Patient Testimonials

If you are looking for a good Orthopedic Doctor in the Minneapolis – St. Paul Area – I should say upper Midwest Area – Search no more! I have known Dr. Szalapski for several years. He did a total knee replacement in 2004 and that knee has pulled me all over on my travels and adventures. And two new hips in 2015 & 2016. He has given me a better quality of life! Dr. Szalapski has done hundreds of surgeries on hips and knees with a stunning record. He is a brilliant orthopedic doctor who cares about you and your health and well-being. He is down to earth, honest, and will take his time when talking to you about your concerns and give you honest answers. After you meet him you will understand that he is not only a doctor- but a miracle worker. Kind, honest, dedicated and genuinely cares about his patients.

As a registered nurse, I worked with Dr. Szalapski, for fifteen years. After observing him do numerous surgeries, he was my top choice to perform my own surgery. After 5 weeks walking half a mile at a time, there has been very little discomfort. Overall a positive experience. Thank you for all your good care!

Just like Humpty Dumpty I took a great fall and was taken to Fairview Ridges Hospital where one of the Kings Men put me back together again. It has been 3 months and I am walking with a cane and regaining my busy life. Dr. Szalapski did his magic and I am working, driving and have near perfect health again. Thank you for your skill and dedication.

My experience with Dr. O’Keefe was life changing! I can walk for miles with no pain.

From the very start in the exam room, Dr. O’Keefe was very helpful. The “schooling” before the procedure was beneficial (don’t skip this). The day of the procedure, everyone involved was very nice. The recovery suites were topnotch – I wanted to stay longer. PT was awesome with Ron at Otsego. Follow-up appointments (for x-rays four weeks after) were easy to make. I am so happy that I did the procedure and I would recommend TCO and Dr. O’Keefe to all my friends and family.

To the amazing people that work at Twin Cities Orthopedics: Dr Norberg, Ryan, doctors, nurses and administrative staff, thank you so much for all that you do! Every experience that I’ve had at TCO has been met with professionalism, courtesy, respect and care. My surgical experience from start to finish could not have been better! Keep up the great work, we need people like you. All you do is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely, Michael M.

During early September 2018 I awoke one day with severe neck pain. I went to the TCO Orthopedic Urgent Care and was treated. Within two days I was back at the TCO Orthopedic Urgent Care because the pain had now radiated into my right arm. They referred me to Dr. Deal and physical therapy. From the first time I met Dr. Deal, I knew that I was being listened to and that I could trust him. An MRI showed I had a large herniated disc with nerve root involvement. Within a few weeks after I met Dr. Deal I started loosing strength in my right arm and was noticing that I was having difficulty brushing my hair. The pain was not getting better. I was having difficulty with keyboarding as well, which was impacting my ability to work.

On October 9 2018, I underwent a cervical disc arthroplasty. Prior to the surgery my quality of daily life was declining and I was feeling frustrated and becoming depressed. When I awoke from the anesthesia my nerve pain was gone for the first time in one month. It was a relief.

Dr. Deal gave me back my quality of life. Post-operatively I attended physical therapy and regained my neck strength and almost my entire full range of motion.

I am grateful for Dr. Deal and blessed that I had wonderful staff at TCO and Minnesota Valley Surgery Center.

Dr. Arntson is an excellent doctor, very informative, excellent bedside manner. My whole experience with knee injections and a knee replacement has turned out very well and healing faster than normal because of very good care all around!

Dr. Meisterling, I wanted to thank you for reconstructing my ACL and allowing me to return to sport for my senior year of high school. You repaired my ACL in October 2016, and I missed my Junior year of hockey and the first half of my baseball season. My senior year, I returned to hockey for Mahtomedi and we made a good run at the state tourney, losing to Orono 5-4 in the semifinals. Then for baseball, we won the class AAA state tournament at Target Field in my last high school game ever. Returning to sports for senior year was an important goal for me, and I crushed it. I really came back stronger than I was before the injury, which is a result of your surgery and my awesome rehab at TCO. That experience was tough to go through at the time, but your calm and professional demeanor assured me I would get back at it! I am currently a freshman at UW- Eau Claire in the Pre-Physical Therapy program. Also, I am running in the Eau Claire marathon on May 5th, and my knee has felt amazing during training. Just wanted to give you an update on my progress and say thanks for everything you have done.

Dr. Weiss is the most caring Dr. I have ever had. My knees are better than I could ever imagine, I would send any person I talk to that needs help to Dr. Weiss. I trust him with my life, thank you for everything he did. John L.