Patient Testimonials

Dr. James Bircher performed total knee replacement surgery for me on 4/17/25. The whole experience has been positive. I feel it is rare to find a surgeon who is so incredibly skilled but also very kind and caring. Dr. Bircher and his team are first rate, and I feel fortunate to have gone through this journey with them. I will be having my other knee done by him at the end of the year!

I had a total knee replacement done by Dr. Hunt on 4/7/25 and was a part of the EXCEL program. I cannot emphasize enough how phenomenal the EXCEL program is. There was a 25-30% reduction in the overall cost compared to the traditional billing process for a knee replacement. Having 24-hour care from nurses and physical therapists while at the recovery/care center was a perfect transition before going home. I had a private room and was treated like a celebrity by the care attendants and physical therapists. Programs like this should be the norm, both from a cost savings standpoint as well initial aftercare following knee replacement.

I met Dr. Johnson at the Fairview Southdale emergency room one evening after I slipped on our carpeted stairs which resulted in a bad break to my right femur. Dr. Johnson and his team took great care of me during my stay at the hospital, and I received a very successful surgery on my leg. My pain level during my recovery was very tolerable, and his follow-up was excellent.

Fast forward about a year or so, my left knee had experienced an insufficiency fracture needing a total knee replacement. It was not a question as to who I wanted to do the surgery. Turns out that Dr. Johnson is an excellent knee replacement surgeon as well. Him and his team were genuinely interested in my care through every phase of my time with them. I just “graduated” from my one-year follow-up a few weeks ago and have no complaints. I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Jeremiah Johnson for any of your special orthopedic surgical needs. Thank you!

Dr. Bircher performed a robotic total knee replacement on March 3, 2025. I would characterize Dr. Bircher as a consummate professional and skilled surgeon. The EXCEL program is fantastic and made the experience less daunting. From the initial meeting with Dr. Bircher to the final follow up appointment, Dr. Bircher was honest, articulated realistic expectations, and treated me with compassion. I would highly recommend TCO, the EXCEL program, and Dr. Bircher. The total knee replacement has allowed me to regain my ability to function without pain in my day-to-day life.

Dr. Arntson and his team have done an incredible job working with me through the entire process. I needed to work on bringing down my BMI for a safer surgery. With his recommendation, I used the cortisone injections to bring some relief while working on my health. Dr. Arntson was patient, encouraging, and he was supportive as I worked at getting things in line for surgery. After an adrenal drop, we stopped the cortisone injections and then scheduled surgery because I had no other option to get out of pain. The knee had nothing left as the bone-on-bone grinding had increased the pain.

Dr. Arntson and his Team are super encouraging. Their teamwork is amazing, and they truly collaborate with each other very well. I would, and have, highly recommended Dr. Arntson and his Team to those needing orthopedic surgery. I give that recommendation without wavering, and I honestly believe he is an incredible surgeon. You can’t go wrong making Dr. Zachary Arntson your choice as surgeon. He is the best!

Three months after my full knee replacement, Dr. Ockuly cleared me for full participation of my physical activities. He even encouraged me to get after it! While the first two weeks after my surgery required a lot of attention (as he mentioned prior), he assured me that things would get better with physical therapy and by following the prescribed exercise routines. I am an avid golfer and didn’t anticipate playing until late June/mid-July. As of today (mid-May), I was told I can resume playing!

I would highly recommend Dr. Ockuly and his Team. I have mentioned him to several people already. I am very satisfied with the surgery, the results, and the Care Plan they initiated for me. They answered all my questions, addressed my concerns, and told me I could “get back to normal life” much sooner than I had anticipated.

Dr. Michael R. Johnson performed knee replacement surgery on both of my knees, one in late 2022 and the other in early 2023. I was able to travel to Norway in October of 2023 and had no issues with walking or hiking. I highly recommend Dr. Johnson!

After years of managing my knee pain with injections and activity modifications, I finally decided to pursue a total knee replacement. I am grateful that my search led me to Dr. Samuel Carlson at Twin Cities Orthopedics. From my first consultation through surgery and recovery, the care I received was exceptional. Through diagnosis, surgery, EXCEL Extended Care, and physical therapy, the process was seamless and far beyond my expectations.

A knee replacement is an important life decision, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson and TCO to anyone facing an orthopedic challenge. You only get one chance to do it right. Make sure you have the best surgical team. I am grateful I did.

I had a left knee replacement 11 years ago that built up a lot of scar tissue right away. I had to have a manual manipulation on it. It had a good bend even after the surgery and to this day, it is still painful. It was not a robotic surgery.

My right knee was robotic and done by Dr. Arntson. It had a pretty fluid bend before surgery. I am 6 weeks out and my pain has gone down a lot. The scar has healed quickly. I cannot tell you how much better the surgery with the Mako Robotics is over a regular surgery. The results are far superior! Thank you to Dr. Arntson.

As a nurse, I have seen many doctors. Dr. Lewis is the best! He is a wonderful guy, has great bedside manner, and is a master at what he does. My knee replacement was great, with no problems at all. He has taken care of my whole family over the years. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Lewis if you are looking for perfection.