Patient Testimonials

After 2 years of reduced mobility and limping, I knew it was time. I started watching YouTube videos and came upon the subvastus (Jiffy) technique for knee replacement procedures. I started searching for orthopedic surgeons and found Dr. Zachary Arntson who uses this technique. Together, we discussed the use of MAKO robotics and I decided that was the best route for me.

Everyone I came in contact with during this journey was very helpful achieve my goals. Dr. Arntson is a treasure! I wish there were more surgeons doing the Jiffy
procedure. Based on my experience, I would recommend strengthening your quads prior to surgery and using the NICE machine. Most importantly, make sure to move during recovery but don’t overdo it (my physical therapist had to tell me to scale it back during week one because I was so eager to move). A big thank you to Dr. Arntson and the amazing team at TCO!

I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Bircher from the bottom of my heart for performing my knee replacement surgery. This is the best team I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Everyone was incredibly attentive, caring, and kind. A huge thank you to the entire team for helping me restore my knee and helping me get back on the road to recovery. Thank you so much!

In August 2025, I had a partial knee replacement on my right knee with Dr. Bircher.

Before surgery, the pain was becoming hard to manage, and my leg strength was rapidly diminishing. I finally decided it was time to do something about it and began researching knee replacement procedures. Dr. Bircher was recommended to me by a friend, and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. We determined that my knee had been bone on bone for nearly 15 years.

The professionals at the surgery center were friendly and knowledgeable. I was on my feet almost immediately and ready to begin my rehabilitation. Within a matter of weeks, I could tell that my joint pain had subsided. Within a few months, my knee felt better than it had in years. Now, after one year, I’m running again without any pain, and my legs are stronger than they have been in over a decade. I am more than grateful to Dr. Bircher and his team for helping me get back to a pain free active lifestyle.

I am a 27-year-old female and had a bad fall in November 2025. After a day of awful pain, I went in and was seen by Dr. Saterbak. After imaging and further discussions with her, it was determined I had torn my medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Dr. Saterbak was very informative. Together, we decided it was best to do MPFL reconstruction surgery which was completed in January 2026. The entire process was very easy and I felt supported every step of the way from Dr. Saterbak and her team. Throughout the last nine months, Dr. Saterbak and her team have answered all my questions and concerns. They have given me reassurance that has helped ease any anxiety I had during the process. I have told multiple people that if I ever need another surgery, I will no doubt be going back to Dr. Saterbak.

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.

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!

After having a bad experience with another doctor outside of TCO, I came to see Dr. Erik Peterson. He looked at my X-rays and immediately knew what was needed. He asked which knee I wanted to have surgery done on first. I had the first one done and it went great! Two months later, I did the other and it was also great! Dr. Peterson and his team were super professional, and they answered every question I had. Both surgeries went perfectly! I wish I would have went to Dr. Peterson when I started having knee trouble instead. I would highly recommend Dr. Erik Peterson to anyone having knee trouble!

What I liked most about my care was that Dr. Bircher prayed over me before my knee replacement surgery. It was very comforting and the procedure went great! I was able to get by on only Tylenol and the scar is very small. My foot doctor was impressed that my legs were still the same length. Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team!

Update 9/10: I just wanted to say thank you again to Dr. Bircher and his team for the successful right knee replacement they performed on me back on March 4th, 2026. Yesterday, I went to the MN State Fair and walked 16,888 steps. I had no pain!

I was so pleased with both pre-care, surgery and follow up by Dr. Barry and his staff. Knowing I did not want surgery, Dr. Barry fully used all means to detect what was wrong with the knee since regular X-rays showed everything was as it should be. When final diagnosis was made, he gave me pre-surgery PT exercises to do. These made all the difference in recovery after the total knee replacement. Thanks to him, I had a speedy recovery and needed no narcotics, just Tylenol Extra Strength. Dr. Barry recommended the ice machine and had me schedule rehab appointments that started within the first week. They had me well on the road to recovery that was quicker than I thought possible. He and his staff made everything run like clockwork from the time it was determined that I needed the surgery all the way through recovery. They took care of getting everything set up. I just had to do my exercises and be there when needed. I will highly recommend Dr. Jason Barry if anyone needs any orthopedic surgery.

I would highly recommend Dr. Vanden Berge for knee surgery. He performed a robotic total left knee replacement on me. I have both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis in my knees and was in severe pain before the surgery. During my pre-op appointments, he thoroughly explained the surgery process in a very detailed and professional manner. He answered all my questions and addressed every concern. The surgery was very successful, and I currently have no pain in my left knee! I can walk and do numerous activities that I couldn’t do prior. Dr. Vanden Berge has the best technology available to him and has excellent bedside manners. I will confidently entrust him to perform my right knee surgery, if and when it is required.