Patient Testimonials

I had a second successful anterior hip replacement with Dr. O’Neill. I had them done two years apart. The procedure is minimally invasive and a game changer in joint replacement. While it required following post-op medical protocols, the payoff was evident in my quick recovery, and I was able to return to doing all my favorite activities.

Below are multiple reasons why I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and his team at TCO:

• Dr. O’Neill is an expert and perfectionist in doing anterior hip replacements. He is supported by a seasoned team of staff that make the process easy and stress-free. Dr. O’Neill is more than an excellent surgeon. He is a great person, and he will make sure you receive the best care.
• TCO’s EXCEL program is amazing! The procedure is done at one of TCO’s surgery centers, which is an excellent experience. The program includes an overnight recovery at its nearby care suites, and they have an awesome staff! The EXCEL program also bundles the procedure’s components and costs for easier insurance processing.
• Renting a NICE machine for a few weeks to cold wrap your hip area and manage swelling is very helpful during post-op recovery. Following the prescribed walking and exercise schedule is also a must in getting the best results. I could truly notice the progress I was making everyday!

It has been six months since Dr. Kruse replaced my left hip and I couldn’t be happier. I am now back to a normal lifestyle again. It is remarkable how other pains and discomfort have gotten better as well. I waited too long and took bad advice from other sources. I should have gotten the replacement done ten years ago. Thank you to Dr. Kruse and TCO staff for their excellent care!

The professionals at Twin Cities Orthopedics did a superb job replacing of my arthritic left hip. Dr. Samuel Carlson performed the surgery, with Jacob Szalat, PA-C assisting. Both were exemplary in their professional roles. They made sure I was fully informed and comfortable throughout each step of the outpatient procedure.

In August 2025, I had my left hip replaced. In April 2026, I had my right hip replaced. In July 2026, I returned to the dance floor. As a professional dancer, persistent pain had a significant impact on my day-to-day life. Thanks to two hip replacement surgeries performed by Dr. Owen O’Neill at the Orthopedic Institute, a partnership between Twin Cities Orthopedics and Ridgeview Hospitals & Clinics, I’m moving with confidence and doing what I love again: dancing. I’m grateful for the care and support I received throughout my journey, and I’m excited to be back on the dance floor.

I found out that I had avascular necrosis and my doctor said I needed a hip replacement as soon as possible. Dr. Vanden Berge and his staff were always on time, pleasant to talk with, and very informative. I was walking right away after surgery, and the first step was the greatest of all time. I had no pain! If I have to get my left hip done in the future, I know I will be going to TCO and seeing Dr. Vanden Berge again.

I first sought chiropractic treatment and then physical therapy for my left hip pain. My X-rays revealed severe arthritis. At 67 years old, I was hoping to avoid surgery, but when I could no longer walk more than two blocks, I knew it was time. A co-worker recommended Dr. O’Neill, and he performed my left hip replacement using the anterior approach in July 2025. My right hip was also severely affected by arthritis, and Dr. O’Neill replaced it in October 2025. Recovery from both hip replacements was easy, consisting mainly of walking and a few exercises at my kitchen counter.

Meanwhile, I had been dealing with various right knee injuries for decades, including a fractured patella in three pieces, arthritis, and pain. I consulted with Dr. O’Neill about my knee and my X-rays showed it was also in rough shape. We went forward with a right knee replacement in April 2026. The recovery was more intense with regular physical therapy and home exercises to achieve the best possible outcome. But if I can do it, anyone can! If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon for hip or knee replacement surgery, look no further than Dr. O’Neill. He and his team are wonderful! I want to give a big thank you to Ann, Lauren, Kaylyn, the pre-operative staff, Randy, Mary, Lindsey, William, the EXCEL Care Suites staff, and my physical therapists. I am very grateful to have had such skilled medical and surgical professionals!

I thought my riding career was about to be over when I was experiencing excruciating pain which prevented me from sitting on a saddle. I couldn’t ride effectively with the pain. I saw Dr. O’Neill half expecting that I would have to be done with riding forever. However, he assured me that I would be able to ride again after a hip replacement. The surgery went well! Ann was amazing at answering my questions before and after the procedure, and my recovery went very well. I did need some physical therapy afterwards to help regain a full range of motion. Jeff LaPlante was fabulous in helping me get there. I am happy to report that I am back in the saddle and pain free! I cannot thank Dr. O’Neill and his team enough for all their great care and follow-up assistance. Dr. O’Neill is a technical wizard! The equipment and technology that used to execute a flawless replacement is a marvel. Anyone that asks me for a referral gets one answer! Get it done by Dr. O’Neill and get back to living! A huge thank you to Dr. O’Neill and the TCO team!

Dr. Nessler and his team were very comforting and did a great job with my hip surgery. After one week, I swapped out the walker for a cane. After a few more days, I was walking without any aid! I had a Cool Therapy machine for my hip, and it really keeps the swelling down. Thank you to Dr. Nessler and his team!

While training for the Special Olympics, Elizabeth was experiencing pain in her left leg, knee and hip. Her pain increased until one day she told her mom she “just could not run anymore.” It hurt too much. As an athlete with Down Syndrome, her tolerance to pain is high, so she went straight to TCO to be evaluated. After a diagnosis of shin splints and IT band syndrome, Elizabeth’s now friend and physical therapist, Leah Hammer, put together a plan. She listened intently and provided individualized care to quickly prepare Elizabeth for the games. The at-home exercises and weekly therapy appointments have greatly paid off. Elizabeth has gained leg strength that has significantly reduced her pain. She’s so excited to compete on a national stage and meet athletes from all over the country. Thank you TCO. Go Elizabeth and Team Minnesota!

I received a hip replacement by Dr. Bircher and his team a few months after my husband died. I had been experiencing pain in my right hip, knee, and groin while giving care to my husband, but I didn’t realize my condition was strictly due to my hip. I was able to get prompt surgery after being expertly diagnosed by Dr. Bircher. I am 85 years old and live with my labradoodle, Roger. I was able to return home after a one-day hospital stay with the EXCEL program and was surprised how easily I was able to manage myself and Roger with only a few assists from my son.

I live on nine acres of land which was my husband’s outdoor kingdom. I didn’t think I would be able to maintain it and that I would have to move. However, I convalesced quickly and have no hip pain. I have been able to do much of the yard work and continue to live here with some outdoor help. I don’t think I would have been able to stay in our home and be this active again without such a good surgical outcome. I am very grateful for the opportunity I now have to continue living in my home for as long as possible. A big thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team!