Patient Testimonials

Dr. Arntson has a very calming demeanor, which immediately put me at ease when I met him. He did a total hip replacement on my left hip using an anterior approach. He informed me that this approach has many benefits for recovery when compared to a posterior approach.

I had my right hip done by a different surgeon outside TCO using the posterior approach. My recovery with the anterior approach was night and day. I had a faster recovery, no big foam brace to sleep with, and I was able to bend over much sooner. I am incredibly impressed with Dr. Arntson’s bedside manner and his choice of anterior hip replacement. My incision looks great too! I’m so happy to feel good again! Thank you so very much to Dr. Arntson and his team.

I had a second successful anterior hip replacement with Dr. O’Neill. I had them done two years apart. The procedure is minimally invasive and a game changer in joint replacement. While it required following post-op medical protocols, the payoff was evident in my quick recovery, and I was able to return to doing all my favorite activities.

Below are multiple reasons why I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and his team at TCO:

• Dr. O’Neill is an expert and perfectionist in doing anterior hip replacements. He is supported by a seasoned team of staff that make the process easy and stress-free. Dr. O’Neill is more than an excellent surgeon. He is a great person, and he will make sure you receive the best care.
• TCO’s EXCEL program is amazing! The procedure is done at one of TCO’s surgery centers, which is an excellent experience. The program includes an overnight recovery at its nearby care suites, and they have an awesome staff! The EXCEL program also bundles the procedure’s components and costs for easier insurance processing.
• Renting a NICE machine for a few weeks to cold wrap your hip area and manage swelling is very helpful during post-op recovery. Following the prescribed walking and exercise schedule is also a must in getting the best results. I could truly notice the progress I was making everyday!

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 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.