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Hospitals: Hudson Hospital & Clinic, Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Lakeview Hospital

Surgery Centers: High Pointe Surgery Center, Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center

Shoulder: Shoulder Surgery, Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs, Stabilization, Total Shoulder and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasties.

Elbow: Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel Release, Biceps and Triceps Repair, Tommy John Surgery, Complex Elbow Surgery.

Wrist: Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery, Wrist Fractures, Thumb Arthritis Surgery.

Yes

The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery program is available to patients who generally are healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires surgery that is not typically done as outpatient such as total shoulder arthroplasty. Because the patient is never admitted to the hospital there is substantial cost savings and a lower risk of hospital acquired infection. This option is particularly attractive for patients who are paying their own bills, employers who are 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.

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

It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. 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. Meletiou regarding second opinions or contact us via phone to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our care team. We will need you to provide us with copies of any prior imaging studies and/or medical records in advance of your appointment so we can be prepared for your visit.

You can get cortisone injections 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.

If you are having any complaint or issue, especially involving the upper extremity, feel free to make an appointment.

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.

Please contact if you have past records or imaging studies. We will want to view these in advance of your 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, you will be called to set up a follow up appointment to discuss the results. At that appointment, we will discuss the options based on the MRI results. If an injection is needed, it will likely be performed at that visit.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact us. You can call us directly at 651-275-4182.

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. Meletiou 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.