Patient Testimonials

I recently developed an excruciatingly painful condition (a herniated L4-L5 disc and pinched nerve) in my lower back that rendered me unable to walk without crutches. We contacted Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) on a Thursday afternoon and described the condition. They were able to access my test data and arrange an appointment to see Dr. Eric Deal right away on Monday. After evaluating the situation, Dr. Deal patiently explained the condition and the possible treatment options. We decided on surgery, and they were able to schedule me right away on that Thursday at their Eagan location. The surgery went without a hitch, and I was able to walk almost immediately, only needing the assistance of a cane for balance for the first few weeks.

I can honestly say that working with TCO was the most positive medical experience I have ever had. Every member of the TCO staff was completely professional and genuinely caring at every step. The facilities were pleasant and modern, and most conveniently located. The anesthesiologist (Dr. Anderson) listened carefully to my concerns, and we were able to avoid any nausea or allergic reactions which have historically been a real problem for me. Dr. Deal and his team did an incredible job with the surgery and the aftercare. Following this rather complex procedure, I had almost no pain and required no medications beyond ordinary Tylenol. I simply cannot say enough good things about the technical expertise and genuine care this group provided, and I wholeheartedly recommend TCO without reservation for anyone needing orthopedic care.

I was living with debilitating low back pain after an accident. I was referred to Dr. Brenner at TCO by my primary care physician after MRI imagining showed staggering herniation. I haven’t looked back since. At first, I was very hesitant due to my physically demanding job, but after a few appointments and a few non-invasive care options that didn’t quite do the trick, I ultimately decided to have Dr. Brenner do a minimally invasive spinal surgery. I have felt like a new person ever since. Dr. Brenner and his care team were outstanding, and the process couldn’t have been any smoother. Following the surgery, Dr. Brenner called me three different times to check in. I can confidently say I’ve only met a few other physicians as genuinely compassionate as him.

I cannot thank Dr. Deal enough for the procedure he performed on me. I went to see him with sciatica pain down my left leg and into my foot. When I came to in the surgery center, the pain was gone. It felt like a miracle! I loved the staff at the surgery center as well. TCO is great!

Ann Frett has cared for and about me and my troubled back. She has helped me make significant progress through treatment and identifying home exercises, refining them according to my feedback and her assessments. I’m grateful to her for setting up a plan that is already producing improved movement and comfort.

I was having a lot of lower back pain, with sciatica pain in the buttocks and down both legs and mostly on right side. I started treatment with Dr. Megan Rhyner. Some days I felt better than others. The injection started to feel better but that only lasted a week. So we proceeded to the next step and I met with Dr. Wanderman. I thought surgery would be a better option and boy it was a great choice. Immediately after surgery, the pain and sciatica pain disappeared. I recovered in the Eagan EXCEL Care Suites and had nothing but great care from TCO. I have nothing but great results from the surgery and have had great checkups with Dr. Wanderman. I’m coming up on my 6 month checkup and I believe all lifting restrictions will be taken away. If you are looking for a great doctor and team, Dr. Wanderman would be the ticket for great results.

I cannot say how thankful I am for Dr. Wanderman and his wonderful team! Everyone in Dr. Wanderman’s group at TCO played an important role in getting me back to my best self! I injured my L5-S1 disc 20 years ago, with intermittent conservative treatment I was mostly okay  for a long time. In recent years, I had increasing pain and new areas of pain that would not diminish even with the best conservative treatment and significant weight loss. Dr. Wanderman and Kesenya walked me through the surgery itself and the insurance timeline getting there. I had full trust in them to proceed. My surgery was uneventful and I woke up with no more pain shooting down my legs or into my hips! My low back aches have stopped as well. I sleep SO much better now.

I met PA, Megan, at my post-op who is another amazing person at TCO. She has been instrumental in explaining everything post-op related and is always great to meet with. She answers all my questions! All in all, I cannot say enough good about Dr. Wanderman and his people. I have referred several people to Dr. Wanderman and will continue to do so. Thank you all!

I had an absolutely amazing experience with Dr. Deal, Nathan Marcus, and Emily Harvey, as well as the team at the surgery center in Burnsville. An urgent surgery required quick scheduling and coordination over a holiday weekend. My situation was handled with the urgency it deserved, when other facilities may have pushed this out. At that moment, I felt as though I was the only patient in the TCO system that day. All hands were on deck, trying to help me get a pre-op appointment late on a Friday afternoon, getting the surgery scheduled for the day after a holiday, and making sure that I had everything lined up. I can honestly say that my experience with Dr. Deal’s team before, during, and after my surgery exceeded every single expectation I had. My husband and I are still in shock over the experience I had and I simply can’t express the gratitude I have for the TCO team.

I could not have been happier with my surgery, recovery, and especially Dr. Omar. He thoroughly explained the entire procedure and put me at ease with having the surgery. His follow up every day that I was in the hospital was greatly appreciated. I’ve have completed my physical therapy and have absolutely no pain. I would highly recommend Dr. Omar.

After two years of chronic nerve pain in my lower back, Dr. Deal performed a F5-S1 TLIF surgery. I am one year post-surgery and it has been life changing for me. I went home from the hospital with zero nerve pain. The first two weeks were the hardest part of my recovery, but after three months I was able to get back to more normal activity. I am so thankful that I went to Dr. Deal. From the beginning to my last appointment, I felt listened to and Dr. Deal was so patient with all of questions. The follow up care was amazing and I felt that Dr. Deal and his team truly cared about my recovery. I can now walk four miles a day and stand up all day with no pain.

I had lumbar microdiscectomy in October 2023, performed by Dr. Deal. Everything went perfectly smooth from my first visit, to surgery and the follow up appointment. I was instantly pain free and only used Tylenol. No pain meds necessary after surgery.