Physicians

I am 2.5 weeks post-bunion surgery and 6 months post-surgery for a cork screw fracture of the fourth toe; one surgery on each foot. The emergency surgery required a trip to TCO Urgent Care, where Dr. McGarvey made time to see me. He explained the procedure and we did the most urgent surgery first. I always felt that I could call with any questions and concerns. And Rhodora, his amazing assistant, always got back to me promptly. Because, let’s face it, what else do you have to do with your foot elevated above your heart in bed or on the couch for weeks on end but come up with one hundred questions you wish you had asked?

I healed up nicely, got some strength back, then had the bunion surgery. Once again, I feel well cared for and my foot seems to be healing well. I have already called Rhodora twice with dumb questions, but she doesn’t make you feel dumb. I highly recommend Dr. McGarvey and Rhodora.

It had gotten to the point that the bunion and two hammer toes on my right foot made it very painful to walk, especially in closed shoes. Based on my family history of bad feet, I knew I had to do something because if they were left unchecked, it would only get worse. I decided to see Dr. McGarvey based on the number of bunioneictomies he had performed (more than 8,000) and patient testimonials. Dr. McGarvey is a very direct, no nonsense physician, with clear expectations of his patients’ post-operative recovery activities. I have faithfully followed his guidance and seven weeks after surgery, healing is progressing as expected.

This was my second surgery performed by Dr. Scott McGarvey. The first was bone-on-bone arthritis in my left foot. Now, two years later, he fixed my bunion and hammer toe on the same foot! I recommend Dr. McGarvey, he is knowledgeable, explains every detail of the surgery and is calming to nervous/anxious patients. I am back to walking miles with NO PAIN! Hats off to a job well done! Thank you so much!
Karen C

This was my second surgery with Dr. McGarvey. When I needed this surgery, I called my cousin in Washington, who is the foot surgeon for the Seattle Seahawks football team. He said, “The only surgeon you should have do it is Scott McGarvey.” He was right, Dr. McGarvey is exceptional! I know this because I have had three other joint surgeries to compare it to. Dr. McGarvey not only listens to your concerns but he remembers them and then takes care of them. He has a PHENOMENAL memory. I have and will continue to highly recommend Dr. McGarvey!

I am an active 67-year old. I first broke and dislocated my ankle over forty years ago. For the past 15 years, I have had constant swelling and severe pain. About three months ago, Dr. Scott McGarvey performed a total ankle replacement on this injured joint. After three months, I am already almost pain free and have far more range of motion than I did before surgery.

Dr. McGarvey is personable and thorough. He explains himself in easy to understand terms. His staff is kind and exceptional. The surgery and recovery was far easier than I had feared. This was one of the best decisions of my life. The ability to regain my mobility is giving me a new lease on life. Thanks Dr. McGarvey, Rhodora, and Laura!
– John

Around March 1, 2019, I had an accident. I slipped and broke my ankle. It turned out to be a nasty combination of fractures, displacement and ligament injuries. I was sent to Dr. McGarvey for evaluation and the eventual surgery. He explained everything that was about to take place. His preparation about what to expect really helped me deal with the procedure and the aftermath. I am thrilled with the progress I am having due to the outstanding job Dr. McGarvey did on performing the surgery. I don’t have better words than to say aside from THANK YOU DR. MCGARVEY…you are the best!

I had an ankle injury many years ago that wasn’t properly healed. In the spring of 2018, I re-injured it. I was fortunate to see Dr. McGarvey. He examined my ankle and tried an alternate to surgery with a cortisone shot. This helped quite a bit to get me through the pain for a while, but soon it was apparent that surgery was needed. I was walking with a limp and pain. I was going to schedule the surgery but that didn’t happen due to a family crisis. I explained my situation to the staff and they were very understanding and I left with another cortisone shot in the interim. By early spring of 2019, I couldn’t handle the pain and immobility, so I went back to TCO to schedule surgery. Everyone there remembered what happened to me and was extremely caring.

I had my surgery in the beginning of March. Dr. McGarvey did and excellent job! I am now 8 weeks after my surgery and receiving physical therapy. I am walking in tennis shoes, pain free and only using 1 crutch for safety! I go back to TCO on June 5th for my final check up and will personally thank him again, along with his assistant Rhodora Roxas, and his nurse Laura!

After living with an unbelievable painful, arthritic ankle for over 4 years, I had an ankle replacement with Dr. Scott McGarvey in August of 2018. At 75 years old, I now feel like a new person. I’m finally able to do all the things I used to take for granted, but have not been able to do for years! I realized as I climbed up the deer stand this fall, how much I had missed doing the things I liked by being in such constant pain. I’m taking walks, looking forward to getting back to golf, and ready to enjoy life again. I cannot thank Dr. McGarvey and his efficient staff enough for giving me back mobility.

Dr. McGarvey – A year ago you fused my big right toe. I wanted to let you know that it has healed really well. 99% of the time I forget I had surgery! I can wear all my old shoes and haven’t had any pain. Thank you to you and your staff for the care I received and making my foot pain-free!

Dr. McGarvey – Thank you for your kindness and care during the time of my foot surgery. You were so patient with me. So glad to have met you and I now walk with no pain in the right foot. You are a wonderful doctor.

Dr. McGarvey – Thanks so much for fixing my feet! Walking the Masters course last Tuesday was a breeze…and now I’m ready for Africa! Please also thank Rhodora for her calm and excellent service.

You have been very kind, considerate, and patient with me for so many years; thank you! Thank you also for so artfully and beautifully repairing my foot. It feels better every day, and I have started doing my yoga and Pilates and it’s handling the activity very well! Hurray! Dr. McGarvey, you have been a blessing in my life and I am so grateful for you, Rhodora, and Laura. Please remain well!

Dr. McGarvey – Thank you so much for accepting me as a patient. Your expertise and professional care aided in my complete healing. I am also very grateful for your compassionate care!

Dr. McGarvey – After all these years, Tom thought I could join him on the anniversary of his recovery! We have lost sight of how blessed we are to have found excellent care. You are the center of that and we remain so grateful. I have not forgotten you coming on a weekend to personally wrap Tom’s feet after surgery. We have tried each day to take our blessings and pass it forward. We hope you and your family are blessed with love and support.

Dear Dr. McGarvey,

I know you are anxiously awaiting the annual medical report from your “double calcanesis success story!!” I am happy to report that the feet (heels) are doing great. I have had absolutely no issues. If I am on my feet all day, they are a bit sore and stiff at night. In the morning, after walking around a little – they are like new again! The screws from Menards are not seeming to be loose. You must have used an impact drill and really tightened them down. At age 75, I still downhill ski, but my golf game has not really improved – user error! Cath and I continue to be blessed with good health – neither of us taking any prescription meds. Therefore we are “paying it forward” by kid sitting for young couples and volunteering to help neighbors with projects. When the snow flies, Cath runs the snow blower and cleans out four or five neighbors. She really runs a mean snow blower. We hope this letter finds you, happy, healthy, and enjoying life outside surgery!

Dr. McGarvey – I so appreciate what you have done to fix my feet. Not only do they look and feel better, but I’m pretty sure you saved me from becoming disabled. I never expected such a good outcome. Thank you!

Dr. McGarvey – Almost to our one-year anniversary of my ankle replacement completed in November of 2016. Wanted to thank you for restoring my ankle to a “near” normal state. Am able to do most activities I choose with or no pain. Range of motion good and swelling minimal. Appreciated the great care, professionalism, courtesy and concern for me and family while deciding to do the procedure. Know expectations are not always met with all patients but wanted you to know I am very happy with my decision and the positive results. Please relay to your staff!

Dr. McGarvey – Thank you for my new feet! I never knew how hard I was working at walking around on my deformed feet! I promise to take good care of them! When I saw you last, I mentioned that I had learned to tat some years ago. Tatting is a form of lace making that uses a knot similar to what fishermen use to make nets. It was most popular in the Victorian era (late 1800s). Tatting uses a series of knots and loops to create details. Then, when it is connected and held in tension with itself, it creates the design and form. To me, it is a nice image of how we work together in relationships and as a team. When we are held together, something even greater than the sum of its parts happens. Thanks for what you do!

Dr. McGarvey,

Thank you so much for taking on my second ankle surgery. You are the reason for my successful recovery.

Dr. McGarvey – Thank you all so much for the incredible care I have received from your team! You are all awesome and I have been so blessed!

I highly recommend Dr. McGarvey if you are considering foot surgery. I had severe arthritis in my left foot. Today I am pain free for the first time in five years thanks to Dr. McGarvey. Thank you so much!

Dr. McGarvey – You have been such a blessing to us in 2017. It means more than you will ever know to now be able to walk pain-free for the first time in 15+ years. I feel very fortunate to have found such a caring, gifted doctor with an exceptionally helpful P.A. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

In September of 1990, I shattered my right ankle while seven months pregnant with my first son. Dr. McGarvey was the orthopedic surgeon on call at Fairview Ridges ER. He was very reassuring and confident that he could rebuild my ankle and I’d be good-to-go by my December 26th delivery date. Between my pregnancy and penicillin allergy, medication choices were slim and I would not be able to be completely put out. The anesthesiologist & anesthetist were so kind and attentive throughout the 3+ hour surgery. Dr. McGarvey basically rebuilt my ankle with a 5 or 6″ plate & screws on the right side and a pin on the left. My cast went from my toes to my knee and I could not put any weight on my ankle – not easy when 7-8 months pregnant and living in a two-story. It all would have made for a great reality show! The physical therapy center even had a pool going for my delivery date…and the sex of the baby. And, on Christmas night, Jack was born. Almost 27 pain-free years later, I am very thankful for the surgeon on call in Burnsville’s ER.

Thank you Dr. McGarvey! Approximately 10 years ago you repaired my badly fractured left ankle, the rod is still with me, and I have NOT had a single problem. I remember your advice to keep my ankle higher than my heart for two months in order to avoid arthritis in the future. I did my best and I guess it worked.

I got rheumatoid arthritis when I was 19 years old. Years later, while walking, one of my toe joints broke due to deterioration. I “got a bunion over lunch hour.” I was lucky enough to meet this amazing and wonderful doctor. Within a couple of months, three joints dissolved. Bunion removed, and the joints on the toes removed and fused. NO MORE pain. Dr. McGarvey is my hero. There is no one better and he is worth the wait. I have sent many people to him.

It is with the highest regard and gratitude that I write this testimonial on behalf of the incredible Dr. Scott McGarvey and his remarkable staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics. I was thrown from a horse November 1, 2013. As I sat in a field and looked at my ankle which was at 90 degrees, I knew I would need to see Dr. McGarvey – the only doctor I would consider – he had taken amazing care of my mother for many years. My ankle was so severely broken that Dr. McGarvey was concerned that I wouldn’t even be able to walk properly again. His expert surgical skills have allowed me not only to walk but to also run again! During the recovery period, Rhodora encouraged me to text or call her on her personal cell phone – unbelievable personal attention and care! I will be forever grateful to Dr. Scott McGarvey and his staff for getting me back on my feet again! I will be running in the Twin Cities 10 Mile Race and also skiing the Birkie thanks to you!

Theresa W. is an active mother of two who was slowed by a foot injury. After a difficult and painful year, she met with Scott McGarvey, MD to discuss treatment options. Dr. McGarvey took the time to listen to Theresa’s story and how her situation affected her life. “Dr. McGarvey genuinely cared and really wanted to help me,” said Theresa. He “wanted more time and more information to evaluate my problem,” which put Teresa at ease about what needed to be done and who she wanted to do the work. With young children waiting patiently for the return of an active mom, Theresa said that she is “motivated to continue what I need to do to reach that full recovery from surgery.” She is pleased to have met Dr. McGarvey and thankful to have received his care. “He is a skilled surgeon with a caring heart,” said Theresa.

In addition to living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 30 years, Diana dealt with an ankle that would suddenly “give out” for several years. She feared falling as a result of the ankle issues, which could have resulted in a more serious injury. Her rheumatologist recommended a total ankle replacement – an option Diana didn’t know existed. After being referred to Scott McGarvey, MD, she traveled over 300 miles to consult with him. Prior to the ankle replacement procedure, Dr. McGarvey performed reconstructive surgery on both of Diana’s feet. A year later, she had her ankle replaced. After following Dr. McGarvey’s post-operative instructions and completing physical therapy, Diana explained that she is extremely pleased with the results. “I thank Dr. McGarvey and his staff for their fine treatment,” she said. Diana said that she “was treated with professional, kindness, respect, and even some humor,” and knows that is the standard for patients of Dr. McGarvey.

For many years, Gordon suffered from extreme pain in his ankle caused by osteoarthritis. After researching foot and ankle surgeons and getting a recommendation from a friend, he met with Scott McGarvey, MD. With a round trip to the clinic of 400 miles, it was important for Gordon to schedule an appointment that he could drive to and back from on the same day. “I was always able to get in to see him on time with little or no waiting,” he said. Gordon described the examination he received from Dr. McGarvey as very thorough. “He took time to listen to the concerns both my wife and I had. He was honest and articulated all my options in an understandable manner,” he said. After discussing treatment options with Dr. McGarvey, Gordon opted to proceed with a total ankle replacement and couldn’t be happier with the results. “Dr. McGarvey’s follow-up after the surgery was second to none. He is truly a patient advocate. He took special care to make sure my recovery was going well; calling to check on my progress,” said Gordon. “Dr. McGarvey surrounds himself with a competent, professional, and friendly staff,” he said. “I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone with issues of the foot and ankle.”

Kristin S. had persistent foot pain for over 23 years, which made walking long distances difficult. Pictured in Israel, she was grateful to be able to appreciate her second trip to the country pain-free, unlike her first. “After having surgery on my feet [with Scott McGarvey, MD], I was able to enjoy the trip so much more,” she said. Being able to keep up with the group and focus on all there was to see and learn, rather than being distracted by her foot pain helped make the trip a great experience, she said. “I am able to walk without pain for the first time in 23 years. Dr. McGarvey was wonderful to work with and his work on my feet has changed my life,” said Kristin.

Recently, Twin Cities television stations have been airing a series of four 15-second commercials designed to increase awareness of the health care services provided by Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO). In January, when Nika, a junior at Edina High School, participated in filming one of the spots, she had no way of knowing she would soon need the services of a TCO physician. Nika was chosen for the hockey-themed commercial shoot at Burnsville Ice Arena partly because she has played the game since age six, and also because of her two previous experiences as a TCO patient. At age 12, she broke her wrist in a New Year’s hockey tournament and was treated at Twin Cities Orthopedics – Edina clinic (one of her youth hockey coaches was Scott McGarvey, MD, a TCO physician). Four days later she was back on the ice. Last year, Nika was treated at the Edina clinic for a somewhat more problematic injury. In the process of taking a slap shot, she strained ligaments in her right thumb and index finger. Nika was fitted for a brace, and after several weeks of reparative physical therapy, she was cleared to return to the ice in the U-19 Girls state hockey tourney. Nika’s most recent injury was not hockey-related. A few weeks before shooting the TCO commercial, she was rehearsing for a high school presentation of the drama “Bang, Bang You’re Dead.” Nika spent eight hours rehearsing while wearing a pair of four-inch heels, which caused a painful, sprained Achilles tendon and big-toe ligament. After treatment at the Twin Cities Orthopedics’ Edina After Hours Acute Injury Walk-in Clinic, she wore a supportive boot for a week, and then performed in the weekend production. Nika didn’t do any speaking in the 15-second commercial, in which she skates toward the camera. But she would be a natural for a testimonial. “I’ve always felt in good hands at Twin Cities Orthopedics; it’s a really welcoming place,” says Nika. With her injuries behind her, Nika isn’t playing hockey this year, preferring to focus on her studies, and theater, at Edina High School. Her future plans include hopes for a lacrosse scholarship at one of the colleges where lacrosse is offered on an intercollegiate level, possibly on the East coast. Wherever her future takes her, she also hopes to remain injury-free.