Testimonials

I endured painful exercises for nearly two years as my physical therapist attempted various approaches to relieve my pain. I was shocked when my therapist informed me that I needed hip replacement surgery. I spent hours researching hip replacement surgery and was interested in the Anterior Approach. Testimonials for Dr. Owen O’Neill on TCO’s website impressed me, and I scheduled an appointment with him.

Dr. O’Neill reviewed my x-rays showing deterioration of the left hip cartilage resulting in bone-on-bone. He thoroughly explained the Anterior Approach Hip Replacement, and I scheduled surgery. The mandatory class at Fairview Southdale was helpful, and the pre-surgery exercises were beneficial.

The entire experience has been amazing. A few hours after surgery, I used my walker for a short walk to the nurses station. I then asked my nurse if we could walk further as I was thoroughly enjoying this without any pain. I went home the next day with no therapy, other than walking, and no restrictions, other than dancing the “Twist”.

While at home, I only used my walker for three days. I then discarded my cane after tripping on it during the first two minutes of usage. I proceeded to carefully walk around the house without assistance. I had pain medication – 1/2 tablet twice daily – for maybe 10 days. I didn’t even need Tylenol after that.

Life is good! At 77 years of age, I continue my daily 40 minutes of treadmill in addition to unlimited activities keeping me more than busy! I only experience a small amount of swelling after the treadmill, but no stiffness or pain. A special “Thanks” to Dr. Owen O’Neill and his amazing staff, Jessie and Ann. The front desk has also been exceptionally friendly and efficient. Yes, I anticipate future pain in my other hip and a repeat of this amazing procedure.

This was the second hip replacement. The first replacement (done by another provider) was good. This one by Dr. Arntson on my left hip was great. I recovered faster with less pain than the first. Sincerely thankful for the kind care.

I am a veteran that has suffered injuries from military service. I have had two surgical procedures done at TCO in the past and have been extremely pleased in both cases. They were not pushy and spent the time to consult with me, discuss options and answer all my questions to my satisfaction. In May of 2018, I started to have a lot of pain in my hip and in July I had both x-ray and MRI completed at the Veterans Administration showing that I had a “bone on bone” situation and needed surgery. My wife and I met with Dr. Robert Knowlan at TCO and he had another x-ray done to confirm the VA’s findings. I was very concerned about hip surgery as I had heard about a painful and extended recovery period from that procedure. Dr. Knowlan explained that by doing a procedure known as the anterior hip replacement that I would be up and walking in two days. Dr. Knowlan spent a lot of time with us and provided a lot of assurance. We decided to go ahead with the surgery. Everything went just as he said. Dr. Knowlan met with us after the surgery and the next day to “check-up” as well. We couldn’t ask for more. I was out of the hospital after one day and walking without a cane in two weeks. If I had to do it again…Dr. Knowlan would be my guy! We would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Knowlan to others in need.

A couple of years ago, at age 71, I started having some discomfort in my hip. During my annual physical, asked my family physician to take an x-ray. It showed some arthritis developing, but not significant. Decided then to undergo physical therapy and I religiously performed the exercises prescribed, but with little to no benefit. Slowed down on walking frequency and speed and stopped playing pickleball.

The following spring, I saw Dr. Owen O’Neill who gave me an injection into my hip and I felt almost immediate relief. Went back to walking and playing pickleball, but again experienced discomfort within a couple of months. I opted for Dr. O’Neill because he had performed surgery on my wife’s knees and I had seen him previously for other joint issues, that didn’t require surgery.

Then I went back to Dr. O’Neill earlier this year thinking that I needed a second injection. Additional x-rays and an MRI, along with only a three month beneficial response to the first injection indicated I should consider a hip replacement, much to my chagrin. My choice seemed to be to either live with the discomfort until it became unbearable or proceed with the operation as soon as possible while still in good health. I opted to proceed with the operation now.

Dr. O’Neill and his staff were outstanding throughout the process. They met with me numerous times to answer questions and explain what would happen during and after surgery. I also attended a 3 hour joint replacement class at Fairview Southdale Hospital in advance of surgery and then followed their advance exercise instructions.

My surgery and recovery were uneventful – just the way I had hoped. I walked within a few hours of surgery and was discharged the following day. There was discomfort, as you might expect after surgery, but I actually noticed improvement each day. I used a walker the first few days and shifted to a cane within a week. I discontinued the cane within a month following the surgery. Six weeks after surgery I was walking a three mile route a couple of times a week. Two months after surgery, I started some strengthening exercises and have continued walking. An added benefit seems to be the disappearance of some back pain I had been enduring before surgery.

Dr O’Neill performs hip surgeries employing an anterior approach, eliminating the need to damage muscles and significantly improving the speed of recovery. I would highly recommend anyone thinking they may need hip surgery to see Dr. O’Neill for an evaluation and potential hip replacement.

I am very happy and pleased with my anterior total hip replacement surgery and the aftercare. Dr. Arntson is a great surgeon who really cares.

This was the second hip that Dr. Szalapski has replaced for me and I could not of asked for better care! He is a very concerned physician and Kathryn Wilson PA is super! I would recommend him to anybody!

Dr. Szalapski – fabulous job, well done. I’m so pleased with everything about the process. All my questions were answered and I feel great. Thanks to his great job.

My mother broke her left hip a few months ago. It was suggested by Dr. Wood that my mother should have surgery on her left hip. She is 87 years old and very precious to all of us. Dr. Wood was the most caring patient Doctor I’ve ever come across. She reassured my mother about the surgery and talked to her a few times about it also. She was in great hands and we couldn’t be more appreciative of the excellent care that Dr. Wood and her team gave my mother. Thanks SO very much!

My first experience with Dr. Saterbak was in 1999 for the repair of my left ACL. We crossed paths again in 2005 for a right ACL. In the meantime, the progression of osteoarthritis was being monitored in my left knee. I had gone through medications and variable injection treatments. I felt I had come to the end of the road in the fall of 2016 with the amount of pain persisting in my left knee. At that time, a visit to Dr. Saterbak resulted in an appointment to thoroughly investigate the possibility of a total knee replacement. All evidence pointed to that procedure and it was then scheduled for March 2017.

The whole procedure was to be performed as part of TCO’s EXCEL Program. The intro to final PT program that covered all aspects of the replacement and lifted concerns of outcomes.

Blue Cross Blue Shield had no issues with the funding. That was huge! Additionally, I felt as though I was number 1 on the list with the work that went into my case – the pre-op, surgery, post-op, follow-ups and PT.

Count me as a satisfied consumer of the program.

Charlie W.

Dr. Arntson replaced my left hip joint 5 months ago with very good results. Before the surgery I had a lot of pain and trouble walking more than 100 yards. I trusted him so much that I had him perform surgery on my right wrist for carpal tunnel 6 weeks ago. Both surgeries were successful. He is a caring professional in and out of the surgery suite. He is also a sharp dresser when not in scrubs.