Patient Testimonials

Twin Cities Orthopedics is the best! Dr. TJ Panek is a skilled surgeon with healing hands, a great heart, and a user-friendly bedside manner. He is truly passionate about what he does. The staff at TCO and EXCEL are also very passionate, and  it’s easy to see that they love what they do. I would recommend Dr. Panek and TCO to anyone who needs orthopedic surgery.

I have greatly appreciated Dr. Engasser as my surgeon for a right ankle replacement and would recommend him for anyone needing an ankle surgery. He answered every question I had with knowledge, experience, compassion, and good humor. He sincerely cared about me and about the surgery going perfectly. Images were taken of my ankle pre-op to have an ankle joint made in the shape of my original joint. The surgery itself went very well from both Dr. Engasser’s perspective and mine. Pain from the surgery was minimal. Once I could, I put weight on my ankle and started physical therapy. The recovery went very quickly. My ankle was imaged at all follow-up appointments and Dr. Engasser met with me to discuss the results which have all been excellent. He and his team also helped me make connections with a surgeon where I winter to continue monitoring my ankle and continue physical therapy there.

I have been recovering from back surgery performed at Twin Cities Orthopedics and have been doing physical therapy as part of that recovery. At one of my appointments, I learned that TCO Therapy offers massage therapy to support recovery. I have had two sessions now with Brook Gahm at TCO Edina – MN Drive. I highly recommend her! She is excellent. Her knowledge, expertise, and skill has undoubtedly accelerated my recovery. If you are looking for massage therapy as part of your recovery, or for any reason, do yourself a favor and make an appointment with Brook.

Dr. Mittelsteadt and his team are outstanding! Amy Franck, his care coordinator, was amazing with helping lay out the schedule and set up most of my many appointments. Dr. Mittelsteadt explained the surgery and recovery very well. My surgery was a huge success! Dr. Mittelsteadt said he believed that I would be very happy with the results of the surgery and I truly am. I highly recommend him as a surgeon.

There is nothing negative I can say about Dr. Bircher. My total knee replacement was performed on May 4th, but my care with him began in January. From our first appointment through my final follow-up, I always felt I was in excellent hands. Dr. Bircher and I are both very pleased with the outcome of my surgery. I believe my successful recovery was a true partnership – I followed his instructions, stayed committed to my home physical therapy, and trusted the process he outlined for me.

What impressed me most about Dr. Bircher was not only his exceptional surgical expertise, but also his willingness to listen. He always took the time to hear my questions and concerns, making me feel like an active participant in my own recovery. That level of respect and communication meant a great deal to me. I also appreciated the personal touches that speak to his character. Every visit began with a handshake and ended with a cordial goodbye. Those simple gestures made every appointment feel welcoming and personal.

Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his entire team for the outstanding care they provided throughout my journey. Because of their expertise, encouragement, and professionalism, I have returned to doing the things I enjoy. I am truly grateful and would recommend their team without hesitation.

I had a distal radius fracture that Dr. Dwivedi repaired and I am very happy with my results. My recovery is going well and overall, I am doing fine. Occupational therapy has been a great help. My scar is doing great and I have full flexibility in my hand and wrist. I continue to do my exercises to improve my strength which is getting better each day. Dr. Dwivedi was terrific to work with. I would certainly recommend him!

I had finger surgery with Dr. Dwivedi for a fracture and I am very happy with my experience. My surgery went well and my recovery is going great. Everything was explained well and I would highly recommend Dr. Dwivedi to others looking to have surgery.

Three months ago, I received ankle tendon repair surgery from Dr. Christopher Traynor. My results are great! I am back to enjoying the activities I love in life. Thank you to the team at TCO Maple Grove.

Dr. Bircher recently performed my left knee replacement surgery. Last January, he performed my right knee replacement. Both surgeries went very well. Dr. Bircher is an excellent and caring surgeon. My recovery went without any issues, and I was back to normal in about eight weeks. I followed all the directions regarding medications and physical therapy. I am 100% pleased with the outcomes of both surgeries.

Dr. Bircher and Twin Cities Orthopedics are best in class. The supporting staff including the surgical team, nurses, physical therapists are confident, efficient, caring, and friendly. I stayed overnight at the EXCEL care facility and that team is so good at what they do. They are such happy people. A stationary bike in home was offered, and I decided to try it. I was advised that using the bike as prescribed can cut recovery time in half. Dr. Bircher could monitor my progress and determine when I could transfer to each level. I can already tell it makes a difference. I used the “Nice” machine for both surgeries and I maked it so easy to do icing as prescribed.

I just had a knee replacement on July 10th, 2026, with Dr. Carlson at TCO Eagan. I am so glad I did it! I am almost three weeks post-op and I feel great. My knee has no more joint pain outside of typical surgical recovery. I am so thankful for the referral from Dr. LaPrade. Thank you to Dr. Carlson, TCO and their amazing staff.