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.

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 Tylenol only 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!

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.

Having my left knee replaced on March 24th, 2026 with Dr. Scott Anseth was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Only a few months post-op, I was able to spend a week in Keystone, Colorado, hiking three to four miles a day between 9,000 and 12,000 feet elevation. We’ve even tackled the rugged terrain of Loveland Pass, and my knee has performed beautifully every step of the way. The only thing I’m struggling with is my lungs at this altitude! I’m so happy with my results and incredibly grateful to Dr. Anseth and his exceptional team who helped me get back to enjoying these adventures!

I first sought chiropractic treatment and then physical therapy for my left hip pain. My X-rays revealed severe arthritis. At 67 years old, I was hoping to avoid surgery, but when I could no longer walk more than two blocks, I knew it was time. A co-worker recommended Dr. O’Neill, and he performed my left hip replacement using the anterior approach in July 2025. My right hip was also severely affected by arthritis, and Dr. O’Neill replaced it in October 2025. Recovery from both hip replacements was easy, consisting mainly of walking and a few exercises at my kitchen counter.

Meanwhile, I had been dealing with various right knee injuries for decades, including a fractured patella in three pieces, arthritis, and pain. I consulted with Dr. O’Neill about my knee and my X-rays showed it was also in rough shape. We went forward with a right knee replacement in April 2026. The recovery was more intense with regular physical therapy and home exercises to achieve the best possible outcome. But if I can do it, anyone can! If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon for hip or knee replacement surgery, look no further than Dr. O’Neill. He and his team are wonderful! I want to give a big thank you to Ann, Lauren, Kaylyn, the pre-operative staff, Randy, Mary, Lindsey, William, the EXCEL Care Suites staff, and my physical therapists. I am very grateful to have had such skilled medical and surgical professionals!

I was completely satisfied with Dr. Vanden Berge and the staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics. From the pre-op appointments through the post-op follow-ups, he did a thorough and professional job explaining each step along the way. He was very patient and answered all my questions. As a result, my knee is well on its way to being more stable and far less painful than it was prior to surgery. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Vanden Berge. I am so confident in him that I am entrusting him to replace my other knee!

There is nothing negative I can say about Dr. Bircher. My total knee replacement was performed on May 4th, but my care with him began in January. From our first appointment through my final follow-up, I always felt I was in excellent hands. Dr. Bircher and I are both very pleased with the outcome of my surgery. I believe my successful recovery was a true partnership – I followed his instructions, stayed committed to my home physical therapy, and trusted the process he outlined for me.

What impressed me most about Dr. Bircher was not only his exceptional surgical expertise, but also his willingness to listen. He always took the time to hear my questions and concerns, making me feel like an active participant in my own recovery. That level of respect and communication meant a great deal to me. I also appreciated the personal touches that speak to his character. Every visit began with a handshake and ended with a cordial goodbye. Those simple gestures made every appointment feel welcoming and personal.

Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his entire team for the outstanding care they provided throughout my journey. Because of their expertise, encouragement, and professionalism, I have returned to doing the things I enjoy. I am truly grateful and would recommend their team without hesitation.