Foster Dennis E MD in Oklahoma City: Orthopedic Surgery for Knee, Shoulder, and Sports Injuries
Foster Dennis E MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Oklahoma City whose practice centers on sports-related injuries, knee reconstruction, and shoulder arthroscopy. He operates independently rather than as part of a large hospital system, giving patients direct access to a surgeon without routing through a medical group's intake process.
What this practice actually is
Dr. Foster Dennis practices orthopedic surgery with a focus on upper and lower extremity injuries common to athletes and active adults. His scope includes anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic procedures on the knee and shoulder, and treatment of meniscal tears. He accepts patients both by physician referral and as self-referred cases, meaning you can schedule directly without requiring a primary-care provider's sign-off. The practice operates as a traditional surgical orthopedics office, not a walk-in urgent care or urgent orthopedic clinic, so appointments are scheduled in advance.
Services and surgical focus
Dr. Foster Dennis specializes in arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique using a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions. For the knee, this includes ACL reconstruction (often using an autograft from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon), meniscus repair, and cartilage procedures. For the shoulder, he performs rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs, and treatment of shoulder instability. He also addresses elbow injuries, including tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, and some ankle procedures.
Arthroscopic procedures typically cost between $8,000 and $20,000 before insurance, depending on the complexity and whether additional work is discovered during surgery. Major reconstructive surgeries like ACL reconstruction run toward the higher end. Dr. Foster Dennis accepts most major insurance plans, and many patients have a portion of surgical costs covered. Out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Confirm current fees and your coverage details when you call to schedule.
How this compares to other Oklahoma City orthopedists
Oklahoma City has several orthopedic groups. OU Health Physicians includes orthopedic surgeons affiliated with the University of Oklahoma system and operates multiple clinics across the metro area; they handle a broader range of orthopedic conditions and have multiple specialists on staff. Southwestern Medical Associates also maintains an orthopedic department with several surgeons. Both of these larger groups may have shorter wait times for appointments because they employ multiple surgeons, but you may not see the same physician at each visit, and scheduling often routes through the larger system's central intake.
Dr. Foster Dennis's independent practice is a better fit if you prefer continuity with one surgeon and want to avoid the administrative delays that come with larger group scheduling. His focus on sports orthopedics and arthroscopy makes him a natural choice for athletes, younger active patients, and those with specific knee or shoulder injuries. For complex cases requiring multiple specialists or inpatient care coordination, the larger systems may be more efficient, though Dr. Foster Dennis can coordinate with hospital facilities as needed.
Who this suits and who it does not
This practice suits athletes of all levels, active adults with sports injuries, and anyone seeking a surgeon experienced in arthroscopic reconstruction who prefers a focused practice. Patients comfortable with self-referral and willing to schedule several weeks in advance are ideal candidates. Those with complex fractures, multiple joint injuries, or non-surgical orthopedic conditions (like osteoarthritis managed without surgery) may find their needs better matched elsewhere.
Patients requiring rapid same-day or next-day evaluation for acute injuries should call ahead; Dr. Foster Dennis's schedule is surgical and appointment-based, not oriented toward urgent walk-in access. If you have a recent knee or shoulder injury and need imaging or conservative treatment guidance before considering surgery, an urgent orthopedic clinic or your primary-care doctor may be a faster first step.
What the first visit involves
When you call to schedule, provide a brief description of your injury (for example, "ACL tear" or "rotator cuff pain"). Bring any recent MRI or X-ray images; if you do not have them, Dr. Foster Dennis can order imaging at the first appointment. Expect the first visit to be diagnostic: the surgeon will examine the joint, review imaging, discuss your activity goals and timeline, and outline whether conservative treatment, physical therapy, or surgery is the best path. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the appointment. If surgery is recommended, you will discuss timing, recovery expectations, and what to arrange at home and work beforehand.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Dr. Foster Dennis's office is located in Oklahoma City proper, with standard office hours during weekday business hours and occasional early morning or late afternoon slots. Parking is available on-site or nearby. Confirm current hours and parking details when you call, as surgical schedules can shift. If you have surgery, plan for someone to drive you home; most arthroscopic procedures use twilight sedation, so you cannot drive yourself immediately after.
Foster Dennis E MD serves Oklahoma City's active population and athletes by combining surgical expertise in knee and shoulder injuries with the continuity and directness of a focused independent practice, setting him apart from larger hospital-affiliated groups in the region.
