David J. Gerlach, MD, a Minnesota native, is a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon. He specializes in conditions of the hand and upper extremities, as well as microsurgery and surgical conditions of the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm.
Clinical Interest
Hand Care
Wrist Care
Elbow Care
Pediatric Care
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery
Fellowship
Fellowship in Hand Surgery at University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Residency
Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
Medical Degree
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations
Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center
Maple Grove Hospital
Mercy Hospital
North Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center at Maple Grove
Unity Hospital
Achievements & Awards
International Shoulder Society Research Project of the Year (2004)
Resident Teaching Award, Washington University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2009)
Staff
Katie S.
Care Coordinator
Patient Testimonials
June 26, 2022
Peggy H.
Dr. Gerlach took the time before my surgery to explain the procedure and answered all my questions about before, during and after surgery. I did everything he told me to do and today I have no more numbness, pain, or scars. He made the whole thing so much easier than I had anticipated. He is amazing!
April 2, 2022
Bonnie P.
Dr. Gerlach replaced a joint in my right thumb approximately 7 years ago. I also had a left thumb replacement, performed by a different doctor. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I had minimal pain after two weeks with Dr. Gerlach and recovery was a breeze. With my left thumb surgery from a different doctor, I was still in pain after two months with a very difficult recovery. Dr. Gerlach is a highly skilled surgeon with great bed side manner.
October 7, 2021
Valarie M.
I saw Dr. Gerlach in April for a trigger finger and carpal tunnel release. The procedure was incredibly easy and Dr. Gerlach and his team are awesome people. It was such a great experience and the relief is so amazing. I’m going back in November to address the carpal tunnel in my other hand.
March 30, 2021
Linda H.
If you’re looking for the best, there is no need in searching any further. I’ve had 5 hand surgeries that include: carpal tunnel both hands, trigger finger, and 3 finger fusions both hands. All of my surgeries were performed by Dr. Gerlach and done under local injection. Dr. Gerlach explained entire procedures in detail before and during surgeries. He and his entire crew were a lot of fun, they were always making jokes, and I enjoyed that.
Everyone involved in my care treated me as if they had known me for years. My comfort and wellbeing was very important to all involved in my cases. I can’t think of a negative thing to say. I highly recommend TCO and Dr. Gerlach. Take my word, you will not be disappointed.
June 23, 2020
Troy S.
I had Dr. Gerlach repair both of my hands late last fall and I could not be happier with the results. I suffered for years and was having a hard time riding my motorcycle due to the numbness and pain. Dr. Gerlach was very down to earth and explained what my options were. He was very thorough and made me very comfortable in the decision to have the surgeries. He performed the right hand first and about a month and a half later my left. I am happy to report for the first time in years I am able to ride without the pain and numbness I had been experiencing and it is much more enjoyable as I do not need to use my cruise control as much. I have told my brother to go see him and would recommend him to anyone. Thank you very much.
August 5, 2019
Magic Bob
Dr. Gerlach did a wonderful job repairing two of my fingers after I injured them during a freak accident. I am a magician and have performed across the country. I had some serious concerns about how much I would be able to do performance wise. Dr. Gerlach was professional, caring and was incredibly skilled when it came to working on my fingers. Since my recovery I have done 3 shows including a very important one, for me, in Oklahoma. Thank you Dr. Gerlach and Lisa for your care, concern, skill and timely humor. It made a huge difference in my recovery and state of mind during the process.
-Magic Bob
June 28, 2019
Bonnie S.
After suffering for years with osteoarthritis pain in both thumb joints, Dr. Gerlach guided me progressively from least invasive treatment to eventual surgeries. He administered steroid injections over several years until they were no longer effective. Dr. Gerlach did both of my thumb joint reconstructive surgeries with complete success. Although the recovery for each was 3 months, I am so thankful to now be totally pain free and back to normal use once again. I believe that Dr. Gerlach is both an astute diagnostician and a skilled surgeon. I have referred him several times, and he recently treated a friend’s trigger finger successfully.
July 31, 2018
Paula B.
I was recently involved in a very bad motorcycle accident in which I was airlifted from the accident scene because of my severe injuries. The silver lining to this difficult time was the fact that I became a patient of Dr. David Gerlach. Dr. Gerlach performed multiple surgeries to repair my injuries and the results have been excellent! More importantly, I found Dr. Gerlach to be caring, genuine and extremely supportive throughout this process. I couldn’t think of a better hand surgeon to see under the circumstances. I would strongly recommend him to any person including family and friends.
August 22, 2016
Debra B.
Dr. Gerlach performed an emergency transfer of a tendon to my thumb. I now have full use of my thumb on my dominant hand. Throughout the pre-op and post-op visits, he explained everything in detail and always seemed like he had all the time in the world to answer my questions. Dr. Gerlach was very skilled and kind. In addition, the hand therapist, Lisa Smith, who works closely with him, provided great therapy and advice on improving strength and range of motion. Lisa is also very talented and kind. Thank you so much.
June 29, 2016
Curt L.
Dr. Gerlach did a wonderful job. He gave me options on what I could do instead of having surgery, which I tried first but it didn’t work. He explained exactly what my procedure would consist of and made me feel comfortable before and during the surgery. Very professional. I would highly recommend Dr. Gerlach for any hand or wrist problems that you might have.
February 1, 2016
Kim K.
On December 28, 2015, I saw Dr. Gerlach with a pain in the palm of my hand and tension in my wrist. After discussion he did my surgery and couldn’t be happier. Before this surgery I was going to the chiropractor 2-3 times per week with shoulder pain. Since the surgery there has been no pain. The incisions he made were within the lines of my hand and you can hardly see where the incisions were made. I couldn’t be happier. He was great! Lisa the hand therapist has been great as well with post-op therapy. The rest of the staff has been great as well.
July 6, 2015
Terry J.
I suffered with incredible pain in my left index finger and my right middle finger. Dr. Gerlach performed a fusion of my finger on my left hand and a trigger finger surgery on my right hand. I am pain free!!! I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Gerlach and his staff.