Patient Testimonials

Last year, I experienced excruciating pain in my right elbow. I saw five orthopedic doctors in five months with no results. I was finally referred to Dr. Adam Bakker at TCO in Eagan. Dr. Bakker ordered new X-rays (the first ones since seeing the first ortho doctor).
He thoroughly checked the X-rays and my elbow and found the exact spot for an injection. This injection has left me pain-free until recently, and I intend to see Dr. Bakker for another injection.

I could not have gone any further with the pain I was experiencing. Dr. Bakker’s injection was deeper than any of the other doctors, which I believe was the difference from the others, which felt more like a pin poke. Dr. Bakker kept searching my elbow until he found the perfect position for the injection. He listened to me and alleviated my pain almost immediately, totally different from the other physicians.

I believe he saved my life, as I could not continue in that much pain. I didn’t have a life. I couldn’t dress myself at all. My husband had to take time off work to help me do anything. The pain was sporadic. I never knew when I was going to be screaming from pain.

Thank you, Dr. Bakker, so very much for everything you did for me.

I have been going to Twin Cities Orthopedics for over 18 years. Dr. TJ Panek repaired both of my rotor cuffs in 2006, and my shoulders have been as good as new ever since.

In 2023, I had a total knee replacement done. It was a great success. My physical therapists, Scott and Katie at Vadnais Heights, were absolutely amazing. They were extremely caring and informational, and my knee is doing fantastic.
Dr. Nicholas Meyer has done some reconstructive hand surgery and other procedures for me. I’ve had great success with all of those.
I’ve also had a successful foot surgery with Dr. Troy Vargas.

Dr. Edward Szalapski did a wonderful job of putting me back together after my brief excursion into the sport of pickleball. I discovered that the concrete surface of the court was far harder than my bones. His emergency total hip replacement was 100% successful. Within just a few weeks, with diligent physical therapy, I was pain-free and once again blessed with 100% mobility. It’s as though the surgery never happened, and I simply have a brand-new hip that should be good for yet another 75 years!

I was thrilled with the care I received from Dr. Christopher Meyer‘s entire team. The educational materials were excellent. I felt very comfortable, and I knew exactly what was going to happen. My recovery also held no surprises. It went better than expected because as Dr. Meyer would confirm, I followed his directions exactly. Highly recommend.

I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my hip replacement surgery. Dr. Owen O’Neill and his staff were exceptional. I had some pain the first couple of days, but within a week, could walk without the assistance of a cane. Eight weeks post-operation and I am back playing Pickleball two hours per day without pain. I also do an hour of low-impact aerobics, weights, and cycling. I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone needing a hip replacement.

Dr. Edward Kelly recently replaced my left shoulder joint, and I am so appreciative of the success after several years of pain. He was very thorough in the recommended preparation before the surgery. Following these procedures, reading the handbook, renting the shoulder ice machine, etc., gave me peace of mind. The same-day outpatient surgery went as scheduled and following it, I had minimal pain for the first month. Now, after the second month, my arm movement is ahead of schedule and pain-free. The recommended physical therapy is going very well. I would send friends to Dr. Kelly for such a surgery.

Dr. Marcus Mittelsteadt was a true blessing! He was patient with the process and gave great advice. He provided helpful knowledge about what was going on and the best steps to remove the pain. I wouldn’t choose any other doctor. Thank you!

Total knee replacement is a very big deal. I am 73 years old and was extraordinarily pleased. Dr. Samuel Carlson’s entire team made themselves available to answer questions and relayed messages to each other and the team in a timely fashion. Additionally, my husband and I were abundantly inundated (in a good way) with materials and videos about how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect during the overnight surgical recovery, as well as what to expect following surgery. I am a committed fan of Dr. Carlson and his team. Thank you for making an intrusive life event manageable and informational!

I have seen Dr. Troy Vargas for 15+ years, and he has done more surgeries on my feet and ankles than I care to count. Because of him, I am still able to walk. I have stuck with Dr. Vargas and have never looked for another physician. Why would you when you have the best? Thank you, Dr. Vargas.

When I went in to see Dr. TJ Ridley, I was in a lot of pain. He diagnosed me and told me what I needed to do. I was very reluctant when I went in, but Dr. Ridley and his whole staff made me feel like I was their only patient. I set up my surgery right away and that was the best decision I ever made. My surgery went so well. It took less than two weeks for me to start walking again. Dr. Ridley is a magician in the operating room. All my pain is gone, and I can ride my bike, walk the lakes, and go to the Mall of America again with my wife. Thank you, Dr. Ridley, for giving me my life back. I will always appreciate what you have done for me and my family.