Patient Testimonials

My journey with the Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) team began in February 2017 when my wife gave me a Valentine’s Day gift: a new hip. I had put it off for so long because I was afraid. Dr. Brian O’Neill performed the surgery and helped soothe my fears. The surgery went well, and I was up and walking with the assistance of a walker within an hour or two of the operation thanks to the TCO EXCEL program. His advice was simple: walk. He said it was the best thing for a new hip, and he was right! Since my surgery, I have participated in the TCO personal training program, where I meet with Laurey Heinrich twice a week for 30-minute sessions focused on strengthening. Laurey’s sessions have provided motivation, accountability, and the support I needed to stay committed to exercising.

Over the past couple of years, I have developed some knee and shoulder “maturing issues.” These have become the focus of my training and have led to a few physical therapy sessions with the TCO team. Dr. David Hartigan and his PA-C, Aaron Hulsebus, have been realistic about my physical challenges and have helped create a care plan that takes my personal goals into consideration while improving my mobility.

Where has this journey led me? Over the past year, I have lost 20 pounds and successfully kept the weight off. I have been able to travel and enjoy hiking in the Red Rock area of Sedona, Arizona; explore the beaches and trails of Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu; and enjoy many trails throughout Minnesota. I can even play golf again. Most importantly, with the birth of my granddaughter, I am now able to get up and down from the ground to play with her, which is a major accomplishment. I can hold her, read books to her, and go for walks with her and my family. Having that mobility back is a true gift!

My shoulder and knees may still have their “maturing issues,” but the TCO team has provided me with the tools, guidance, and care I need to maintain my mobility while reducing discomfort, all without the need for additional surgery. For my mobility and the opportunities it has opened up for me, I am deeply grateful to the TCO team.

Dr. Nessler and his team are the best! He replaced my right hip in November 2024 and just did my left hip July 2026. The entire process is very smooth. The EXCEL program and cares sites at the Omni Hotel is a very pleasant experience from surgery to recovery. I always felt well cared for and comfortable. I can now get back to full range of motion in both my hips and become active again. Thank you to Dr. Nessler and his team.

Dr. Allan Hunt agreed to do my hip replacement on one condition – I had to send him a picture of me once I was back on my horse. It took us awhile to train for riding, but here we are. I am finally able to ride again! I will forever be grateful to to Dr. Hunt for giving me my dream back! He is an amazing surgeon and I have much love for his team and the staff at TCO. You all rock!

After a significant injury during basketball, I visited TCO Urgent Care. After an MRI, I learned I needed surgery pretty quickly. By luck of the draw, Dr. Butterfield was my surgeon. I had S/P right knee open medial retinacular repair, MPFL repair, and vastus medialis obliquus repair. The procedure and recovery have been nothing short of top notch! My recovery has been quicker than expected and I am able to get back to sports very soon. Besides the great experience with surgery, we were extremely satisfied with the fact that we saw Dr. Butterfield at all appointments. We have had experiences with many other surgeries where the providers were only seen at the initial appointment and day of surgery. This shows his care and dedication to each patient. I highly recommend Dr. Butterfield!

I recently had both my hips replaced by Dr. Bircher. He was wonderful! From the first visit through recovery, his team gave me confidence through all the phases of this journey. I never thought I would have this procedure done but I am very happy with the results. I no longer have shooting pain down my legs, and I am able to go back to teaching workout classes. Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team!

In April 2026, I went to TCO Edina Urgent Care for my right hip pain. I saw Dr. Eric Bobel, who specializes in sports medicine. I had an X-ray taken, but it had shown very little. He ordered an MRI which indicated bone on bone deterioration. I was able to have my hip replacement scheduled six weeks later with Dr. Carlson. I cannot say enough about the care I received! Dr. Carlson, Dr. Bobel, the nurses at the EXCEL Care Suites, the follow-up care with Jacob Szalat, PA-C, has been phenomenal through and through.

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.