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Learn about the EXCEL program here.

Yes, depending on the procedure being performed. The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery program is available to patients who are generally healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires surgery that is not typically done as an outpatient. The surgery is done in the Crosstown Surgery Center on the third floor of the Edina – Crosstown Clinic of Twin Cities Orthopedics. Post-op patients are transported to a specially designed medical apartment a few blocks away, where there is nursing and medical staff available 24 hours a 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.

We most often treat conditions of the foot and ankle, including acute injuries, foot and ankle deformities, reconstructive surgery, and total ankle replacements. Our approach is a combination of both conservative and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient.

Yes, we perform total ankle joint replacements. The total ankle replacement is a good option for the patient who has severe arthritis of the ankle joint who would like to maintain mobility of their ankle. Recommendation for a total ankle depends on a variety of individual factors so please ask if you have questions at your visit.

If you are a new patient, please arrive to your appointment at least 15 minutes 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
• If possible, having records and imaging sent to us ahead of time is preferred
• Please watch for our Intake form to come via Email and complete it online prior to your appointment

It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Den Hartog’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. Den Hartog regarding second opinions or contact us via phone to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our care team.

You can get cortisone injections approximately every 3 to 4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief.

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.

The Crosstown Surgery Center is a 21,000+ square foot facility located at Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina, offering patients a convenient, complete, and coordinated orthopedic care solution at one location. With six surgery suites, a procedure room, and several free amenities for families, the Crosstown Surgery Center is a premier orthopedic facility in Minnesota. To learn more, visit CrosstownSurgeryCenter.com.

If you have already had imaging studies done, surgery recommended, or have a longstanding foot or ankle problem, consider setting up an appointment with Dr. Den Hartog. To set up an appointment, call Dr. Den Hartog’s Care Coordinator at 651-275-2704.

When a patient sees me for the first time, I always remind them that “today is not a decision-making day”. The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. I’ll then examine your concerns, review x-rays if you have them, and begin to build a list of options for you. I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so I can understand how best to help you.

If you have records from another physician, provider or hospital, it is preferred if you can have them sent or transferred ahead of time. You may also 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.

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, 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, after it has been completed we recommend that you schedule an appointment to go over it with Dr. Den Hartog. If you cannot come into the clinic we can make alternate arrangements.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact us. You can call our clinic directly, 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 at your post-operative appointment, or contact us directly with any questions.

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. Den Hartog 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.