Patient Testimonials

Ron (pictured on right) injured his shoulder over 20 years ago and underwent numerous surgeries that did not ease his pain. Recently, it was recommended that Ron schedule an appointment with Frank Norberg, MD (pictured on left), of Twin Cities Orthopedics. Dr. Norberg performed a shoulder replacement surgery which has vastly improved Ron’s overall quality of life. “For the first time since my injury I can lift my right arm unassisted and can do more than I ever dreamed possible,” said Ron. Dr. Norberg is “not only an excellent surgeon but a very kind and caring person,” he said.

Brandon (pictured on right) of Albertville had left shoulder surgery with Frank B. Norberg, MD (pictured on left) at Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina. “My left shoulder kept dislocating during work and even around the house. Dr. Norberg suggested surgery and we went ahead with it. Now I’m fully healed and able to do normal activities again.”

Dean of Minneapolis (pictured on right) had surgery with Frank Norberg, MD (pictured on left) at Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina to repair his shoulder after suffering a torn rotator cuff after a fall. The surgery “went very well” and the pain was minimal, said Dean. He was also very pleased with his post-surgical results and the functionality of his arm. “The recovery was quick, after 3 months, it felt like new,” he said.

Judi had shoulder surgery with Frank Norberg, MD and was thrilled with her experience at Twin Cities Orthopedics (pictured left to right: Danielle Hare, PA-C, Dr. Norberg, Judi, Jen Lero, L-CMA, Gena Mirr, AT-C). She was impressed with the staff at TCO, who “went above and beyond” in helping her throughout the process. “Dr. Norberg and his staff have been absolutely fantastic. They are all very kind and caring,” she said. “I would recommend Dr. Norberg to anyone.”

Maureen S., from Orono (pictured on left), has had numerous surgeries with Edward Szalapski, MD (pictured on right) of Twin Cities Orthopedics, including two total knee replacements, rotator cuff surgery, and wrist surgery. “I feel completely confident and blessed with Dr. Szalapski,” she said. Maureen explains that thanks to the compassionate staff members and thorough follow-up, her time with Twin Cities Orthopedics has “been without a doubt, the best medical experience ever.”

Dale B. has been a patient of Joseph Teynor, MD for various orthopedic issues over the years, including his right arm and his knees. After suffering a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder, Dale opted to rehabilitate his shoulder through a physical therapy exercise program. He can now effectively use his shoulder again and is able to serve while playing tennis.Thanks to his positive initial experience with Twin Cities Orthopedics (pictured left to right: Michelle Carrywater, Care Coordinator, Dale, Dr Teynor, Troy Evenson, PA-C) Dale decided to come to Dr. Teynor for the constant pain that had surfaced in both of his knees. “I appreciated his frankness and honesty,” he said. He had his left knee replaced and says it is “working well but my right knee tells me it’s time to be fixed.” Dale plans to have Dr. Teynor perform the surgery within the year.

Fourteen-year-old Billy Stokes was playing hockey for North St. Paul when what should have been a normal “check” turned into a shoulder-to-shoulder collision with another hockey player. He felt a crack and then instant pain, but he gathered himself and passed the puck to his teammates. When he got off the ice, Billy sat on the bench for the rest of the game, afraid to move and knowing something was definitely wrong.

When the game finally ended, it was evident Billy needed to see a doctor. At the emergency room, the staff carefully removed his hockey jersey. A bone on his right side was protruding and X-rays confirmed that Billy had broken his clavicle. The emergency room doctor recommended that Billy be seen by an orthopaedic specialist.

Billy’s mother, Pam Stokes, recalled, “We asked to be referred to an orthopaedist who would treat him as an active and athletic kid. We needed someone who would listen to us and help us make the right decisions for our young son.

“We were able to get in immediately to St. Croix Orthopaedics,” explained Pam. “It was very important to us to have Billy seen as soon as possible.”

Dr. Nick Meyer thoroughly explained Billy’s injury to Billy and his parents. Billy had two breaks in his bone, which is not typical for clavicle fractures. Dr. Meyer presented Billy and his parents with two possible treatments plans — one would involve surgery and the other would allow the bone to heal itself.

“Dr. Meyer explained how the bone would heal with surgery versus non-surgery and gave us the pros and cons of both treatment plans,” Pam recalled. “He gave us all the information we needed to make an informed decision. Most importantly, Dr. Meyer talked with Billy and reassured him that he would be able to play hockey again. I felt this was so important because Billy is old enough to understand his injury.”

Billy and his parents decided on the non-surgical treatment option. They felt confident the break would heal and Billy would have nothing more to show for it than a little bump. Billy sat out the rest of his hockey season and waited to see how his bone healed. After eight weeks, he was able to resume his normal activity. At ten weeks, he skated for the first time; but his first collision hurt, so they decided to give it a little more time to heal. The final result was just what they were hoping for; Billy’s clavicle had healed, just as Dr. Meyer had described.

Although Billy missed much of his hockey season, Pam felt this was a great learning experience for him. “Billy is now so much stronger. He had a setback, but he has had to work hard to get back to where he was before the injury,” she said. Heeding Dr. Meyer’s advice, Billy has enrolled in a weightlifting program to strengthen his body so he can be better prepared for his next hockey season. Until then, he definitely has a story to share with his fellow hockey players.