Lars E. Matkin, MD, MBA

As a born-and-raised Alaskan, Dr. Lars Matkin is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement, as well as upper and lower extremity surgery.

His specific interests include hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgery; arthritis; sports-related injuries; and musculoskeletal trauma.

Dr. Matkin received a Master’s of Business Administration at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He then went on to graduate from medical school at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. He completed his residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Dr. Matkin was born in Homer, Alaska, and was motivated to return to his home state to practice medicine. Having worked at one time as a commercial fisherman, he understands how important physical health is toward maintaining independence in Alaska.

Dr. Matkin adopts a patient-centered approach toward treating musculoskeletal complaints and firmly believes that the best treatment is the one that works. He enjoys developing individual treatment plans for his patients’ successful recovery.

Dr. Matkin has always loved the outdoors and wants to keep the people of Alaska healthy, active and strong. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, mountaineering, hunting and fishing.

VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

AFOC’s very own Dr. Matkin now performs total knee replacements with the VELYS Robotic Assisted Solution.

With previous knee replacement techniques, everyone received a generically aligned knee replacement. However, VELYS knee replacements are customized for your specific anatomy and alignment in three dimensions. The surgery is also performed using muscle- and tendon-sparing techniques. This results in:

• Greater accuracy
• Less pain
• Increased mobility
• Quicker recovery times
• Better patient outcomes

If you are a candidate for a total knee replacement, you are a candidate for VELYS! Learn more by visiting the Velys website, or contact AFOC.

Upgraid by Mend: Recover Faster From Total Joint Replacement

Any total knee or total hip replacement patient of Dr. Matkin is eligible to participate in the Upgraid by Mend program, which empowers patients to improve their surgical outcomes.

You’ll receive special support from a dedicated nurse and dietitian before surgery, as well as 6 to 8 weeks following your procedure. The program includes:

• Specialized nutrition guidance
• Proven nutrapharma supplements delivered to your door, to aid in your surgical prep and recovery
• Connected devices that monitor and respond to your health data before and after surgery
• Easy access to your nurse to help you navigate the pre- and post-surgery process
• Important SMS text reminders so you stay on top of your pre- and post-surgery routine

Upgraid by Mend helps you to:

• Manage inflammation response
• Shorten recovery time
• Preserve muscle volume
• Accelerate your return to everyday life

This program is covered by most insurances, and 70 percent of patients pay nothing at all. Just sign up for Upgraid by Mend two to eight weeks before your surgery date. You will receive a kit in the mail containing program materials, a Fitbit and supplements to begin taking one week prior to surgery.

To learn more about Upgraid by Mend, watch this video.  To enroll, follow the instructions in the program packet.