Patient Testimonials

Ever since I was young, my passions have been playing basketball and volleyball. During my eighth grade season of basketball, I tore my ACL and meniscus in my right knee. I’ve never had a serious injury before so the orthopedic field was new to me.

My mom took me directly to TCO to get specialized care. This is where I met with Dr. Jason Dieterle. It was an amazing first experience. Dr. Dieterle gave me valuable input and made me feel cared for as a young, injured athlete. At the time, I was extremely scared and nervous about the road ahead, but I knew I had a great team to support me.

After spending months recovering, I was blessed with a healthy nine months of playing sports. During my sophomore volleyball season, I tore the ACL in my opposite knee. I immediately made an appointment with my favorite person at TCO, Dr. Dieterle. He performed my ACL reconstruction surgery and did amazing work!

Although I am not sure about y future sports career, I know that whenever I choose to play I will be extremely strong! Both surgeries and recoveries made me who I am today. The group of physicians and staff at TCO will make sure you get back to doing what you love in no time!

This is the most wonderful doctor and nurses I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Dr. Arntson did my surgery and within five weeks I felt like I had a new lease on life. I’m more active now than I have been in years. Dr. Arntson gave me my life back, as did the wonderful staff and the hospital, my physical therapist, Kristina, and the staff at the clinic. Thank you to everyone. It was an incredibly great experience.

I had troubles with bone-on-bone knee pain. I went through an exam to determine the requirements for a knee replacement. I met with Dr. Bircher and he explained the whole process and procedure. He successfully repaired my right knee and I am completely satisfied with the great care and post-op therapy. Dr. Bircher’s friendly attitude, positivity, and confidence helped with the process. I am now considering when to have my left knee replacement done too. Thank you, Dr. Bircher!

When I came to TCO Maple Grove with a painful hip condition, I had “muddled through” years of pain. I couldn’t walk normal distances or stairs without holding on to someone or something to steady myself. Activities like dressing, driving, getting in and out of a seat were challenging. I passed on social gatherings that involved walking. When I saw Dr. Bircher and his staff, he asked me specific questions about my symptoms, my lifestyle, and my goals for an improved lifestyle. Then he and his staff gave me their diagnosis and goals to aim for. I also had other health issues related to exercise, blood pressure, and breathing. He worked with my other doctors to coordinate the timing, treatments, and specific surgical requirements to assure my safety and a positive outcome. It worked! I am enjoying activities again and I am improving at a pace that’s comfortable for me, based on my goals and abilities. Don’t wait. See Dr. Bircher ASAP if you are in pain. Life can be fun!

It is with gratitude that I write this testimonial for Dr. Hoel, his PA-C, Christina Erdmann and his care coordinator, Julie Patricelli. In January 2023, Dr. Hoel performed my cervical fusion which was necessitated by my myelomalacia. This condition caused me to lose my balance and drop things. Almost immediately after the surgery, I noted a reduction in my symptoms, which was a bonus since the goal of the surgery was simply to stop the progression of my condition. Not only were the surgical results excellent and the recovery very tolerable, but also my interaction with Dr. Hoel, Christina and Julie could not have been better. All three of them responded to my many questions promptly and with patience.

Dr. Bircher truly cares about his patients. He took his time with me, answering my questions before surgery and afterwards. I am very satisfied with how my hip surgery turned out. I chose Dr. Bircher because he has a genuine concern for his patients.

I could not have asked for a better experience. Dr. Ridley and all of the staff are always so kind and compassionate. Dr. Ridley performed an arthroscopic hip surgery for treatment of hip impingement and labral tear. Dr. Ridley personally called me before surgery to see if I had any questions and he also called me after surgery to see how I was doing. I would recommend him to all my friends and family. I am now 6 weeks post-op and my hip is feeling better than ever! Dr. Ridley is a kind and compassionate physician and I will continue to see him for my future orthopedic needs!

For the past four years, I have been working with Dr. Charles Eggert to solve my hip problems. My hip pain was so excruciating that it was hard to walk and enjoy the activities I liked to do such as hiking, playing basketball, and weightlifting. I tried physical therapy first, and then decided to have surgery with Dr. Eggert.

I did my post-op PT at TCO Waconia Therapy and Sports Performance. I had a goal of playing basketball this season so Greg Gunderson, DPT, OCS and Jeff Kalow, PTA, collaborated with Dr. Eggert to help me recover and get back to sports.

I do not know where I would be without the care that I received from TCO. I made it back on the court and can do my other activities! My TCO team pushed me weekly, taught me to never give up, and contributed to my love for orthopedics.

Dr. Ridley is fantastic! I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon. He listens well, communicates well, and is genuinely a nice guy. I highly recommend him. Thank you, Dr. Ridley!

I was referred to TCO by my primary care doctor and chiropractor. My leg and knee hurt so much, I could hardly walk. I saw Dr. Bircher at TCO and what a great surgeon he is. From my first visit to after surgery, he always explained what to expect with my total knee replacement. I am now three months after surgery and my knee is doing great. Dr. Bircher said there would be pain and there was! But now it is so much better. That is all in the past. Thank you, Dr. Bircher.