Patient Testimonials

In May 2015, Dr. Neil Johnson and his team performed a total left hip replacement on me. Being only 52, at the time, I was filled with fear that my days of playing with grandkids would never occur, or being physically active enough to keep up with my marathon running wife would truly never happen. I was BLESSED to be one of the first 4-5 patients that was operated on using TCO’s new robot for hip & knee replacements (this machine was the 1st one in Minnesota). Fast forward 3 years later to today and I just completed the MS150 mile bike ride from Duluth to WBL, MN. I am down nearly 50 lbs. and have not felt this good being active in 25-30 years. With tears in my eyes, I truly thank Dr. Neil Johnson, his staff, TCO and everyone who gave me my active life back!

Dr. Bakker was fantastic. I had been in pain for more than 10 years. Dr. Bakker got me in for both carpal tunnel surgeries very quickly. HE (not his nurse) called the day after each surgery to see how I was doing. I recommended him to a friend, and he went right in and now is pain free just like me.  Dr. Bakker is a fabulous doctor and I appreciate how he cares for his patients.  I would highly recommend him to everyone having any hand/arm pain.

Dr. Bakker is an amazingly skilled surgeon. He restored function to my right thumb, after not having a functioning thumb for 42 years! He is also a very personable doctor, which is sometimes not so common among orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Bakker is the only doctor in the world that I would go to for any upper extremity procedure.

What can I say, Dr. Coetzee is a miracle worker. In 2005 I fell 35 feet and landed on my feet and broke everything. After about a year of surgeries I saw no results. I decided to get a second opinion and it was the best decision I could have made. It has been ten years and I walk fine and never feel any pain. Dr. Coetzee is compassionate and truly cares for his patients. I would recommend him to anybody.

Dr. Norberg gave me my life back. From painful days and more than I care to count sleepless nights (from pain), I now sleep like a baby and can keep up with my 4 year old grandson. I am so glad I got referred to TCO. Being treated there for shoulder replacement has made my life worth living.

I had foot surgery by Dr. Troy Vargas on March 29, 2018. I had a very positive experience & would highly recommend Dr. Vargas to anyone considering foot surgery. After hearing numerous negative comments regarding foot surgery outcomes I was quite apprehensive. Dr. Vargas explained my upcoming surgery in great detail and answered with patience all my questions and concerns. Following my surgery with each follow up appointment Dr. Vargas took the time to address any questions and concerns. He’s very personable & positive with a great sense of humor. He has an excellent support staff who you can count on to assist you in any way to make your experience a positive one. I’m in my third month of recovery and pleased with my progress while I’m in physical therapy. I look forward to a full recovery. Norma R.

Within three days after my initial visit and wrist diagnosis, I was able to have corrective surgery to give me a start to mend my broken wrist. Their care, guidance and follow up post-surgery was professional and excellent. I was introduced to the best possible location to get me back onto the path of having a normal life of activities. The entire staff was professional and personable. Thank you Dr. Bakker for all of the wonderful care you gave me.

I’m able to walk without pain and I haven’t been able to do that for over 10 years. I now look forward to doing daily tasks without pain and not having to take breaks because of pain. I’m able to go to work and know that will be able to make it through the entire day without being in pain and physically exhausted. I now have my life back! The only regret I have is that I didn’t do it sooner.

By no longer finding the physical limitations and pain associated with my pre-surgical hip, I am able to get improved sleep and greater activity, all significantly improving my mental health. As a father and husband, I’m more engaged, less irritable and more involved.

Dr. Zachary Arntson was my fabulous surgeon for my full knee replacement in April 2018. During my year of developing pain, Dr. Arntson listened and explained with devout compassion. When I decided to go ahead with knee replacement he explained everything thoroughly and didn’t sugar coat it. He made sure my expectations were in line regarding this challenging recovery. He did a brilliant job replacing the joint. And, because I have followed his care instructions to the letter, I am walking pain-free in just 6 weeks. Of course there is continuing recovery, but my year-long battle with bone-on-bone arthritic pain is history. May I also say that the Mercy Hospital staff and my physical therapists at TCO (Seth and Jared) have been outstanding! I couldn’t be happier with my results. If you need a knee consultation, please don’t wait. Start by seeing Dr. Arntson and then get it done and get your life back!