Patient Testimonials

During my first meeting with Dr. O’Neill, he showed me the parts he would be using to perform my hip surgery and thoroughly explained the process. His team got in touch with me and discussed the EXCEL Program they use. They helped sign me up for a PT session with a therapist. After that session, I had a complete understanding of the whole process. Dr. O’Neill’s team also mailed me an EXCEL booklet that covered everything about my hip replacement so I could refer to it if I forgot anything.

The day of the surgery went exactly as it was described to me. The entire staff worked together well and the whole process was seamless. The first night I spent at the Omni Hotel for recovery was also a great experience. Way better and cleaner than a hospital! I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill, TCO, and their EXCEL program to anyone. I am no longer in pain, and I can walk drastically better than I did before my surgery. Thank you to Dr. O’Neill and TCO staff!

I had both hips replaced by Dr. Samuel Carlson within a nine-month period. I waited longer before having the first side done in June 2025 because I had never had surgery before. I was hesitant so I tried an injection and physical therapy first until the pain became too debilitating. Once I had the surgery done, the recovery was so quick and easy that I didn’t wait as long to have the second side done in April 2026.

My recovery from the second surgery was even faster than the first. I am so happy with the results! I didn’t realize just how limiting it was to live with chronic pain and loss of mobility until it was lifted entirely. I can now do all the things you want to do again. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson and his team, including his PA-C, Jake Szalat, Care Coordinator, Melissa. Thank you to everyone who helped with my pre-op and post-op experience at TCO and the EXCEL Program at the Care Suites.

I am 62 years old and have been dealing with knee pain for many years. I tore my ACL 38 years ago, and had three torn meniscus tears, bone on bone arthritis, and floating bone fragments in my left knee. I never had any surgeries to fix these issues in the past. After the last meniscus tears, and an MRI, I went in to see Dr. Saterbak. She was recommended to me from a few different people that I play Senior Softball with. When she reviewed my MRI, she told me, “Let’s not try to fix this one, let’s just give you a new knee”. Our first visit was great, as she shared what she was seeing and what the procedure would be like. I had all the confidence in the world in her. All the pre-surgery information was incredible! This included a 60-page document that covered pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery information and recommendations. It was fantastic!

She recommended using the EXCEL program. What a great suggestion that was! Everything is all included in one program from pre-surgery, post-surgery, and physical therapy. The stay at the Omni Hotel was top notch! Better than any hospital stay could possibly be for recovery. The staff was fantastic. The accommodations were beautiful. Everything was just as I needed it to be.

Now let’s talk about how the procedure went and how my recovery has gone. The procedure was great, with little to no pain in my knee from day one. There was a lot of swelling and bruising as that was to be expected, but I think most of that came from the tourniquet used in the procedure. I already had a measured 90° bend and 0° straightness during the first night at the Omni with the TCO staff. I did a lot of walking that night too and everything felt great. I used a walker only that first night and then moved to a cane which only lasted for another couple days. The PT at TCO Vadnais Heights has gone great. Every trip to see them has had improved results and my expectations have been exceeded throughout the entire process. I am now at five weeks post-surgery, my PT is nearly done. My last measurement was 127° Bend and -3° and straightness.

Everything has gone better than I could have ever expected! Why did I wait so long to see someone? I would highly recommend Dr. Saterbak and her team if anyone is considering or needing a knee replacement. On a scale of one to ten, I would have to give them an eleven or higher. Thank you to TCO and Dr. Saterbak’s team for providing such outstanding medical service and care. This was as good of an experience as I could get!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Bircher and his team. I had a total knee replacement in January 2026 and was feeling understandably nervous beforehand. Dr. Bircher immediately put me at ease with his kindness, confidence, and exceptional skill. His caring demeanor made such a difference, and the prayer he offered before surgery was something I truly appreciated. It brought me comfort and peace right when I needed it most

My care after surgery was just as impressive. The staff at EXCEL were exceptional! They were kind, attentive, and encouraging throughout my recovery. The team at Twin Cities Orthopedics were also wonderful and made every step of the process smooth and reassuring. I would highly recommend getting the Berg ice/compression machine as it was incredibly helpful during recovery and made a big difference in managing discomfort.

I also want to mention Jamie in Dr. Bircher’s office, who was amazing to work with. She was always helpful, answered my questions promptly, and went above and beyond with paperwork, especially navigating the new Minnesota paid leave process. I highly recommend Dr. Bircher to anyone considering knee replacement surgery. The level of compassion, professionalism, and support I received from Dr. Bircher and his entire team was outstanding!

I had a total hip replacement on February 5th, 2026. I am about seven-weeks out of surgery and I feel fantastic. I am already swinging a golf club and getting back into my normal workout routines. The best part is that I am doing all my daily activities without pain for the first time in years! I am no longer thinking about how I’m going to bend down to pick something up, or how I’m going to put socks on and tie my shoes. I can just do it! Dr. Schmiesing and his team did an excellent job. The EXCEL program was seamless. Everything was well organized, from pre-op to the day of surgery to post-op. I would highly recommend Dr. Schmiesing, his team, and TCO!

I had a total knee replacement by Dr. Saterbak and her team one year ago. I would prefer to not need to do this again, but if I do need my other knee replaced, I will go straight back to Dr. Saterbak. She and her team clearly and carefully answered all my questions about the procedure. They were there to guide me through every step of the process. As a result of such excellent care, I recovered within a few months and was able to resume my active life. Six months after the surgery, I completed a ten-mile hike through hills on narrow forest paths. I owe a lot of this success to their superb skill and experience, especially Dr. Saterbak. I am grateful to her, Maren, Nick, and the EXCEL care team for such magnificent care.

My family has been surrounded by support from Twin Cities Orthopedics and their staff this year. My husband had a successful knee replacement with Dr. TJ Panek’s staff in the EXCEL program. The organization, communication, and outstanding care provided from start to finish could not have been better. A knee replacement is not a minor procedure, but his surgery and recovery have been incredibly smooth and supported.

Our older son injured his shoulder during his high school football season. His school’s TCO sports trainer, Julia West, has been supporting him through every step of his recovery as he prepares for his final high school baseball season. Our younger son dislocated his kneecap this fall and initially tried rehab through physical therapy. When it became apparent that therapy wasn’t going to be the solution, Dr. Christopher Larson reassured him that surgery would provide the pathway to getting his goals back on track.

We’ve spent quite a lot of time this year interacting with many healthcare providers at TCO and every experience has felt like we were their main priority. From scheduling to record keeping to PT to imaging to surgical care coordinators to doctors, our experience has been outstanding and the recovery outcomes positive. I would highly recommend TCO to anyone looking for orthopedic care for themselves or their family.

Dr. Scott Anseth and his team at Twin Cities Orthopedics performed my left knee replacement almost seven years ago and my right knee replacement in February 2025. I am back to playing golf and pickleball because my walking is normal again. His team is so professional and personable. They truly listen to your concerns. The day I had surgery, Dr. Anseth came up to my EXCEL recovery suite during the evening to check on me and have a bedside chat. After the long day, that visit really put me at ease. I would highly recommend TCO, Dr. Anseth, and his assistant Heidi Bolgren to anyone who is considering knee surgery. To me, they are the best in the business!

Since I first began treatment with Twin Cities Orthopedics, I have been impressed by the organization, especially the efficiency and professionalism of the people working at the TCO Edina. I want to recognize the doctors, nurses, and TCO staff involved in my knee replacement surgery on February 19, 2026, at the Two Twelve Surgery Center.

Dr. Anseth is simply outstanding! He is friendly, direct with his explanations, and has a wonderful bedside manner. Although I am unable to specifically remember the names of the surgical team members, what I do remember is all positive treatment from them. The radiologist, the assisting surgeon, and the nurses were all great and I appreciated their good work.

Finally, I want to specifically praise the work of the nurses connected to the EXCEL overnight patient suites. They are rock stars! Sarah, Kate, and Mary Beth did great work and made sure my short stay was memorable. They were extremely attentive to my needs but also made the experience “fun” with their pleasant conversation and humor. I am in no hurry to need another surgery done, but if I do, I want them taking care of me.

In summary, thank you TCO for the good work and positive experience.

Around 7 months ago, I had two C5-6 disc replacements with a medical provider outside of Twin Cities Orthopedics. When I addressed my concern after the second surgery, I had an X-ray done and the provider said my disc was of no concern. I wanted a second opinion, so I came to TCO to see Dr. Deal. He was highly recommended from a friend of mine. I told him my concerns and he listened. After reviewing my X-rays, he said I needed a fusion. A few weeks later, I had the surgery with him. Going into surgery, I was beyond scared. I was afraid I would go through surgery for the third time without any relief afterwards. That was not the case!

Everything about my care was phenomenal! Between the nurses, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Deal, I was in such good hands. When I came out of surgery, I was able to move, talk, eat, and drink. My care at the EXCEL suites was great! The nurses were attentive. The physical therapist answered all of my questions and gave me some stretches to help loosen my body. During my healing process, I had so many questions. Emily, Dr. Deal’s Care Coordinator, emailed me back quickly. She was amazing with her communication! Six weeks later, I am feeling so much better. I have range of motion in my neck again, and I no longer have excruciating pain. I am beyond thankful for Dr. Deal and his team!