Dr. Ockuly is a board certified sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in open and arthroscopic treatment of knee, hip and shoulder conditions. His focused expertise includes primary and complex joint injuries, including knee ACL/PCL/MCL/FCL reconstructions, knee alignment (osteotomies), patellar instability, hip arthroscopy for labral tears and impingement, shoulder arthroscopy for instability and rotator cuff tears, along with shoulder, hip, and knee arthroplasty. He is the Head Team Physician for the University of Wisconsin – River Falls Falcons.
Dr. Ockuly is native to the area. He graduated from Hudson High School and attended St. Olaf College where he played varsity hockey. After receiving his medical degree from Rocky Vista University in Colorado, he completed his residency at the Kansas City University of Medical and Biosciences. He concluded his surgical training with a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of New Mexico. He has multiple publications with internationally renowned surgeons.
In his personal time, Dr. Ockuly spends time with his wife and four active, young children. They are involved with their church community and love outdoor adventures. He enjoys hockey, camping, fishing, and woodworking.
Clinical Interest
Knee care, including tendon injuries, ligament injuries, cartilage injuries, ACL injuries, reconstructions and revisions, PCL injuries and reconstructions, multi-ligament injuries and reconstructions, FCL and posterolateral corner injuries and reconstructions, MCL and posteromedial corner injuries and reconstructions, patellofemoral joint reconstruction, medial patellofemoral ligament, patellar tendon injuries, meniscal repairs, osteotomies around the knee, fresh osteoarticular allografts, knee replacement, and partial knee replacement
Hip care, including total hip joint replacement (direct anterior and lateral approach), arthroscopy (femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) labral repair), fracture management, arthritis, hamstring repair, tendon repair, tendonitis, and bursitis
Shoulder care, including Bankart repair for instability/dislocation, rotator cuff problems and repair, biceps tendon (tenodesis/tenotomy), shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, bursitis, fracture management, frozen shoulder, arthritis, arthroscopy, labral repair, shoulder stabilization, latarjet procedure, SLAP repair, and throwing shoulder injuries
Elbow care, including ligament injuries, tendon injuries, cartilage injuries, traumatic injuries, and biceps and triceps tendon repair
Sports medicine, including treatment of sports injuries to all areas of the body in athletes of all ages and abilities
Fracture care, including treatment of common orthopedic fractures
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Fellowship
Orthopedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellowship, University of New Mexico – School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, Kansas City University – Saint Mary’s Medical Center, Blue Springs, MO
Medical Degree
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Rocky Vista University – College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO
Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations
High Pointe Surgery Center
Hudson Hospital
Lakeview Hospital
Woodwinds Health Campus
Other facilities throughout Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin
Professional Affiliations
American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics (AOAO)
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
Achievements & Awards
Top Doctor Rising Star: Voted an Orthopedic Rising Star by his peers in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine (2023)
Sports Affiliations
Team Physician: White Bear Lake High School (2021 – Present)
Head Team Physician: University of Wisconsin, River Falls Falcons (2019 – Present)
Assistant Team Physician: University of New Mexico Lobos (2018 – 2019)
Team Physician: Volcano Vista High School Hawks (2018)
Dr. Ockuly is an excellent surgeon. He is very personable, knowledgeable, and he listens to his patients. At 6 weeks I’m walking without a cane up and down stairs. The surgical site healed beautifully and I t was not very painful after surgery. Thank you Dr. Ockuly!
July 10, 2023
Jan P.
Dr. Ockuly replaced my husband’s hip, and did an outstanding job. My husband was walking without a cane in just a few weeks. Not only did the surgery go well, but we were so pleased with Dr. Ockuly’s care for his patients and the time he takes with each one of them to make sure they have a good experience and great result. The entire team with Dr. Ockuly is truly great. We are very thankful for their outstanding expertise and caring manner.
July 6, 2023
Edward W.
I met Dr. Ockuly over a year ago at TCO River Falls. After completing X-rays and an MRI, it was determined that I needed to have a total hip replacement for my right hip. Dr. Ockuly and his staff were friendly, professional, on-time, efficient and willing to help in any way possible. Due to being a diabetic, my surgery was postponed until May of 2023 until my A1C was below 8. The surgery was a success. I no longer need to use a walker and am back riding my HD motorcycle within 6 weeks after my surgery. Thank you so very much Dr. Ockuly. You are a world class surgeon!
January 29, 2023
Richard S.
Great job by Dr. Ockuly’s team! I am one week out from hip surgery and have no pain in the joint. I am walking and bending with no issue. The surgery went well. His team answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I did not leave with any unanswered questions, and I do ask a lot of them! I only use one crutch outside since it’s winter and I don’t want to slip. I am walking inside without any aids, although I still grab the side rails going up and down stairs just in case. Overall, they did a great job using modern techniques and tools. TCO, Dr. Ockuly, Anne, Dani, and team made the top list and were absolutely the right choice for me.
January 4, 2023
Cathy T.
Dr. Ockuly was a wonderful physician to work with. He cares for every patient and person works with. You couldn’t picked a better orthopedic physician!
December 9, 2022
Julie W.
If you ever need knee replacement, Dr. Ockuly is the one to see. He and his Physician Assistant, Annie Merrill, are so kind and caring. They put you at ease, explain what to expect and then deliver on it. They know their stuff! I would recommend them to anyone. I had my left knee replaced in May 2022 and my right one in November 2022. They both went amazing well and recovery, while I wouldn’t say it was a breeze, was much easier than I anticipated. Thank you, Dr. Ockuly and Annie for amazing treatment and care!
August 9, 2022
Emily P.
We had an incredible experience with Dr. Ockuly. My daughter had a rare and freak injury at the age of 11 that required surgery. Dr. Ockuly and his team were amazing at keeping us informed on the timeline and what the surgery required, as well as the necessary aftercare. It is an emotional experience having your child go through surgery. I could not have asked for a better experience or more talented surgeon. Though I hope we never face this path again, I would not hesitate for a moment to work with Dr. Ockuly again. My daughter is healing and WALKING again thanks to him and his team. I could never thank him enough!
April 18, 2022
Sharon H.
A year ago on March 29, 2021 I broke the femur bone in my left leg. I have dealt with polio since I was a child, so I have severe disabilities relating to that disease. Because of polio and osteoporosis, my bones are quite soft and we weren’t sure if the break would heal properly. Dr. Ockuly performed surgery, adding a plate and pins in my leg. He advised me not to put any weight on it until he felt it was safe to do so. The break has healed and I’m able to walk again. Dr. Ockuly is very knowledgeable and competent. He followed my progress routinely and now, a year later, I’m doing great and getting around just fine. I highly recommend him if you have an injury that needs the attention of a highly qualified orthopedic doctor. He’s an all-around very caring and informative person. I told him I’m able to walk again because of him, and will forever be thankful for that.
September 13, 2021
David C.
Dr. Ockuly performed my surgery and specifically explained what would happen and how the procedure would be done. I can’t imagine a more competent surgeon than Dr. Ockuly. He is truly impressive and I was walking the same day as my surgery. The new prothesis feels the same as my natural hip. I truly recommend Dr. Ockuly if you need a hip replacement. He’s the doctor for you! The best part is that there is very minimal pain and discomfort!
February 9, 2021
Chad W.
Dr. Ockuly met me on a short notice appointment, following my primary physician’s referral on the same day. He was knowable and acknowledging of my urgency and impatience for answers to rehabilitation or surgical repair of my broken shoulder. He recommended surgery for the best, cleanest, and most efficient result in getting me back on track to my active lifestyle as soon as possible. It was my first surgical procedure in 48 years of my life and it went very well. He was very communicative in follow-up and referral to skilled rehabilitation experts. I was pain free within a couple weeks of surgery and am now back to full activity and strength 6 months post-surgical repair of my broken clavicle. Thank you TCO team.
July 7, 2020
Erik W.
I had no idea how much life is slowed down by a broken ankle. After surgery, Dr. Ockuly had a plan for my recovery. We executed the plan and now I am back on my feet. I felt very confident in Dr. Ockuly’s approach and am thankful to him and his team for helping me recover. Thank you, Erik W.
June 24, 2020
Catherine Q.
Before surgery I was barely able to walk. I did not realize my quality of life or how it affected my work and every day living. Since surgery with Dr. Ockuly, I am able to enjoy the animals again and see to there needs for the year. I have also gotten complements on how my home has improved and how my performance at work as improved. I am so grateful to the staff at TCO and Hudson Hospital for their wonderful dedication to their patients. Thank you all and be safe.
June 10, 2020
Louis G.
Having had this surgery with Dr. Ockuly has impacted my life in a great way. I am able to sit for long periods of time with no pain as well as sleep through the whole night without pain.
January 13, 2020
Montana
Dr. Ockuly was very thorough and listened to every concern I had. He set me up with Scott in PT and he was also great! Dr. Ockuly’s clinic assistant, Dani, was especially helpful. It’s so nice to have staff work quick and always put in 100% efforts. I appreciate all of you so much and could not have asked for better care.
