Patient Testimonials

Highly recommend Dr. Leafblad and the TCO staff. I had my shoulder replaced in February 2025 and now I am done with physical therapy. They are great with all they do. I couldn’t be more satisfied.

Dr. Ockuly performed a total reverse shoulder replacement for me in May. Prior to my surgery, I was not able to work over head or shoot my shot gun. I love to go bow hunting and was not able to shoot my vertical bow. He told me I would be shooting my bow by Fall. It was true and I couldn’t be happier. The TCO team was excellent.

I was suffering from extreme shoulder pain in both shoulders for about 7 years which got progressively worse over time. It was caused purely by arthritis with no history of damage from an accident or injury. I went to my local TCO clinic in Vadnais Heights for an opinion by a trained physician and was introduced to Dr. Nels Leafblad.

During the appointment, I was impressed by his medical background and that he treated damaged shoulders. A thorough evaluation determined my need for a total replacement of both shoulders. Feeling more at ease with Dr. Leafblad, we both agreed to replace one shoulder in 2024 and the other in 2025 if the first was successful. A great decision! Dr. Leafblad’s confidence and positive manner led to a very positive outcome.

Now, here I am in May 2025 with two newly replaced shoulders, a good attitude, and most importantly, no pain. I am completely back to performing house and year work while being also to play golf again. I feel like I was led to TCO and Dr. Leafblad. Now I have a new lease on life at age 78.

I highly recommend Twin Cities Orthopedics for joint replacement surgery. Dr. Leafblad and his staff did an excellent job with my total reverse shoulder replacement in March 2025. The pain from bone spurs is now completely gone in my shoulder. With physical therapy, I am making good progress toward increasing mobility. I am looking forward to having my other shoulder replaced within the next year.

My thanks to Dr. Butterfield and his surgical team for the left total shoulder replacement. Dr. Butterfield’s expertise and precise technique has given me an excellent outcome from this surgery in April of 2025. Dr. Butterfield and his team did a total right shoulder replacement in August of 2021 as well. I went to TCO with a lot of pain in both instances and each outcome resulted in zero pain. TCO’s physical therapy staff showed me how to regain full use of both shoulders. Dr. Wetter also replaced both of my hips back in 2016 and 2018, also with no pain afterwards. The four surgeries I have had have been life changing. Thank you!

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Meisterling and his entire team for the wonderful care that I received. I needed a surgical repair and follow-up care from an unfortunate trip and fall injury resulting in a torn rotator cuff. Dr. Meisterling listened to me and answered my questions in a very direct and professional manner. He handled my arm very gently during my post-op follow-up visit, which I appreciated. Everyone I encountered was so kind, thoughtful, and helpful as I moved through the process of surgery and the physical therapy that followed. I would highly recommend TCO and Dr. Meisterling’s care team. They are a 10+ out of 10!

Dr. Edward Kelly performed Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement on both of my shoulders. My arthritis and torn rotator cuff attachments limited my ability to do many things before. I now have increased range of motion in both shoulders – motion I have not had in over twenty years. Until I experienced “no pain” in my shoulders after surgery, I didn’t realize how much pain I was in every day.

The whole process, from my first visit through recovery, Dr. Kelly and his staff were there caring for me in a friendly and professional manner. The preparation for surgery, the facility, and everyone involved in my surgeries, were beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Dr. Kelly and his staff! Don’t wait, get it done sooner than later! Having use of my arms makes me feel that I am back in control and can now look forward to more years doing what I want to do. Thank you, Dr. Kelly, and Staff!

My first experience with Dr. Ockuly was five years ago when I needed a hip replacement. He took time to explain the x-rays and promised me he would do his best to fix my hip. It was a very successful surgery. Four weeks later, I had finished PT and could walk without any assistance. Next came a completely torn shoulder that could not be fixed except for a total reverse shoulder replacement. At first, Dr. Ockuly wanted me to try PT. Eighteen weeks later, Dr. Ockuly told me I was doing better than what surgery would do. Now I’m facing replacement of both knees but not before having a few years of alternative therapies.

I highly recommend Dr. Ockuly to anyone needing surgery. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. He takes time to explain the situation and what plans are available for treatment. His entire team is caring, competent, and really treats you like family. His PA, Annie Merrill, is an invaluable member of his team before, during, and after surgery.

I had a horrible fall that dislocated my shoulder, tore my rotator cuff, and fractured a bone. Dr. Schmiesing is an excellent surgeon and answered all my questions. His team is also great, and phone calls were returned very quickly. My shoulder is so much better. I highly recommend him.

Many thanks to Dr. Leafblad and supporting staff, at TCO Vadnais Heights and TCO Surgery Center Blaine. The surgery team from start to finish gave me the best of care. Dr. Leafblad clearly explained the procedure and the results afterward. I appreciated being show actual photos of the inside of my shoulder and what was done. Also would like to compliment the front desk staff on the second floor of TCO VH. They dealt with me in a very friendly and professional manner. Thanks again.