Patient Testimonials

I was in a boot for months hoping that that would cure my extraordinary ankle pain before having an MRI done which showed, my foot Dr. reported, that my tendons were destroyed, so torn they looked like the ends of a mop. He agreed with the surgeon he sent me to that I should get used to life in a brace; there was no good surgical outcome for me. This when I was only 40! A friend told me about Dr. Coetzee and calling his office was definitely the right choice. He didn’t hesitate to sign me up for surgery – I was in shock but extremely grateful! Where the other Dr.’s saw only risk, Dr. Coetzee had complete confidence in his skills and experience, so I did too. That was March 2018. I had been living with unbearable pain for a year. The surgery and recovery were about as painless as I imagine you can get. I did my physical therapy and it took a little while but I walk painlessly now, for as long as I want. In fact, for the most part, I’ve forgotten that I ever had a perineal tendon repair – or, got my busted up ankle fixed. And that is possibly the best review I can give for Dr. Coetzee. Or maybe this; He gave me my life back when no one else would even give me hope. I said I’ve almost forgotten I had the surgery but I won’t completely. I’ll always be thankful that I’m not spending my days hobbling around in a brace, sitting most of my life out. I am forever thankful for Dr. Coetzee.

I was a noncompetitive runner for several decades, but in December of 2016 developed right medial knee pain which did not resolve with conservative measures. A torn right medial meniscus was diagnosed, in the setting of significant degenerative change to the knee. Both my sports medicine MD (non-surgeon) and the orthopedic surgeon to whom he referred me told me that I was not a surgical candidate given the multiple cartilage defects in my knee, and I was told that I would have to adjust to a new normal of very limited activity, and that I would require a joint replacement sooner rather than later.

I have learned that, when one has a medical problem that physicians tell you cannot be solved, it often pays to seek a second opinion. I was fortunate to seek that second opinion from Dr. David Hartigan. After reviewing my MRI and examining my knee, he told me that he believed that addressing my torn meniscus was worthwhile, even in the setting of my other degenerative changes. He was truthful and upfront so that I understood that my knee would never be normal again, but that he felt that chances were good that my symptoms would be improved and that I would be able to resume at least some improved level of activity. He operated on my knee in June of 2018; my recovery was relatively low-pain and simple. Dr. Hartigan prepared me well for what to expect post-operatively.

Since my surgery, my knee has gradually improved a great deal. As Dr. Hartigan stressed, I have not and will not run again so as to protect what cartilage remains, even though I miss running tremendously. However, I can do pretty much every non-impact activity that I want now. I can ellipticize without problem, ride my bike without any symptoms at all, and swim. I can walk long distances faster than most people I know. Most importantly, I have been able to hike again without issue. This 5th of July, one year after my surgery, I hiked with my family to the summit of Mt. Humphrey, the tallest peak in Arizona at 12633 feet, using sport hiking poles to limit impact, and had no problem with my knee whatsoever. I was elated!!

If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable and competent orthopedic surgeon to address your joint pathology, I highly recommend Dr. Hartigan!
-Cecilia

I am a very active individual (75 years young) who was in tremendous hip pain in early March 2018 and I was looking for a hip surgeon who specialized in the anterior method of complete hip replacement. In doing my research attempting to identify a surgeon, our daughter-in-law (an ex-Mayo physician) passed along the name of Dr. David Hartigan. In my initial consultation with Dr. Hartigan, I was very pleased with his communication & medical skills. I felt extremely comfortable in all our discussions in every aspect of the procedure – Dr. Hartigan & I discussed exactly how/what was going to occur in the operating room; we reviewed all expectations relating to my hip pain, post-surgery do’s & don’ts and finally, I felt fabulous having Dr. Hartigan by my side in pre-surgery prep, during surgery and post-surgery. That evening after the left hip was completely replaced, all of my pain was totally gone and I was up walking around the floor. Also, in December 2018, Dr. Hartigan performed a right hip replacement with the very same positive results.

I feel totally confident that I can refer Dr. David Hartigan to any patient that presents with severe hip pain for a complete hip replacement. He is an outstanding hip surgeon, has great communication skills, awesome medical skills and is a very fine person.

His grateful patient,
Carmine

Dr. Frank Norberg performed rotator cuff repair with biceps tenodesis surgery on my right (dominant) shoulder in January 2019 at Twin Cities Orthopedics. My progress has been fantastic. He recommended wearing a restrictive sling for a month and physical therapy for several months and I followed his recommendations. Dr. Norberg followed my progress for 7 months. My constant pain is gone and I can use the arm normally. Dr. Norberg is not only an excellent surgeon, but he is very thorough with his follow through. He was friendly, encouraging and easy to talk to. He answered most of my questions before I even asked them but was happy to address any other questions I had. I would highly recommend Dr. Norberg and his staff. I am completely satisfied with the results.

I feel so very fortunate in having Dr. Arntson – he is so compassionate! He took care of all my needs and worries. I voiced my opinion at the hospital and he is so very well liked and respected there.

I had a reverse total shoulder replacement performed by Dr. Dieterle. Now, my right arm feels better and I can use the right arm more often for daily activities.

Thanks to Dr. Lewis I am a new man! I had been suffering for quite some time. My right hip had deteriorated to the point where it was bone on bone. My quality of life was at an all-time low. I went to TCO and met with Dr. Lewis. He immediately had a plan to help me, and I was able to schedule a hip replacement surgery in no time. The surgery was a complete success, and I was home within a few days. No long recovery time. I was back to my ol’ self. I felt fantastic! No more pain! I could go back to everyday living and be able to do the things I loved but couldn’t because of my hip. Thanks to Dr. Lewis and his team at TCO! I can’t find the words to tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for me.

Sincerely,
Art

Dr. Anseth has performed 3 separate joint replacements for me over 9 years, including both hips and right knee. I would highly recommend him as the physician of choice in replacement surgery. I have no issues with any of the joint replacements and continue to enjoy a full, active lifestyle at 79.

I had a total knee replacement of my left knee in April 2018 and a total knee replacement of my right knee in April 2019. Thanks to Dr. Bjerke and his staff, Katie and Andrea, I can walk and go up and down stairs without pain and I no longer limp at all. I totally recommend Dr. Bjerke and his staff to anyone who has knee pain. They are the greatest!

Dr. Hartigan was great to work with and did a great job with my knee surgery. I am a professional athlete and he was our team doctor. Dr. Hartigan did a great job getting me back on the field, healthy and fit to play.