Patient Testimonials

I would like to add my 5 star rating for Dr. Daniel J. Marek, MD, and Twin Cities Orthopedics. Last year I fell and badly broke the two major bones in my wrist. After my successful wrist surgery by Dr. Marek, I developed a rare nerve condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. My wrist swelled to twice its size, and to attempt any movement of my wrist or hand caused excruciating pain. I was frightened enough to doubt I would regain use of my limb. Dr. Marek assured me that he and his team would help me recover.

His expertise, his kind manner, and his optimism gave me confidence. Dr. Marek’s PA-C, Ryan Bakko, was just as caring when he assisted me. After six months of intensive physical therapy with the skills of PT/OT Erik Peterson, I recovered to have a useful wrist and hand. I can’t recommend TCO highly enough. Dr. Marek is one of those special physicians who is a talented surgeon with the best of a “bedside manner.” You won’t be in “better hands” than with Dr. Marek, and his co-workers at Twin Cities Orthopedics.

had my first back surgery in 1998. It was a L4-L5 discectomy. I did not recover well from that surgery. I was left with a lot of scar tissue that was interfering with nerves and causing lots of pain. I had my second back surgery in 2000, which was also a L4-L5 discectomy. This surgery left even more scar tissue and so my journey with pain continued.

For the next twenty years, I battled with low back pain, low leg pain and foot pain. I lost count of how many steroid injections I received in this time frame (I am guessing around 30). I had to treat my pain with pain medication. I was taking a narcotic pain medication for 22 years. Not too many days went by that I didn’t need to take the pills. I also had three RFAs (radio frequency ablation) and plenty of physical therapy.

In late 2019, my back pain, leg and foot pain were becoming unbearable. My pain specialist recommended I go see Dr. Frederick Harris, which turned out to be the greatest advice I have ever received. My first impression of Dr. Harris was awesome! He was friendly, patient and a great listener. I knew right away that I liked him and, most importantly, I trusted him. He ordered an MRI so that he could see exactly what was going on with my low back.

I went home and read Dr. Harris’ bio on the TCO web site. He was working as an engineer for NASA. But he know in his heart, he was here to make a difference in people’s lives. He decided to chase him dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.

My second appointment was where I learned I had a herniation at L4-L5 and L5-S1. I also learned that I broke my back! The bone that held L5 and S1 vertebrae’s together had broken clean through and my spine shifted out of place. Dr. Harris performed my 3rd back surgery. He removed the disks between L4-L5 and L5-S1, removed the broken bone, fused L4 through S1 with metal spacers, two rods and six screws. He also, very meticulously, freed up all the nerves from scar tissue. This is what separates Dr. Harris from everyone else!

My full recovery took a year but I feel great! I don’t need any pain medication or treatments. I do stretching and an exercise program daily to keep my back and core strong. I am looking forward to playing golf this summer. The results of this surgery has changed my life! Dr. Frederick Harris is an angel sent from heaven! Thank you for following your dreams. I can’t thank you enough Dr. Harris, but THANK YOU!

Dr. Bakker operated on my right thumb about a year and a half ago, and then my left thumb two weeks ago. Both surgeries had excellent outcomes. Dr. Bakker listened to my concerns and abided by my wish not to undergo anesthesia but to just have a “block”. Beyond that, he is one of the most gentle and caring surgeons imaginable. He personally follows up with a phone call and is extremely patient with questions and provides answers that are easy to understand. I am so grateful that I found him and could not possibly recommend him with more confidence. Neither operation caused me one minute of pain either!

I can’t describe how much I appreciate Dr. Bakker and his skilled team. I work with my hands and, even though I waited 5 weeks post injury to be evaluated, he was able perform a complex, newer surgical procedure to give me full function again. From my own experience, along with reading other reviews, to say Dr. Bakker cares for the patient is an understatement. I’ve not experienced such a high degree of genuine care, professionalism and competency in any prior medical care situation.

Dr. Bakker inspires confidence, listens, and treats the whole person through his performance and manner. It’s been my very fortunate honor to have been Dr. Bakker’s patient. He and his excellent team have my sincere gratitude.

I was apprehensive about having a shoulder surgery but I had lost so much mobility in it. I now have almost complete mobility back and an mow working to increase my strength. It feels so much better than before surgery. I am very thankful to Dr. Kelly and Lindsey Anderson, PA, for all their support and encouragement!

The staff at Dr. Chris Meyer’s office did an excellent job working with me. They answered all my questions in a prompt and efficient manner. They returned my calls and answered questions with clear, easy to understand answers. Dr. Meyer did an exceptionally great job on my knee. I had very little pain and quick rehab. Thanks to all the staff and a shout out to Dr. Meyer!

I recently had microdiscectomy surgery with Dr. Hoel on 3/3/2021 after injuring my back on 2/16/2021. His P.A., Jason Ash, reviewed MRI results with me on 2/25/2021, which revealed an extruded disc herniation impinging on my L3 nerve root. I was in absolute agony and was unable to stand or lay without excruciating pain, and was experiencing weakness in my leg. Dr. Hoel kindly worked me into his schedule for a surgical consultation that very same day.

He was wonderful – very compassionate and understanding of the intense pain I was in, patient answering all my questions, and thorough in presenting treatment options with corresponding risks and rewards. I opted to move forward with surgery as soon as possible because the pain was incapacitating. Dr. Hoel’s team fit me into his schedule the following week and my surgery was a complete success! I’m now pain free and ever so grateful for Dr. Hoel’s capable and compassionate care, and for everyone at TCO who helped me swiftly get the treatment I needed. My experience at M Health Fairview was also great, and it was a bonus to hear my pre-op and post-op nurses sing Dr. Hoel’s praises! Thanks again!

Dr. Kelly and his team provided terrific care for my shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. I appreciated the professional care, both at TCO’s Edina-Crosstown clinic and Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center. Dr. Kelly’s assistant, Kaici, is a gift to the team as she responded promptly to my physical therapist regarding treatment plans and provided a personal touch of encouragement in the healing process. I would highly recommend Dr. Kelly.

Dr. Engasser is an absolutely wonderful doctor! He is very thorough from the beginning to the end. I would highly recommend his services!

I tore my ACL in March of 2020, right before state lockdowns began. I was lucky enough to be referred to Dr. Mair who did everything in his power to get me in for surgery. He did a great job. After 10 months of physical therapy and getting back to my normal lifting routine, I feel great. I’m not all the way back yet but I’m well on my way. Thank you Dr. Mair and team!