Patient Testimonials

Dr. Bircher was the absolute best surgeon to do my knee replacement. He was very understanding and explained everything to me in a way so I could understand the surgery and recovery process. He visited me right before the surgery and invited me to pray with him.  I was very appreciative of the comfort that it gave me. A big shoutout to Dr. Bircher’s team as well. Maggie was great and kept my spirits up before and after the surgery. Absolutely the highest recommendation for the Bircher team. Thank you!

I was in the 10% of middle-aged people who needed surgery for a torn meniscus rather than just using physical therapy. Dr. Saterbak saw me right away and she performed a successful surgery. I was scheduled for physical therapy and started less than a week later. Dustin Schlangen encouraged me to push myself during therapy sessions, and I graduated from PT in four weeks. I was a big walker/hiker before the surgery, and I set a goal of walking three miles. I am happy to say I met that goal six weeks post-surgery and I am still improving. I would recommend Dr. Saterbak and Dustin Schlangen for anyone needing surgery and/or PT.

I would highly recommend Dr. Bircher! He explained things well and gave me all the information I needed so I could feel comfortable making the decision to have the procedure. This was my second knee replacement, and the recovery has gone very smoothly! I have no complaints! Dr. Bircher is kind and truly listens to his patients. He is a very skilled surgeon! I am so grateful to him and his team. I would encourage anyone to go to him!

I had a knee replacement at TCO Edina on August 19, 2025. Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team were absolutely amazing. Everyone from his assistant, the nurses, and the anesthesiologist were very professional and greatly coordinated. The overnight stay at the rehabilitation center was one more great experience with traditional patient care. The following two months of physical therapy with Chee Vang helped me a lot during my recover. Thank you so much to Dr. O’Neill and his team! You are the best!

I had a total knee replacement performed at Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan that was completed by Dr. Samuel Carlson. I have nothing but good things to say about the whole process, and I would highly recommend considering Dr. Carlson for your care. Everything is covered up front and patients are provided with a contact for anything you might need help with throughout the process. All the staff from pre-op to post-op to physical therapy are top-notch. Dr. Carson is very thorough and professional, and he made sure all my questions were answered and my concerns were addressed. I am sure he has a busy schedule, but when it was my time for any follow-up appointments, it seemed like I was all he was concerned about. The whole process is efficient and well-orchestrated.

I would recommend Dr. Bircher to anyone needing a knee replacement. My experience was an A+ on every level. Dr. Bircher and his team took the time to answer my many questions, and they helped make the surgery process much easier than I expected. The day of my surgery, Dr. Bircher asked if I would like to pray with him. It was very meaningful to me, and it helped give me peace before entering the surgery room. I am very grateful for my new knee. The progress I have made in recovery is exactly how Dr. Bircher and his team explained it would be. I am very grateful to finally be pain free. Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his entire team.

After decades of knee pain, I was finally in the position to address both knees replacement. I was so happy to find Dr. Schmiesing and make the personal connection which put me in the mindset to move forward. Thanks to Dr. Schmiesing and his staff, I am back to doing the things I enjoy without my knees buckling or having to endure pain and discomfort.

A huge thank you and shout out to Dr. Jason Holm, Aaron Klatt, and Alex Barney. I fell off my bike in May when the brakes locked up resulting in a bad landing on my left knee. I had not fallen off my bike since I was a kid. I have osteoporosis so I was anxious about this whole thing. I had to be at TCO Burnsville early that Thursday. Living solo at age 76 added to the challenges of this experience but I was able to be picked up and have someone stay with me for a few days to help in my recovery.

After healing from my procedure, I was finally able to prepare for a trip to see my kids and grandkids in Atlanta. I worked hard during my physical therapy appointments with Alex and learned how my new knee now functions. I powered through our sessions, and I challenged myself to whole way. Alex told me to listen to my body, especially if my body was telling me not to do specific exercises for a little while and take a break. I realized what was manageable and what wasn’t. My appointments started as twice a week, but I was able to stretch my appointments to once a week then once a month. I went through withdrawal as my PT appointments lessened, but I realized I was finally able to handle life much better as recovery went on.

I am so much happier now post-surgery. I have lost 15 lbs. since the procedure and have been more active at home and out-and-about. I was finally able to swim again during Labor Day, and I have been going to the Eagan YMCA to work specifically on strength exercises and swimming. My first time back to the pool, I realized I can do strokes that I could not do prior. I do stretches in bed and I can now bend to get up and down from the floor. My leg is truly functioning again!

Conveniently, I have a high pain tolerance, and I didn’t need much pain medication. Icy Hot became very helpful for any achy pains during recovery. Overall, healing happens if you are patient with the directions and put in the work. Thank you again to the masterful team of Dr. Holm, Aaron, and Alex! I will be forever grateful for your professional help in giving me back a positive quality of life after many years of frustrating limitations.

I cannot say enough about Dr. Mittelsteadt and his wonderful staff! I had an EMT step on and break my left foot in three places about 5 years ago. Dr. Mittelsteadt was going to do surgery the following winter, which was about a year later, but something came up with my health so we couldn’t do it. That went on for 5 winters! Dr. Mittelsteadt saw me through all those years, with steroid shots and different braces. He was very understanding and patient. Plus, he is funny! Of all the doctors I have, he’s my favorite by far. Right after I went back to work from my ankle surgery, I fell and broke my kneecap. He took care of that as well. I fall and break things all the time, so I am sure I will be seeing him again!

For months, I had been training for a significant hiking trip on Kodiak Island in Alaska; a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Just before my trip, I injured my knee and was worried I would have to cancel. Dr. Hofkens immediately made time to see me, provided excellent treatment, and helped develop a plan that allowed me to continue with my trip safely.

Thanks to his expertise and care, I was able to complete the hike and fully enjoy the experience. Dr. Hofkens was incredible throughout the entire process, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate physician.