FAQs
General
Dr. Ockuly sees patients at the TCO Vadnais Heights and TCO Hudson locations. Click here for directions. He also does a clinic at River Falls Area Hospital, which is run by Allina.
Hospitals: Fairview Lakes Hospital- Wyoming, Hudson Hospital, Woodwinds Hospital, River Falls Area Hospital
Surgery Centers: High Pointe Surgery Center, Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center
Dr. Ockuly most often treats conditions of the knees, hips, and shoulders. This includes knee arthroscopy and knee replacements. He also treats all shoulder problems and injuries and perform shoulder arthroscopies, rotator cuff repairs, and shoulder replacements. Commonly performed hip surgeries include hip arthroscopies and hip replacements with direct anterior approach. His method is a combination of both conservative and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient.
Yes, when clinically indicated. Some facilities have the ability to use a robotic device to assist Dr. Ockuly during the surgery. This robot uses live feedback during the surgery and coordinates the feedback with CT imaging done before the surgery to make precise measurements.
The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery program is available to patients who generally healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires surgery that is not typically done as an outpatient. The surgery is done at High Pointe Surgery Center or Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center.
Post operatively patients are transported to a specially designed medical apartment at the Vikings Lakes Omni Hotel, where there is nursing and medical staff available 24 hrs/day and 7 days a week. Because the patient is never admitted to the hospital there is a substantial cost savings and a lower risk of hospital acquired infections. This option is particularly attractive for patients who are paying their own bills, employers who are self-insured, worker’s compensation and patients travelling to the U.S. for their medical care because the costs are less than half of what they are in the hospital.
If you are a new patient, please arrive to your appointment early in order to complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:
- Driver’s License or State ID
- Referral (if required by insurer)
- Insurance information
- Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs and CT scans from prior doctor visits
- List of current medications and any known allergies
It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor’s care team before your appointment, and we will be very happy to address any of your questions.
Yes, absolutely. The more information we have regarding your unique situation and past history, the better equipped we are to provide the highest level of care. Bringing any previous x-rays, scans, and/or documentation (if available) is recommended. If you do not have this information, don’t worry; we will still take great care of you.
Ice should be used during the acute phase (first 24 to 48 hours) following an injury, or whenever there is swelling. Ice decreases blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and inflammation. Heat does the opposite. It increases blood flow to the area and can provide pain relief once the swelling and inflammation has subsided. Heat is good to use prior to doing any exercises or physical therapy as it warms up your muscles.
You can use the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website to get in touch with Dr. Ockuly regarding second opinions or contact us via phone to set up an appointment by calling the appointment line at 952-456-7777.
You can get cortisone injections every 3 to 4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief. You may also be a candidate for other types of injections (hyaluronic acid or PRP) and can ask about these at your appointment.
Some patients get immediate relief from a cortisone injection. For others, it may take up to 2 weeks for the injection to take effect. However, most people notice relief within 2 to 3 days. The duration of a cortisone injection can vary greatly. Some will last as long as a year, whereas others may last only a few days. It is also important to know that occasionally pain can get worse following a cortisone injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over the counter pain medications and ice are recommended.
Before your Appointment
When a patient sees me for the first time, the initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. I will examine your concerns, review imaging, and begin to build a list of options for you and come up with the best treatment option for you. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so we can understand how best to help you.
If you have records from another physician, provider, or hospital you may bring them with you to your appointment. If you do not have a copy, please contact the physician, provider, or hospital prior to your TCO appointment to let them know we will be requesting them.
Yes, of course. Feel free to have family members or friends join you in your consultation. Many patients find it is helpful to have support in the room, even just as an extra set of ears to remember the details of the visit.
After your Appointment
After your appointment, or after surgery, you can expect prompt and accessible follow-up treatment. Care continues long after surgery and we want to be a part of your complete healing process. If you ever have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If an MRI scan or other diagnostic test was ordered, you will be called to schedule the exam and should make a follow-up appointment to discuss and review the results and determine next best steps.
If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact us. You can call our clinic directly at 651-351-2645, or contact us using the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website.
The amount of time will vary depending on each unique patient, and each unique procedure. Please feel free to discuss this with us in your appointment or contact us directly with any questions. You may call our clinic or email us using the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website.
The timeframe for recovery depends on the procedure and the individual, but it is our goal to get you back to your regular lifestyle as fast as possible. You can discuss your likely recovery time at your appointment.
Each individual will experience different pain levels, but it is our goal to have you feeling 100% as soon as possible. To get an idea of the pain expectations for your individual case, please discuss with Dr. Ockuly at your appointment.
Please note that we strive to get our patients off narcotic pain medication as soon as possible. It can be needed shortly after surgery, but we do not advocate long-term use of pain medication. We take pain medication very seriously and make sure it is necessary before signing a prescription for any patient.