Patient Testimonials

After years of managing my knee pain with injections and activity modifications, I finally decided to pursue a total knee replacement. I am grateful that my search led me to Dr. Samuel Carlson at Twin Cities Orthopedics. From my first consultation through surgery and recovery, the care I received was exceptional. Through diagnosis, surgery, EXCEL Extended Care, and physical therapy, the process was seamless and far beyond my expectations.

A knee replacement is an important life decision, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson and TCO to anyone facing an orthopedic challenge. You only get one chance to do it right. Make sure you have the best surgical team. I am grateful I did.

I had a left knee replacement 11 years ago that built up a lot of scar tissue right away. I had to have a manual manipulation on it. It had a good bend even after the surgery and to this day, it is still painful. It was not a robotic surgery.

My right knee was robotic and done by Dr. Arntson. It had a pretty fluid bend before surgery. I am 6 weeks out and my pain has gone down a lot. The scar has healed quickly. I cannot tell you how much better the surgery with the Mako Robotics is over a regular surgery. The results are far superior! Thank you to Dr. Arntson.

As a nurse, I have seen many doctors. Dr. Lewis is the best! He is a wonderful guy, has great bedside manner, and is a master at what he does. My knee replacement was great, with no problems at all. He has taken care of my whole family over the years. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Lewis if you are looking for perfection.

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.

Dr. Randall and his team performed a TKR on my right knee. My experience with everyone involved was exceptional! One month later, I am pain free and enjoying a quality of life that I never expected to regain. Libby was easy to reach and very informative with any follow up questions I had. The rehab team was excellent, and they truly made a difference in my recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis for total knee replacement.

Dr. Bircher performed a full knee replacement on Feb 13th. I am now two months out on April 13th. The TCO care team has done an amazing job from pre op PT through the procedure and post op PT. Dr. Bircher not only had the planned post op visits. But he was very responsive to my questions between visits. Consequently, I have played 7 rounds of golf already and am back to my regular activities. While it will be a while for full strength to return. I am well on my way! Thank you, Dr. Bircher and Team!!!

I had both knees replaced by Dr. Hartigan. One in 2023 & the other in 2024. 5 weeks after my 2nd surgery, my newly replaced knee became infected. The infection got in my blood stream & moved to my other knee (apparently bacteria is attracted to metal) and to form a large abscess in one of my wrists. Dr. Hartigan & one of his colleagues performed 3 surgeries. One to remove the abscess and the other 2 were to “wash out” both knees (2 wash outs on each knee).

I’m now on my way to making a full recovery. I continue to be so grateful for the care that Dr. Hartigan, Aaron (his PA), Grace Ann (Care team) and others on his team provided throughout my journey. Obviously, none of us wanted the infection to occur. But that is always a risk with surgery and, given that it did, I can’t imagine a better team that I’d want to have on my side throughout. They are all are truly amazing, and I feel such deep gratitude for all of them.

Dr. Michael Johnson did my first knee replacement here in Red Wing. I only needed a partial. He did an outstanding job. My quality of life was improved. I could hike and walk again pain free. When my other knee failed, I knew I wanted Dr. Johnson to do the surgery on this knee as well. Dr. Johnson is now with TCO and there was no question that I would follow him to the Twin Cities. It has been 7 weeks since my surgery and I feel strong and confident. Dr. Johnson listened and answered all my questions. Jen, his Clinical Care Coordinator is very professional and helpful as well. I am grateful for the outcome of my surgery and am looking forward to an active summer with hiking and biking.

 Dr. Ridley is a phenomenal surgeon. This was my husband’s second robotic knee replacement surgery. Dr. Ridley was great at keeping us informed and answered all our questions, never making us feel rushed. His skills are amazing. My husband is pain free and says he wishes he’d done this 2 years ago. If you’re looking for a great surgeon, and robotic knee surgery, he is the one you want.

Dr. Mittelsteadt was excellent dealing with my anxiety over having a total knee replacement. He was kind, understanding and patient. I had the surgery and have excellent mobility with my knee now. He is a very good surgeon.