. My overall health because of this has greatly improved with weight loss and lower cholesterol. Thank You Dr. Wickum for making me a better, healthier and happier person. P.S. I pray I never need the other hip replaced but if I do Dr. Wickum will be the only Dr. I will see. Better late than never on this email 🙂

comment from patient satisfaction survey

Doctor Daren Wickum’s team is the BEST medical team that I have ever had to work with.

comment from patient satisfaction survey

Dr. Wickum was very upbeat, positive and informative. He listened to me and included my thoughts in the treatment plan.

Survey Feedback

Summit Ortho and Wickum Team a winning combination.

Articles and Videos from Daren Wickum, M.D.

  • Daren Wickum

    Introducing Daren Wickum, M.D. [Video]

    Meet the Expert: Doctor Bio Video Series

  • arthritis-safe exercise

    Arthritis-Safe Exercise Guidelines From Arthritic Specialist Dr. Daren Wickum

    These arthritis-safe exercise guidelines will help you confidently maintain an exercise program that won’t cause further damage to your joints.

  • Anterior Hip Replacement In The News

    Traditional hip surgery involves a large incision, a hospital stay, and a long recovery time. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights the advantages of a less invasive anterior hip replacement procedure offered at Summit Orthopedics.

  • May Is Arthritis Awareness Month

    Arthritis Awareness Month is spearheaded by the Arthritis Foundation, and supported by Summit Orthopedics and medical practices across the country, to promote education about arthritis and to raise funds for arthritis research, support, and advocacy.

  • Research Evaluates Best Treatment For Knee Pain

    Of the many medications designed to relieve the painful symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, which are most effective? When researchers compared 10 common options for effective pain relief, they found a clear winner.

     

  • Joint Procedures Prolong Active Lives

    Research is demonstrating that joint replacement doesn’t merely restore function to damaged joints. Restoring joint function now can prevent falls later, along with the complications and risks that accompany them.