Dr. Koch specializes in orthopedic hand surgery and has a certificate of added qualification in hand surgery from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. She has been a practicing hand surgeon in the Twin Cities for 20 years. Prior to joining Twin Cities Orthopedics, she served four years in the U.S. Air Force at David Grant Medicine Center, Travis Air Force Base, in California.
Clinical Interest
Hand care, including endoscopic carpal tunnel
Pediatric care, including fractures and injuries
Wrist care, including arthroplasty of the wrist, thumb, and CMC joint
Most common procedures and conditions
Carpal tunnel (endoscopic and open), Dupuytren’s, thumb basilar joint arthritis, trigger finger, wrist ligament injuries and fractures, arthroscopy, hand numbness, stiffness of wrist, joint replacements, and Xiaflex injections
Dr. Koch’s clinical interests also include arthritis conditions and peripheral nerve surgery.
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery
Fellowship
Fellowship in Hand Surgery at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine
Residency
Mayo Graduate School of Medicine
Medical Degree
George Washington University Medical Center
Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations
Crosstown Surgery Center
Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center
Fairview Ridges Hospital
Fairview Southdale Hospital
Minnesota Valley Surgery Center
Professional Affiliations
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Faculty, Minnesota Sports Medicine Fellowship Program
Achievements & Awards
Best Doctor for Hand Surgery: Voted a best doctor for hand surgery by her peers in Minnesota Monthly(2015)
Minnesota Monthly Top Doctor (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021-2023)
Staff
Christine S.
Care Coordinator
Patient Testimonials
November 30, 2023
M.J.
I had multiple cat punctures/bites a few weeks ago. The infection got the best of me and I was admitted to M Health Fairview for bloodwork and IV antibiotics. After careful consideration, Dr. Koch decided I needed surgery to remediate the infection in my hand, as it was spreading into my tendons and joints. This was not something I ever imagined! She talked with me and made me a part of the decision. The surgery went fine and it turned out that it was necessary to have the surgery as the consequences could have been dire. I’m sure this was a very basic surgery for Dr. Koch, but she and her team were very thorough, mindful and compassionate from day one in the hospital to my last follow up appointment.
When I reflect on the experience overall, Dr. Koch comes to mind as an surgeon that I completely trusted throughout and would strongly encourage anyone to seek her out for care. I feel grateful to have been her patient. The healing journey continues. I still have the homemade “shorty” cast she fashioned for me before my surgery. I got very attached to it because it really helped with my pain.
July 23, 2022
Anil A.
Dr. Koch is surely one of the top wrist surgeons in the country! She is incredibly empathetic, listens, understands, explains clearly, takes genuine interest in the patient and follows up with care. Her surgery skills are wonderful. In 2018 I sustained a near complete scapholunate ligament tear in my right dominant wrist while playing tennis. Other doctors did not give me much hope. However, Dr. Koch was quick to see me, get me into the required operative care, very attentive post-surgery, and periodically called me to follow my progress. She was extremely prescient in how the recovery would progress and was very confident I would be back to playing tennis again. Needless to say, two years later I was back to playing tennis and golf, and I have even improved my game thanks to Dr. Koch. Having experienced the incredible turnaround she accomplished with me as a 53 year old man, pretty sure she is amazing with all her patients. I could not be more grateful to Dr. Koch and her team for restoring my hand strength, skills and normalcy in my life!
April 25, 2022
Esther K.
I wanted to write to provide a big THANK YOU to Dr. Koch and her care team from the front office, to the back office, surgery staff, clinic staff. My surgeries were handled with the most exceptional care and attention. And from a services stand-point, those in customer service were amazing in answering my calls and my emails. Overall, a GOLD star to all that cared for me. And, thank you Dr. Koch for your amazing skill, knowledge, and care. I am so very appreciative.
December 2, 2021
Linda R.
After my wrist fracture was stabilized at TCO Urgent Care, Dr. Koch moved her schedule around the very next day and was able to conduct my much needed surgery. I was relieved that healing could begin and the risk of nerve damage was minimized. With outstanding follow through and hand therapy by Sue Anderson, I regained 100% mobility and strength. I could not be happier with the care or the kindness.
August 18, 2021
Laurie E.
Dr. Koch was very willing to answer my questions and discuss my concerns. She is a good communicator, providing clear and concise answers. I’d highly recommend her.
April 11, 2021
Shulamit M.
I’ve seen Dr. Koch for several years. She’s a wonderful doctor and compassionate person. I’d recommend her to everyone who has a hand problem. Thank you, Dr. Koch!
March 6, 2021
Dianne W.
I felt totally secure with Dr. Koch and the amazing team at TCO. She explained everything in detail and got me in as soon as possible. When I left a message with her team about an issue, she called me within a short time and addressed my issue. I would not hesitate recommending Dr. Koch to anyone. I am so pleased with my experience!
October 19, 2020
John L.
My family loves Dr. Koch. With all of the hand concerns and ailments we have had Dr. Koch and her staff are patient and caring and provide excellent care. I would recommend her to anyone.
June 8, 2020
Laura G.
From all the visits leading up to surgery, Dr. Koch listened and treated me with options that avoided surgery. Unfortunately, my symptoms and pain had other plans. She is so compassionate and listens. I never felt rushed or just another patient. Her team is amazing and the whole TCO experience has been awesome! Still going through my healing but know I have tremendous support to the end.
March 26, 2019
Cindy
Dr. Koch did my surgery, she is wonderful! A very professional woman with a warm and comforting demeanor. Explains everything and is a good listener. I have already started to refer my family to her.
September 5, 2018
Brian J.
Dr. Laura Koch is the best in the business! She repaired my finger and my hand is fully functioning! No rehab or therapy was necessary, thank you Dr. Laura!
January 9, 2018
Linda M.
I received care at TCO for my carpal tunnel. Dr. Koch did the surgery on me and everything went very well! Their surgery center is awesome! I did my post surgery physical therapy at TCO as well. Everyone that I dealt with was very kind and also very knowledgeable! Everyone made each visit a pleasant one!
February 27, 2016
Nancy K.
She is a great Doctor; I was worried that I would not find a new one after mine retired. She is no BS when it comes to doing what needs to be done! Thank you doc!
December 30, 2015
Kathy I.
Dr. Koch is a super doctor and surgeon. She listens to you and is very kind and considerate when she saw me in clinic.
March 7, 2012
Rochelle H.
While skating in Central Park in New York, Rochelle H. (pictured on left) had a bad fall, which resulted in an injury to her right wrist. Upon visiting the emergency room, she learned that not only was the joint in her wrist displaced, but that she had also fractured two bones. Her primary care physician recommended that she see hand and wrist surgeon, Laurie Koch, MD. After surgery, Rochelle had numerous office visit and physical therapy sessions. “TCO felt like a second home,” she said. “From the greeting upon entering the clinic and throughout the many appointments, the entire staff at TCO [was] friendly, helpful, accommodating and professional.”During much of her recovery time, Rochelle worked with Bonnie Glenzinski, OTR/L, CHT (pictured on right), an Occupational Therapist and certified hand therapist. She is “caring and sympathetic, yet firm and steadfast in getting her patients to work towards improvement,” said Rochelle. As she slowly began to regain movement in her hand and wrist, Rochelle’s confidence in her recovery plan continued to grow. “I always walked out of those appointments with more mobility and renewed hope it would get better,” she said.”I sometimes find myself looking at my right hand and I am amazed at how far I have come. I could not have done it without the constant support, encouragement and reassurance I received from Bonnie. I am finally at the point where I think I may go ice skating again,” she said. “Next time, however, I will wear braces – on both wrists!”
