Patient Testimonials

Dr. Arntson was great from the first time I met with him. He does a great job explaining what is going to be done. Then when I spoke with his care coordinator, she explained everything as well. The whole care team really made me feel like I was the most important patient ever, though they have many. I highly recommend Dr. Arntson and his staff.

My experience with the team at TCO has been outstanding. Partial knee replacement surgery was performed by Dr. Anseth. From the original diagnosis, right through the operation and the post-surgery follow up, everything has gone smoothly and the result has been better than expected. Prior to the operation I could not walk an eighth of a mile without considerable pain. Two months after surgery I was able to take a two mile trek through Lebanon Hills park. No cane, no pain.

Much of the credit for my speedy recovery goes to Jeff LaPanta, the TCO physical therapist who has overseen the rehab of my knee. Jeff is a very knowledgeable, personable, friendly guy who is great to work with and who obviously really enjoys working with people and seeing them reach their goals.

I was hit by a car in a parking garage in 2012. My left knee meniscus was heavily damaged and was cleaned up microscopically, however I was told at that time that I would likely need a knee replacement before age 65. After moving to MN, I transferred care to Dr. Arntson at TCO. Due to arthritis, my knee would periodically swell, which was very painful. I had it drained with corticosteroid injection which worked extremely well for a number of years but, as forewarned, it eventually stopped being effective.

I had a total knee replacement, spent the next day at Mercy Hospital, and after my second PT session I was able to return home. The first couple of days were rough (pain wise). Within 2 weeks I was able to walk unassisted. Within 6 weeks I was able to engage in most of my prior daily routine. Continuing PT and exercise, I anticipate being better than I have felt in a couple of years. Thank you TCO, Dr. Arntson, Megan Nelson (PT), and Bri Lund (PA)!

I had a lot of cleanup surgeries over the past 43 years. When it was time for the total knee operation, Dr. Knowlan did an awesome job. I had no pain and bed side matter was great. Thanks Dr. Knowlan!

I received full knee replacement with Dr. Sanders and his PA, Matthew Bennett. 1.5 years later I can state with complete honesty that it was a total success. I am able to do the activities I love without pain. I would highly recommend the services I received with Dr. Sanders and Matthew. Follow-up appointments have been excellent and definitely give me a peace of mind that I haven’t had in years. Thanks!!!

Thank you, Dr. Lewis and Libby, for the excellent care! In the past year, I have had both knees replaced with great success. I am now 10 weeks post-op of the second replacement and I am already doing things physically that I haven’t been able to do in over 10 years. Dr. Lewis is kind, caring, honest, knowledgeable and competent. I greatly appreciated that he and Libby always took the time to answer my questions and provide me with options for my care. Dr. Lewis didn’t try to “persuade” me to have surgery but initially used more conservative practices to treat my knee issues. When the time came for me to proceed with replacement surgery, there was no doubt in my mind who I would trust to do the surgery. I can’t thank Dr. Lewis and Libby enough for providing such great care.

I am a two-time patient of Dr. O’Neill. The left knee was replaced 11 years ago and is working great! The right knee was done in October 2019 and is also working great! As my right knee became more painful, there was no question in my mind as to who I would trust with the surgery and care, even though this means a 4 hour round-trip commute, as I live in the Brainerd Lakes area now. Dr. O’Neill and his first class staff’s counseling had me well prepared (for a process that has changed quite a bit in 11 years) for what I realized would be a more manageable recovery. I knew that prep and dutiful follow-up therapy would have me back to a much more normal life, as the surgery itself would be done by the best guy in the business! As far as knee replacements, do not wait until pain and discomfort change your life (for me, I can’t wait for spring and kayak fishing, which wasn’t an easy in-and-out last year). Know to be ready, trust Dr. O’Neill and his staff, and be ready to rehab.

THANK YOU DR. O’NEILL AND STAFF!

From the 1st time I met with Dr. Peterson, I was impressed. He took the time to look at all the past history, the current x-rays and examined my knee. He informed me that I was a good candidate for total knee replacement. When I asked what was involved, he explained the procedure to me including any possible risks that could accompany the procedure. He assured me everything would be done to reduce any chance of the risks, and in doing so made me feel very comfortable about moving forward. Several weeks later I had the surgery and was home the next day. I was up and walking the 1st day following surgery and was able to walk without any assistance in just under two weeks. My 2 week follow up with Dr. Peterson’s P.A. was very pleasant and I was advised everything was going well. I returned to see Dr. Peterson at the 6 week post-op date and I was returned to work with no restrictions.

Dr. Peterson and his entire care team are outstanding in every aspect. When I had questions, and believe me I had plenty, I always received answers the very same day. I would recommend Dr. Peterson and his care team to anyone. They are “TOP NOTCH”. You won’t find anyone better.

When it came time to choose a new doctor, it was an easy choice for me… As a high school coach, I saw the care that Dr. Holm and the team at TCO provides our athletes. Dr. Holm performed my knee replacements with great skill and care. I especially appreciated that when my unusual situation caused additional unforeseen complications, Dr. Holm wasn’t too proud to seek the collaboration of other members of the experienced TCO surgical team. Now I am again walking my dog daily and I even went hiking in the mountains on vacation… something I have not been well enough to do for many years.

I am a 79 year old patient of Dr. Arntson and have been for about 6 or 7 years. I had been struggling with knee problems for several years, the cartilage had worn away on the insides of both knees. In the beginning, Dr. Arntson started me on Synvisc shots in the knees which worked well at the time and kept me pain free for about six months. After about 3 years, the Synvisc no longer worked and Dr. Arntson started telling me the insides of the knees were now bone on bone. He tried to tell me it was time for knee replacement but I kept holding off thinking they were close to making stem cell therapy work for the knees which would naturally grow new cartilage in the knees. Dr. Arntson, as you have seen in other reviews, is a kind and caring man, pleasant to talk to, who explains everything to you in depth and gives you his best opinion but leaves the decision up to you. I then started getting cortisone shots for the next 3 years, which only helped for about 2 months between shots. Finally they got so bad I talked with Mayo Clinic about the stem cell replacement and they told me that they could replace stem cells and grow cartilage in the knees but had problems with getting blood to the knees to keep them alive and growing. They would only last several months. Finally Dr. Arntson convinced me to do partial knee surgery, which replaces the joint on the inside knee bone and leaves the rest of the knee alone. He told me he would do both knees at once and I finally agreed. It has been almost 5 months since the surgery and I couldn’t be happier with the surgery and Dr. Arntson. I am doing everything with these new knees – biking, golfing, dancing, bowling, and on and on with no pain. I will say, however, that I constantly and religiously did my therapy after the surgery and continued it at home plus I am not overweight, I try to keep myself in shape. I believe that makes a great deal of difference. Thank you so much Dr. Arntson.