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!

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.

My experience with TCO has been outstanding. I had both my shoulders replaced, 6 weeks apart, as a result of arthritis and past injuries. I appreciate the way the TCO makes sure you have your pain meds in advance of your surgery so that, when you get home from your hospital stay, your meds are waiting for you and there is no lapse in pain coverage. Dr. Mair has been great though the whole experience. Before my first surgery, Dr. Mair came and sat and talked with my wife and I. Dr. Mair is very down-to-earth and explains things in a way that we could both understand. I really appreciated the caring way he spoke with us. Following each surgery, Dr. Mair reached out to me several times in text messages to see how I was doing and if I had any questions. I have never had a Doctor do that before. It was very reassuring. My transition to Physical therapy went very smoothly. I appreciate Dr. Mair and his team. They are pushing me but not too hard. I also appreciate the EXCEL program with its coverage of all parts of the experience and a single billing for everything. I have spoken with numerous people that are thinking of having surgery on various body parts and have encouraged them to seek out TCO for what they needed. Thanks for all that you do!

An absolutely amazing experience from beginning to end to beginning again. Advocating for my 80-year-old mother, and as a medical professional, I anticipated the exact opposite of the wonderful exposure to TCO that we did have.

Dr. Edward Szalapski and his staff were clear & timely in the management of appts, step by step process to her surgical date, articulate direction during pre-op consenting for care. Their new state of the art facility felt like an extension of home, not a post-surgical hospital recovery unit with loud call lights and screaming patients during the night. It was silent, comfortable and compassionate.

Post discharge, I was anticipating at the 48-hour mark for surge in perceived pain after a total shoulder replacement, but there was minimal pain during recovery. On post-op day #4, with her shoulder and arm completely covered, we laughed as we considered the notion, “Did he even do surgery?”

As a nurse, I was prepared, yet Dr. Szalapski’s team was more prepared. The nerve block by anesthesia was perfection, the education and follow up care exceptional…so much so that we are beginning again….prayerful that the total replacement of her right shoulder will resemble the essence of the first! To help allow great grandma do what she loves to do….hold her baby grands!

I had shoulder pain for years and was very apprehensive about surgery, my mobility was getting in the was of enjoying life. Dr. Christopher LaPrade performed my right reverse shoulder replacement for me. Right after my surgery my shoulder hurt less than it did before! I wish I would’ve done the surgery sooner! Dr. LaPrade and staff are top notch and I recommend Dr. LaPrade to anyone experiencing shoulder issues. Professional, knowledgeable, and highly skilled!