Patient Testimonials

 Dr. O’Neill performed a hip replacement on my right hip a little over 2 months ago. I am on the younger end of getting a hip replacement, so I was nervous as I did not have many others my age to talk to about the recovery etc. The surgery and my recovery went smoothly. I was up and moving immediately and was never in any pain. I am now able to walk up the stairs in my house as opposed to crawling up them. I no longer have lower back pain. I can walk my dog for miles and even play pickleball. I have also noticed a positive change in my mental health. I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and his staff if you need a hip replacement.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous orthopedic physician and I am greatly appreciative of his awesome treatment of my longtime knee pain. Dr. Bircher possesses a rare combination of great wisdom, compassion and kindness. Both my husband (hip replacement surgery) and I are patients of Dr. Bircher, further confirming our mutual confidence and trust in his medical expertise. Dr. Bircher is a truly outstanding orthopedic provider and his TCO team of Kari (PA) and Cassie (care coordinator) provide superb, enhanced patient support. My husband Bill has submitted his own patient testimonial regarding his successful hip replacement surgery by Dr. Bircher. Both my husband and I greatly thank and highly recommend Dr. James Bircher to anyone seeking excellent knee or hip orthopedic medical care.

Dr. Carlson replaced my hip November 2024 at TCO’s Orthopedic Institute in Chaska. My surgery and recovery were as painless and timely as I could have asked for. The facility was clean, quiet, peaceful, and extremely conducive to positive healing. I had a single spacious room for an overnight stay. The food they tell me was nutritious and delicious. Most importantly, the staff were attentive, competent, friendly, and very helpful when needed. I was walking the day of my surgery and went home the following morning with complete directions on how to best care for myself and move toward a successful recovery with the help of my spouse. Because of the care and instructions I received, I walked into Dr. Carlson’s office on my own without any support device at my 2 week checkup. My progress continued from that point forward, allowing me to eventually walk 1 mile, then 2 miles as the snow melts. I look forward to eventually adding to that distance as my body walks as I once did without pain. I am highly recommending Dr. Carlson and his staff.

Dr. Scott Anseth performed work on both my left knee and right hip. A year after my knee replacement, I was skiing, not slowly, in Colorado. He took the time to listen to concerns and objectives, and his team was very professional in moving me through the process. After my right hip surgery, I’m able to walk without a cane after 7 days.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous surgeon possessing a rare combination of exceptional talent, wisdom and compassion. I am truly grateful for Dr. Bircher and I would highly recommend Dr. Bircher and his ‘team’ to anyone seeking great orthopedic hip care.

My story begins almost three years ago. Having just moved to Minnesota from Wisconsin and suffering from severe right hip pain. After researching the biographies of TCO’s surgeons, I felt led to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bircher. During my initial appointment with
Dr. Bircher, two things occurred:
(1) I immediately realized that I had found the ‘right surgeon’ to replace my right hip
(2) I learned, incredibly, that I had to first lose almost 60 pounds before surgery could be safely accomplished

Almost two and one half years from that first appointment, I was scheduled for the replacement of my right hip having lost the required 60 pounds. On the day of surgery, prior to being wheeled into the operating room, Dr. Bircher met with me and asked if he could pray with my wife, our adult son & myself for God’s favor over the surgery – my response was – absolutely and so very much appreciated!

To my surprise, I learned that my severely deteriorated hip (according to Dr. Bircher, one of the worst that he had seen) was successfully replaced and that Dr. Bircher would be visiting with me shortly, and surgery was pronounced to be a ‘success’.  Three weeks after the surgery, I was able to go beyond my walking at home and begin walking around Lifetime Fitness’s walking track. And now February 24 2025, I still remain completely ‘pain free’ with ALL that I had to endure but a distant memory.

I take this moment to personally thank ALL involved in my hip replacement surgery:
Almighty God – for answering our prayers for a successful surgery (Psalm 77:11)
Dr. Bircher – for being the tremendous surgeon that he proved to be
PA Kari – who closed my incision to a point whereby it is now almost unnoticeable
Cassie – as the Care Coordinator who was always there to efficiently address the multitude of questions or needs relating to the surgery
Heather – my TCO physical therapist who did her very best to help me cope with all the pain I had to endure until the day of surgery.

My surgery experience with Dr. Owen O’Neill & his team has been exceptional. The surgery location was at Two Twelve Surgery Center in Chaska, everyone  there were professional and welcoming and go above and beyond expectations.  Once I was home I was going up and down stairs the first day, I didn’t need anything stronger than Tylenol for pain. Before hip surgery it took forever to go up and down stairs. Getting in and out of the car was extremely painful. I am back to my old self and pain free.

I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill & his team to anyone needing hip surgery.

After dealing significant pain in my right hip, I was referred to Dr. Eric Busse by Dr. Chris Meyer. Dr. Busse spent a great deal of time showing me and explaining the issues that were causing my pain and limp. I recently had my surgery that I am sure will make a huge difference in my comfort and gait!  I have the most gratitude for Dr. Busse and his PA- Ashley Roerig.

I am extremely happy with the outcome of my hip replacement and the care that I received with the EXCEL Surgery and Recovery Program! Dr. Owen O’Neill is a stellar provider who truly cares about your overall health and well being and wants you to have a successful outcome. It was unexpected to need a hip replacement at 29 years old,  but I feel so much better (substantially improved range of motion, no more aching daily hip pain, able to get back to regular activities, etc.) and feel that it was the right treatment option for me.

All of the staff at TCO has been friendly, helpful, and competent in providing me with the best patient care. TCO also does an amazing job at preparing you for surgery and what to expect post-op and they have great follow-up care to make sure that you are progressing well after surgery. I would recommend Dr. O’Neill and his team to anyone who is looking for orthopedic treatment options to get them feeling better and back to enjoying life!

Dr. Andrew Schmiesing listened to me and understood the importance of my scheduled vacation. He discussed the options to relieve my hip pain. Together we came up with a solution, which would help me walk without pain, and not delay hip replacement. Shortly after my trip, Dr. Schmiesing replaced my hip. He worked to get me scheduled quickly, so I could be ready for the upcoming pool and golf season. He took into account how important my activities are for me. In addition, he adjusted the length of my right leg with the replacement to match the left side previously replaced, which was 1/2 inch longer. Now I do not have to wear the lift in my shoe. I also appreciated seeing the X-rays and questions answered. Soon, I’ll be back on the pickleball court too!

Dr. Eric Busse is an excellent provider. When I met with him to explore the need to replace my right hip, he explained the pros and cons. Risks that needed to be considered as well as the benefits. He listened and addressed my concerns. The result of my hip replacement can be summed up in one word – spectacular. Dr. Busse has my full recommendation.