Greg Lervick, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with more than two decades of experience treating shoulder and elbow conditions in patients and athletes of all ages. He has performed thousands of procedures and is deeply committed to ethical, individualized care, whether surgical or nonsurgical.
Dr. Lervick is recognized for his evidence-based, compassionate approach and has shared his expertise through hundreds of invited lectures and presentations across the country. His clinical focus includes shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder instability surgery, rotator cuff repair, total and reverse total shoulder replacement, elbow surgery, elbow arthroscopy, and Tommy John surgery. Certified in Orthopedic Sports Medicine by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons since 2007, Dr. Lervick continues to lead in his field by combining surgical skill with personal connection and a deep understanding of each patient’s goals.
Dr. Lervick’s Perspective
“If you search my background, you’ll find I’m a highly trained, experienced shoulder and elbow surgeon. Does that truly separate me from others in the field? Maybe not, there are many of us. So, what do I bring to the table when I meet with each patient? A perspective shaped by a life grounded in athletics, family, and connection.
I’m the son and son-in-law of active, thriving parents. I’m a husband to an incredible wife, also a healthcare professional (dentist), who shares my passion for health, fitness, nutrition, and personal growth. I’m a father to two college-age children, still growing through education, extracurriculars, and athletics. Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to build lasting, collegial relationships that have helped me continue evolving as a surgeon. These experiences have shaped how I view care: not just as treatment, but as a partnership. I try to focus on a life well-lived. That means understanding where each patient has been, and where they want to go.
Shared decision-making is at the core of my approach, always rooted in sound orthopedic evaluation and diagnosis. My goal is to ensure you feel heard, understood, and confident in the plan we build together.”
Experience
With 20+ years as a dedicated shoulder and elbow specialist, Dr. Lervick has helped guide patients through evolving treatment philosophies, emerging technologies, and breakthrough research. He brings a balanced perspective to innovation, welcoming advancements, but only after careful evaluation and long-term patient follow-up.
His training at the University of Iowa and Columbia University shaped a clinical philosophy grounded in observation, reflection, and an unwavering commitment to patient outcomes. Dr. Lervick’s practice emphasizes continuity of care and a deep understanding of both the science and the human element behind each decision.
Integrity
Dr. Lervick’s standard of care is rooted in one simple question: What would I recommend if this were my own family member? Transparency, honesty, and trust guide every interaction, from initial diagnosis through recovery. His priority is, and always has been, doing what’s right for the individual patient.
Clinical Interest
Elbow care, specializing in ligament, tendon, cartilage and traumatic injuries, conditions and treatment including elbow joint revision, Tommy John, osteochondritis dissecans, bicep/tricep tendon injuries, triceps repair, and cartilage conditions of the elbow/arthroscopic treatment
Shoulder care, specializing in ligament, tendon, cartilage and traumatic injuries, conditions and treatment including shoulder joint revision, shoulder joint replacement, rotator cuff tear/repair surgery, glenohumeral (shoulder) instability, ice hockey/football and other sport related shoulder conditions, acromioclavicular (AC) and sternoclavicular (SC) injuries and treatment, glenohumeral (shoulder) arthritis/shoulder replacement surgery (including reverse replacement), cartilage conditions of the shoulder and arthroscopic treatment, and tendon ruptures of the shoulder
Sports medicine, specializing in shoulder instability/labrum repair, shoulder separation injuries, and clavicle fractures, and sport-related shoulder conditions
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty Certification in Sports Medicine (2024)
Fellowship
Fellowship in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery/Sports Medicine at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, New York (2001-2002)
Residency
Orthopedic Residency at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (1996-2001)
Faculty, MOSMI/Fairview Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program (2005 – 2012)
AAOS Upper Extremity Evaluation Subcommittee (2008 – 2014)
Professional Memberships
AAOS Upper Extremity Evaluation Subcommittee
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American College of Sports Medicine
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
Arthroscopy Association of North America
Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons
Mid-America Orthopaedic Association
Minnesota Orthopaedic Society
Achievements & Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, University of Iowa (1995)
Golden Key National Honor Society, University of Colorado (1991)
Sports Affiliations
Team Physician, University of St. Thomas (2020 – Present)
Team Physician, Minnesota Vikings (2020 – Present)
Orthopedic Consultant, Augsburg College (2016 – Present)
Team Physician, Edina HS (2009 – Present)
Orthopedic Team Physician, Augsburg College (2008 – 2015)
Orthopedic Consultant, University of Minnesota Football & Wrestling (2005 – 2015)
Orthopedic Consultant, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN (2005 – 2011)
Team Physician, Lakeville North & South HS (2005 – 2007)
Team Physician, Cedar Rapids (1999 – 2001)
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Lervick since 1980 when we met in junior high school. Now fast forward 30 years, and Dr. Lervick and I are still friends. I have also been fortunate enough to have him work on both my shoulder (rotator cuff tear, bicep tendon myopathy and arthritis repair), along with my elbow (chronic tennis elbow). Before both procedures, he had me do a lot of physical therapy so that we could avoid the surgery and keep me on the tennis court. But finally, the day came where surgery was the only option. Dr. Lervick was there from the beginning to the end. Recovery for each procedure was a short 3 months. I was back on the court and my shoulder and elbow have never felt better! I recommend Dr. Lervick to all of my fellow players and even those that don’t play. He’s a heck of a guy, a great friend and an outstanding surgeon! Thanks Greg (Dr. Lervick).
April 22, 2018
Reid
Dr. Greg Lervick is a phenomenon. He repaired my right shoulder, which was constantly dislocating, in 2011. Rebuilt labrum and moved rotator cuff into position and it’s been absolutely perfect. Recently he repaired my left shoulder and, while I’m still in rehab, I am confident the results will be equally great. He’s the only surgeon I’d trust my shoulders to. Hopefully, I won’t need to find out how he is at elbows or anything else, but my trust would be 100% if I did!
April 22, 2018
Gary S.
Post shoulder replacement surgery complete and immediate relief from pain. With the help of Dr. Lervick and guided/approved PT, I returned to great mobility. The absolute best staff, Andy and Ann – very professional, caring and candid. Also all above involved and interested in ongoing follow-up. Thank you!
April 6, 2017
Alex O.
Dr. Lervick is fantastic! My son Alex had shoulder problems which left him with pain and the inability to pitch a baseball without great pain. As a result we needed to have surgery done as soon as possible to get him on the road to recovery and back on the baseball mound for the coming spring season. Dr. Lervick came in on a Sunday to see Alex and review the MRI. A couple weeks later he did surgery. He was wonderful with Alex and understanding of the need to have something done as soon as possible so we could rehab and be back to playing college baseball for the University of St. Thomas. Alex is pain free and pitching in the current season. Thank you again!
January 18, 2017
Bo D.
A few years ago I was in a major car accident. I was hit from the side, my car rolled, and I was ejected, resulting in a broken arm and a collapsed lung. I was lucky to be alive. I initially received care from a physician who advised that I try to heal naturally and only partake in physical therapy. After months of pain and frustration, I was referred to Dr. Lervick at Twin Cities Orthopedics. He analyzed my arm and told me I needed surgery ASAP. He was very accommodating of my schedule. He joked that he would let me celebrate St. Patrick’s day with my friends and then we’d get down to business. I scheduled my surgery a few days after my first appointment with him.
Given the circumstances, Dr. Lervick performed a miracle. Although my arm may need further treatment in the future, I know that it is 1000 times better after the care of Dr. Lervick and his team. I appreciate everything he has done and am very thankful for Dr. Lervick and Twin Cities Orthopedics.
June 13, 2016
Mary K.
I’ve been a gymnast all my life; starting at the age of six. I was in love with the sport and good at it too. When I was twelve years old I had elbow pain and went in to see a doctor. He told me that I had osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the bone of my elbow. I was held back from gymnastics and locked in a brace for nearly a year and a half, hoping that the rest from gymnastics would allow my bone to regenerate blood flow and heal. That wasn’t the case. Nothing had healed and my gymnastics career was looking bleak. I went to plenty of different doctors looking for second opinions or new options, but had no relief.
This is when I found Dr. Lervick; he told me to go back to gymnastics and we would see how my elbow would hold up. I was informed about the risks, that a piece of my bone could dislodge from the original. In that situation I would need surgery. A couple months later, the worst happened and a chunk of bone within my elbow broke free. At this time I was around 14 years old and approaching the State and Regional Championships. I wasn’t able to attend because of my elbow which left me devastated.
A few weeks later I was in for surgery with Dr. Lervick to do a microfracture surgery. He took the loose bone out of my elbow and punctured tiny holes in my bone to create blood flow. It was a quick four month recovery and I was back at gymnastics. Since then my elbow has caused me no pain and no problems. Currently, I am 19 years old and a division 1 gymnast at Iowa State University. I owe a huge thanks to Dr. Lervick and his team. They helped me complete my dream of being a college gymnast. My elbow and I plan on doing big things and it is all thanks to Dr. Lervick.
April 18, 2016
Tracy D.
I wanted to send a thank you to Dr. Lervick and his team on behalf of my son, Jordan. He had surgery in October to repair a torn labrum and with the great care and rehab provided by Dr. Lervick and staff, including the recommended PT, Paul Breyen, Jordan is back doing what he loves best, playing baseball! He is playing on the Freshman A-team at Burnsville and was the starting pitcher at the first game. We didn’t know if we would get to this point last fall, and we couldn’t be happier with the care and treatment he received to help him get to this point. Thanks again!
January 15, 2016
Jedediah M.
Dr. Lervick fixed my left elbow after a snowboarding accident 7 or 8 years ago. I am now a chiropractor, which means I rely on a healthy body (especially my arms) to perform my job. I haven’t had any problems with my elbow over all these years. Thanks!
July 27, 2015
Salina
Dr. Lervick is fantastic. I went from having a completely immobile shoulder, due to large bone spurs developing from a yoga injury, to having a completely mobile shoulder. Upon entering the surgery, I experienced a lot of pain, but after the procedure, I never experienced shoulder pain again. I took one week of prescribed pain killers which worked really well. After that week, my shoulder had healed so much that I didn’t even need an aspirin. There was no pain whatsoever! I lost about 5% of the strength of that shoulder, but it has full mobility, and I am able to do yoga again.
November 25, 2014
Jennifer R.
Dr. Lervick came highly recommended to me when I broke my clavicle in a bike race. His name is well-known in the local cycling community as the “go-to” doctor for broken clavicles (a common cycling injury). The most impressive aspect of Dr. Lervick is how well he understands athletes. From the size and materials of the metal plate in my shoulder, to his empathy toward my training and race goals, he always treated me like an elite athlete. He was open and honest with me on the risks associated with each week of my recovery while understanding my desire to get back to racing as soon as possible. With his help, I was able to maintain my training load through my recovery period and was back on the podium with little time lost.
