FAQs
General
Click here to view Dr. Butterfield’s clinic locations.
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
- A List of Current Medications and Any Known Allergies
Dr. Butterfield performs surgery at the Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center, Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center, Allina Health Mercy Hospitals, North Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center at Maple Grove, and Maple Grove Hospital.
Click here for Dr. Butterfield’s hospital and surgery center affiliations.
Dr. Butterfield has additional fellowship training in sports medicine and ABOS Sports Medicine Subspecialty Certification to compliment a general orthopedic practice. Most commonly, we treat conditions of the shoulder and knee including acute and chronic sports medicine injuries of all ages as well as degenerative processes and disease. Additionally, we frequently treat musculoskeletal injuries including fractures and ailments of upper and lower extremities. Such treatment may include conservative care, interventional nonsurgical care, and surgical management. Surgery, when indicated, may include repair or reconstruction, fracture stabilization, replacement, or other such procedures. These procedures vary depending on patient health, activity level, and goals or expectations. Click here for list of commonly treated conditions and procedures.
Dr. Butterfield performs arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization procedures, and knee arthroscopic reconstructive procedures. He performs revision, salvage, and reconstructive procedures when indicated for patients with recurrent or persistent symptoms following prior surgery.
Additionally, joint replacement procedures are often performed with instrumentation and implants matched specific to patient’s own anatomy using new technologies such as pre-surgical planning software and three dimensional models or printing.
Obtaining an MRI depends on each patient’s uniquely different situation and history. 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. Butterfield or his care team. Contact us via phone at 763-302-2329 to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our care team.
Dr. Butterfield works with several others to provide the best possible care and experience for patients in the office. Hannah S., his care coordinator, works closely with patients for scheduling needs and provide timely communication with patients as it relates to their care. Katie McLaughlin is a certified physician assistant who works closely with Dr. Butterfield in the office setting, at the hospital, and in surgery as a surgical assistant. She does assist with patient follow-up and your first postoperative appointment will be with her. If Dr. Butterfield is unavailable on a desired day or time for scheduling, an appointment can alternatively be made with Katie.
You can get corticosteroid injections every 3 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief. If corticosteroid injections become more frequent or do not provide lasting relief, additional or alternative treatment may be necessary.
Some patients get immediate relief from a corticosteroid 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 corticosteroid 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 corticosteroid injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over the counter pain medications and ice are recommended.
The Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center offers patients a complete outpatient surgery solution at one location. Our 12,000+ square foot facility includes 4 surgery suites, where we have the capability to perform nearly all same-day orthopedic surgery procedures. Twin Cities Orthopedics also has three care suites on-site for patients in our EXCEL Total Joint program.
To learn more, visit: BlaineOrthopedicSurgeryCenter.com
Conveniently located in the west metro area (located at Highway 55 and Rockford Road), the Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center offers patients a complete outpatient surgery solution at one location. Our 19,000+ square foot facility includes five surgery suites, where we have the capability to perform nearly all same-day orthopedic surgery procedures. Twin Cities Orthopedics also has four care suites on-site for patients in our EXCEL Surgery and Recovery program.
To learn more, visit: Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center
Dr. Butterfield does participate in the EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery Program at the Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center and Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center for knee and shoulder replacement surgery.
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 the Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center and the Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center, located on the third floor at each site.
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 traveling to the U.S. for their medical care because the costs are less than half of what they are in the hospital.
Before your Appointment
When a patient sees me for the first time, Dr. Butterfield will review all available records and imaging. On day of initial visit, additional imaging may be necessary including x-rays. The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. We will address your concerns, review appropriate imaging, and begin to build a list of options for you. We 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 you may bring them with you to your appointment. It is always best if these can be provided prior to day of surgery so as to not delay or prolong your appointment time. 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. Typically, follow-up visits will be scheduled for 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 4 months after a surgery. Care continues for several months 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 with the results typically within 24-48 hours once results are made available to Dr. Butterfield.
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 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. Butterfield at your appointment.
Please note that we strive to get our patients off narcotic pain medication as soon as possible. Pain medication may be necessary for a short period of time after surgery, but we do not advocate long-term use of pain medication. We take distribution and administration of pain medication very seriously and make sure it is necessary before providing a prescription for any patient.
In most cases for shoulder and knee reconstructive procedures, a brace will be provided to you in the clinic to bring with you on day of surgery. If you are unsure if you require a brace for use after surgery, contact Brandee Vobr, Dr. Butterfield’s care coordinator, at 763-302-2329.
In most cases, physical therapy should begin within 5-7 days after a reconstructive procedure. If you do not have physical therapy set up by day of surgery, contact our office to schedule physical therapy sessions to begin after your procedure at 763-786-9543. If you are unsure if you will need to have physical therapy after your surgery, contact Brandee Vobr, Dr. Butterfield’s care coordinator, at 763-302-2329.