Patient Testimonials

My experience with Dr. O’Neill and the EXCEL Program team could not have been any better. From the preparation to surgery and follow-up, things exceeded my expectations. Speaking from experience, if you are in need of a hip replacement, this is your guy!

My experience with TCO has been amazing. I started having problems sleeping when I was coaching my two sons in hockey. Dr. Vorlicky correctly identified the issue with my hip and put a monitoring plan in place. I was still able to do the activities I wanted to and we took steps to make sure I could still be active and eliminate many regular sleepless nights. We were able to defer surgery for several years.

When we determined it was time to take action, Dr. Vorlicky connected me to Dr. O’Neill and after our first meeting I was completely relieved and very comfortable going forward with hip replacement surgery. I was offered two different dates as options for surgery, provided all the written information needed to explain how to prepare and what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and attended an online class to further answer questions before my procedure.
From the moment I checked in on the day of surgery until the moment I was discharged the next day, I was super pleased with every interaction with every professional during my stay. The surgery was a complete success, and Dr. O’Neill visited me the following morning before I was discharged, along with the PT staff to cover all the post-surgery best practices to minimize pain and explain the exercises that would speed my recovery. It was amazing how fast I was up and around with limited assistance, and I never took any pain medication other than Tylenol.

I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and all the fine physicians at TCO, and would encourage anyone considering hip replacement to speak to Dr. O’Neill, as my experience was “off the charts” excellent! Since the surgery, I have been very active. In the first 40 days after receiving full clearance for activities, I have been downhill skiing in Colorado and snowmobiled over 150 miles in one weekend, all without any pain or discomfort and more enjoyable than if I had done these activities prior to hip replacement. Prior to hip replacement, there is no doubt there would be pain, discomfort, and limited sleep. Many doctors can do procedures, but Dr. O’Neill and the folks at TCO, from my experience, EXCEL at the procedures they perform. If a person wants the best, it’s TCO!

My son broke both bones in his lower ankle in a basketball game in July. Dr. Holthusen and his team got him in for surgery quickly so our son could start his road to recovery as soon as possible. Being a 3 sport athlete with plans to also play basketball in college, every single day mattered. He was able to return for the end of his senior football season and is currently playing a full basketball season and looking forward to baseball season! We are so incredibly thankful for Dr. Holthusen and his staff for taking excellent care of him! He is back to 100%.

Dr. Ridley completed a total knee replacement on my left knee in April and I couldn’t be happier. I just skied 10 days in a row on my new knee at Breckenridge with absolutely no problems whatsoever. Dr. Ridley helped me back to my sports and activities. I would highly recommend Dr. Ridley for any orthopedic procedure!

I dislocated my left knee cap twice, my right knee cap once, and broke my wrist and collarbone in the span of 3.5 years, injuries which have threatened my hockey career. My second knee cap dislocation happened shortly after my first so I was referred to Dr. TJ Ridley at TCO. Dr. Ridley laid out my options in a way that I could easily understand. He didn’t pressure me and gave me time to make a decision that would work best for me.

I chose to have a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Dr. Ridley performed the surgery, and it went very well. His care team made sure that I was taken care of throughout the process. I knew what to expect and what I needed to do to recover as soon as possible.

During my recovery, Dr. Ridley referred me to Justin Nicol, a Sports Physical Therapist at TCO Vadnais Heights Therapy & Performance, who helps hockey players return to the ice. Justin had me on the ice for physical therapy and was instrumental in getting me back to playing games sooner than I expected. I loved the ACE – Hockey program and would recommend it to anyone. Big thanks to Dr. Ridley and Justin!

Dr. Duncan thoroughly explained the procedure for surgery. He answered any questions and concerns. Surgery went well and I am back to normal. I received excellent care.

I just had my 2 month post-surgery appointment with Dr. O’Neill, and am thrilled to report that everything about the preparation, actual surgery, and post-surgery follow-up has been nothing less than spectacular! Every single interaction that I had with the good Doctor and his amazing team exceeded my highest expectations. Prior to the surgery, his team provided helpful information and prepared me on what to expect throughout the entire process. Every single member of the team was incredibly professional and welcoming. It always felt like they had all of the time in the world for me. They wanted to make sure that my concerns were answered and my experience with them was top notch. Dr. O’Neill has an amazing reputation based upon his surgical skill and dedication. My experience is another testament to his proficiency and expertise. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. O’Neill and his team for anyone considering a hip replacement. I am so excited going forward to enjoy life with my new hip.

Late in August I had debilitating pain in my legs making it impossible to walk. I saw Dr. Deal and he had me get an MRI. He saw the problem at T12/L1 of my spine. There was pressure being put on my spinal cord. He did numerous procedures to correct the problem ending with a spine fusion. The result was great and the pain was totally gone. I would recommend Dr. Deal and TCO to anybody and I do.

I would like to endorse Dr. Tanner to everyone who has foot issues. He is extremely talented very attentive to my issues. As an international level athlete back in the 70s, we had very few physicians that had a clue about musculoskeletal injuries, and fewer that knew how to treat them. So many of us baby boomers are wearing out, old injuries are becoming a very real quality of life issue. So dealing with multiple injuries is not foreign to me. Dr. Tanner is only one of two physicians who listened to me and fixed foot issue (the first time). In my experience that’s a bit of a rarity, since I am still waiting (because of COVID) to have both of my shoulders repaired/replaced for the third time. Super thanks again Dr. Tanner!

5 years ago I had bi-lateral knee replacement surgery done by Dr. Kruse, and the surgeries were 3 months apart. The surgeries went well and my recuperation went well too. I’m using those repaired knees pain-free now, as I recuperate from recent heart bypass surgery. As I do rehab for my heart, I am once again realizing that my knees are able to do the necessary walking and biking motion without any stiffness or pain thanks to Dr. Kruse and my knee surgeries. He is a great surgeon, patient focused and motivated me to use my new knees. I would highly recommend him to care for others.