Patient Testimonials

My knee first surgery and recovery went very well with Dr. Michael R. Johnson. I was not nervous about my second surgery with him. I am back doing agility with my dog. I have recommended Dr. Johnson to many people who are nervous about having total knee replacement.

From my first visit to my latest, Dr. Bircher and his Team have been nothing short of outstanding! I am very pleased with the procedure, physical therapy, and overall progress. Now, I am on my third month post-surgery and on track to meeting all my personal goals. I highly recommend Dr. Bircher to anyone looking into having a total knee replacement. Just remember if you want positive results, you need to work hard and always look towards the bigger picture. You won’t always like it, but it is important to remember why you decided to proceed with your procedure. The pain and discomfort (at times) is part of the healing.

I’m sad that Dr. Nemanich is retiring. I guess that means that my right knee can never go bad!

Rarely do I walk without thinking about how grateful I am for my new hip and knee which are pain free! Although my left knee replacement was more painful than the other surgeries I have had in my life, it was well worth it. I have zero pain in my knee or hip, and they feel like my own. I can bend, stretch, and walk several miles without any pain. I am incredibly thankful. Dr. Nemanich is the best!

I recently had knee replacement surgery with Dr. Lewis. He took the time to patiently answer all my questions, and the surgery itself went without a hitch. I am now 10 weeks out from surgery and I’m very pleased with the results. I would highly recommend him to others who need knee replacement surgery.

I cannot state how happy I am with the care I received from Dr. Bircher and his Team. Throughout both my knee and hip surgeries he listened to my concerns with compassion. He is very knowledgeable and provided exceptional care throughout both of my procedure journeys. I will continue to refer anyone I know to Dr. Bircher if they are in need of a doctor!

Dr. Ockuly performed two total knee replacements for me, one in 2021 and the other in 2024. The results of both surgeries are excellent. Prior to surgery, he took the time to explain in detail what I could expect. It is a painful surgery, and he was straightforward about that. By the time I got to surgery, I was comfortable with what would take place. The morning of the surgery, he made sure all my questions were answered. After the first surgery, I had a high level of pain and nausea. Those things were considered for the second surgery, and a different approach was taken which made post-surgery less painful with no nausea.

While part of the success of my surgeries is through my compliance to directions from him and the physical therapy team, I feel a big part of my results is due to his skills. Dr. Ockuly cares about his patients, not just the knees. He is personable, and open to any questions without making you feel the question was dumb. I highly recommend him if you need a total knee replacement. I will not hesitate to see him again if I have other issues.

I was a bit anxious before my total knee replacement on May 6, 2025. I was given information to reach out to a Care Team with any questions. Christine and Jenna were always there to answer questions with compassion and patience. They always got back to me very quickly if I needed to leave a message. They even answered the phone when I called which is unheard of elsewhere these days. They always took the time to ask how I was doing. At my appointment with Dr. Peterson this week, I was able to put beautiful faces with those voices and meet them in person. Thank you for everything Dr. Peterson and his Team did for me and what they will continue to do for others. God bless you.

Dr. Ockuly has been a God send for our family! We have two daughters who are both athletes and at various times in their sports journeys, they have been injured. We met Dr. Ockuly when our younger daughter was mis-diagnosed by another provider and we sought a second opinion. Not only did he set the record straight, but he worked with us to try and rehab her with her injury before going right to the surgery option. After the injury happened again, we knew she had to undergo surgery to fix it; he was so thorough, kind and understanding. Later, our older daughter injured her knee, and we went straight to Dr. Ockuly. Again, he was able to put her mind at ease right away, ordered physical therapy, and an MRI and talked openly and honestly about next steps and what needed to be done to get her back on the field. We would highly recommend him for athletes and families!

I am so grateful for the entire team under Dr. James Bircher throughout my surgery journey. He listened to my needs and set me up for surgery when it was right for me. He is personable. I know I can always trust him, and he will be there looking out for my best interests. I could not be happier with my knee replacement, and I would highly recommend Dr. James Bircher and Twin Cities Orthopedics.

I had total knee replacement surgery in 2015. Starting in 2024, I was having considerable pain and discomfort. I had trouble with stairs and any uneven walking. I was referred to Dr. Bircher by my first surgeon and I found out that not all orthopedic surgeons perform total knee revision surgery. Dr. Bircher spent a considerable amount of time with me on two different occasions explaining everything about this procedure, what to expect, outcomes, and possible consequences.

Post surgery in February 2025, Dr. Bircher personally called me four different times over a two-week period to ask how I was doing. I have also had multiple follow up appointments with Dr. Bircher and his entire staff including Cassie, Logan, Kari, and Maggie. At each visit, they listened to any concerns I had before recommending any follow ups. This team of professionals is the best I have ever been associated with. I highly recommend Dr. James Bircher and his team.