Patient Testimonials

I had my first hip replacement three years ago. When it came time for my second, my original surgeon had retired, and I was referred to Dr. Carlson. Although I wasn’t familiar with him; I did some research and was impressed by what I read. His expertise in the robotic?assisted anterior approach, along with his residency training at the Mayo Clinic, gave me the confidence to move forward. I am now six weeks post?op and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. I am already back to golfing and will begin easing into my regular workout routine in the coming weeks. The recovery has been remarkably smooth, and I am extremely happy with the outcome. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson.

My experience with Dr. O’Neill and his team (Kaylyn, Lauren, Ann, Sara, and Hayden) was exceptional. After reviewing my MRI and performing a clinical exam, Dr. O’Neill diagnosed stage 4 osteoarthritis. He performed an anterior approach total hip replacement for me. Dr. O’Neill explained everything in advance and provided a summary handout that detailed what to expect prior to and following surgery. Surgery requires a team approach, and everyone involved (including the staff at the Orthopedic Institute) were terrific. If a question arose, Dr. O’Neill’s assistant, Ann, quickly returned my calls.

My THR experience tracked exactly as Dr. O’Neill described prior to surgery. I ceased prescription pain medication after two weeks. At eight weeks post-op, I now walk two to three miles daily, have started biking on my stationary bike, and am carefully and progressively resuming weighted squats and deadlifts – all approved by Dr. O’Neill. I have some residual stiffness which should subside soon. The incision is barely visible. Dr. O’Neill told me I have no restrictions (other than running marathons).

I recommend Dr. O’Neill to everyone I know that has arthritic hip pain. He has already operated successfully on a friend of mine. Dr. Owen O’Neill is an experienced and highly skilled surgeon. He keeps current about the latest techniques. He utilizes prostheses that incorporate proven advances in materials science. This ensures that the patient receives a properly implanted prosthesis, one that is stable, durable, and comfortable for the patient. This, in turn, supports an uncomplicated and speedy recovery, and a satisfied patient. I recommend Dr. O’Neill without reservation.

I had an anterior hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Samuel Carlson on August 14, and I am very pleased with the outcome. Six weeks later, I was able to travel and hike in Europe. Now I can sit, walk, and sleep every day with no hip pain.  Dr. Carlson and Jacob Szalat, PA-C answered questions thoroughly and clearly, from the initial consultation through the post-surgery appointments. All the staff involved throughout the process were helpful, respectful, and professional. Having the surgery through the EXCEL Program at the Crosstown Surgery Center was a great choice. The care I received during the overnight stay was beyond expectations. I felt safe in a quiet setting that allowed me to truly rest comfortably. The information provided before and after the surgery was excellent and informative. I was given a contact to call for anything that might come up during the process, and the two times I called with a question, I got a response within minutes. I would highly recommend Dr. Carlson and the EXCEL Program to anyone considering a hip replacement.

I had a total right hip replacement (anterior approach) a little over 9 weeks ago. From the time I reached my recovery room, I have experienced very little pain after my surgery. I only took the over-the-counter drugs prescribed to manage what discomfort I had. I used the NICE ice machine which was a game changer. It was easy to use and made icing simple. The difference in my mobility is night and day. I put off the surgery for 2 years and now I regret waiting this long. Dr. Arntson did a great job and I would recommend him to anyone. I am amazed at what this has done for me. It has given me the ability to be completely free to go about life again.

Once again, I’m blown away from the superb treatment and outcome of the Twin Cities Orthopedics staff! My anterior approach hip replacement far exceeded my expectations. Dr. O’Neill was kind, thorough, and a “straight shooter.” Any questions or issues I had were dealt with promptly through his staff. The surgical facilities in TCO Chaska are top notch! I am of the age where my friends are also facing hip replacements. I was the only one of three with the anterior approach and had far less pain with a very fast recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Owen O’Neill! I’ve had three other total replacements with TCO and have always been impressed by the professionalism and expertise of the surgeons I’ve worked with!

I had my right hip replaced by Dr. O’Neill in Feb 2025. Everything went very smoothly from pre and post-op. Dr. O’Neill and his team were great. My recovery went as outlined and was ever easier than discussed. I am ready to get my left hip replaced by Dr O’Neill this fall. I recommend Dr. O’Neill, his team, and the anterior approach to hip replacement.

I previously had a posterior left hip replacement, the recovery was long and required lots of pain meds to manage. After I learned about the anterior approach, it sounded like a much better choice. It was incredible, I had so little pain, I needed almost no pain meds. In two weeks I was back to work part-time and did not need a walker or a cane. At five weeks, I was splitting wood and pulling a sled, no pain. I highly recommend the team at TCO and Dr. Zachary Arntson.

P.S. Do all the recommended bed exercises.

I’m a 66 year old female and my story begins when I had my left hip replaced at another facility in 2020. It came time to have my other hip replaced and a friend of mine advised me to have the anterior hip replacement done by this wonderful surgeon, Dr. Owen O’Neill. After talking with my friend for a while, he had me convinced to set up an appointment with Dr. O’Neill and I’m glad I did. The scheduling was quick and he’s a wonderful doctor with a wonderful care team.

It was a breeze. I had a one night stay at the EXCEL Care Suites and I was sent home with a packaged lunch the following morning. How wonderful is that? I had very little pain and one week later I was walking on my own without a walker or cane! I was shocked at how fast the anterior hip replacement recovery was compared to the posterior hip replacement.

If you ever need to have a hip replacement, don’t put it off. Choose the anterior hip replacement with Dr. Owen O’Neill. I can’t wait until this summer so I can get back to camping! Before my hip replacement, walking on uneven ground or even standing for any length of time was the worst! I thought my camping days were coming to an end. I’m here to say I had my operation in September 2024 and I already know I am not going to have that problem anymore with camping, as I’m already walking up and down my basement steps and dong all my house hold activities, including raking on uneven ground! I can’t wait to camp and enjoy life again pain-free. Set up an appointment with Dr. Owen O’Neill, you will be glad you did.

When my active lifestyle was compromised by osteoarthritis of the hip, I was referred to Dr. Owen O’Neill by a relative who had an outstanding experience with him. His expertise with anterior hip replacement, his demeanor, and his exceptional staff made choosing him an easy decision.

TCO’s EXCEL Surgery & Recovery Program streamlines the entire process. From the overnight stay at a nearby care suite to the ease of the bundled invoice to my insurance plan, this program is top-notch. My surgery was on September 3rd and was a real success for me. I moved well after surgery, easily managed my pain, and there were few restrictions other than following Dr. O’Neill’s protocols. I even attended an event 2.5 weeks after surgery and walked easily without a need for any apparatus. I’m convinced the anterior approach is the way to go to get back to life quickly.

I’ve had two follow-up appointments and X-rays and as of November 5th, I am cleared without restrictions (except long-distance running). I will have a standard follow-up appointment in one year. If you’re searching for excellence in a surgeon and team, I wholeheartedly recommend you schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Neill.

I am seven weeks post-op after having a total hip replacement done by Dr. Owen O’Neill. I just got home from a high-intensity Zumba class and experienced absolutely no pain! I couldn’t say that before my surgery. I had my procedure done at the Orthopedic Institute. I felt like I was at the Ritz Carlston! Just a beautiful facility with wonderful and caring personnel. Plus, the food was delicious! I stayed one night and had maybe two to three days of pain, nothing severe. I walked without assistive devices by day four, even up and down stairs. I started out by walking maybe two or three blocks and can now walk around the lakes with no issues. I also take many classes at the Eden Prairie Community Center. I had very limited range of motion before surgery and that improves daily. My only question to myself is why did I wait so long? Dr. O’Neill and staff are wonderful and caring. I could not recommend them more highly. Kayla is just a sweetheart. I had the anterior approach, no PT afterwards, and a swift and quite painless recovery.