Shashank S. Dwivedi, MD

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763-520-7870

FAQs

General

Click here to view Dr. Dwivedi’s TCO clinic locations.

Click here for Dr. Dwivedi’s hospital and surgery center affiliations.

Some of the most common surgical procedures he performs includes: carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release, trigger finger release, and surgeries for thumb base arthritis, as well as arthritis of the other small joints in the hand. Given his highly active patient population, Dr. Dwivedi commonly performs surgeries for traumatic injuries such as fractured wrists and finger bones, and torn tendons,  such as in the case of a biceps tendon rupture. However, many problems are managed most appropriate through nonsurgical means, at least initially. He takes a relatively conservative patient-centered approach to treatment, focusing on the patient’s goals and expectations and seeking to maximize nonsurgical management prior to moving forward with surgery.

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

As each patient’s situation is unique, whether or not you need an MRI will depend on your specific problem, the length of time the problem has been going on for, and your surgeon’s physical exam.  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. Dwivedi 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 every 3 to 4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief.

For most patients, it may take up to 2 weeks for the injection to take effect. 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

Whether you have a simple or complex issue, our first meeting will be a two-way dialogue where Dr. Dwivedi learns about you and you learn about your problem. His goal when meeting you for the first time is to get a clear understanding of your problem and what your goals and expectations are regarding treatment and recovery. Based on your history, examination, and his review of any testing you obtain, such as x-rays, you will develop a treatment plan together that includes multiple options in order to help you meet your goals.

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.

Dr. Dwivedi’s goal is to get your testing done in as efficient and timely a manner as possible. Once your test has been completed, the results will be sent to Dr. Dwivedi, and you can expect a phone call regarding the results.

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 contact 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. Dwivedi at your appointment.

Please note that we strive to get our patients off narcotic pain medication as soon as possible. Narcotics are sometimes needed for a short time after surgery, but we do not advocate long-term use of narcotic pain medication. We take pain medication very seriously and make sure it is necessary before signing a prescription for any patient.