Patient Testimonials

Dr. Carlson did a fantastic job on my hip replacement. Dr. Carlson put an end to my severe pain and allowed me to walk again after six months in a wheelchair! I most highly recommend TCO. Thanks a million! Kudos!

I placed my trust in Dr. O’Neill and his staff after carefully researching orthopedic surgeons since I needed a lot of “structural work.” I wanted to be certain I would have the same results with top notch precision. Every replaced joint is working well, in alignment, and I am back to enjoying life with an active supported body. His staff is caring, efficient and prompt in responding to questions and concerns I’ve had over the course of five years.

It’s been three months since my anterior hip replacement surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with Dr. O’Neill, his team, the EXCEL program, and my new hip. Every stage of my experience with Dr. O’Neill and his team was positive.

It started with my first appointment when he explained my condition, options, and an overview of how he performs hip replacements. My surgery was scheduled and during the three months wait, I received guidance from his staff on how to prepare through a mailed packet of program information and an online Zoom meeting. This preparation was very educational and provided me with added confidence in the EXCEL program as well as Dr. O’Neill and his team.

On surgery day, the friendly staff ran everything very efficiently. The surgery proceeded without any problems, and I had no complications. As part of the EXCEL program, I stayed overnight at their Edina Care Suites where I was cared for by wonderful nurses and a physical therapist who aided with my initial recovery. This overnight stay helped me feel more stable so I could return home confident with my balance and ability to walk. My care nurses were attentive and thorough, really just plain outstanding.

During my post-surgery recovery period, I gained stability, flexibility, and strength each day. I followed my post-surgery medication and exercise program at home with the prescribed daily routine. I needed to use a cane for only three days and within weeks I was taking neighborhood walks (about a mile or so) with a full stride. Now my hip doesn’t buckle, I no longer walk with a hitch in my step, and I have returned to my regular workout routine.

In summary, I’m very grateful for the EXCEL program, the surgery team, the staff, but especially the knowledge and skill of Dr. O’Neill.

I had an incredible experience with Dr. TJ Ridley. From the first time we met to look at options for my left hip, Dr. Ridley was professional, insightful, patient and knowledgeable. He has a wonderful team at TCO and my recovery and PT with the EXCEL Program was incredible. I highly recommend Dr. Ridley for anything orthopedic related. Dr. Ridley has a way about him that gave me great confidence and comfort.

The road to pain-free life started after my hip surgery. I can do the simple things in life again like walking, getting into a car, and getting dressed. Dr. Arntson and his team were excellent before, and after the procedure.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Sam Carlson for my hip replacement. Dr. Carlson used the anterior approach, which allowed me to be up and moving without a cane after one week. The whole team was competent, and professional throughout. I was pleased by how responsive Dr. Carlson and his team were to answer questions and address any of my needs during the process.

I feel very fortunate to have found Dr. Bircher to do my right hip replacement. We started with a very careful analysis of my problem and a discussion of options before jumping to solutions. Once we decided on a hip replacement, the entire process was handled very professional and efficiently. If I ever have to do my other hip, Dr. Bircher is my choice for this kind of care. I strongly recommend him.

I had my hip replacement surgery one year ago. It took some time to heal but now it is the best feeling part of my body. Thanks Dr. Meisterling!

I met with Dr. Bircher after I found out the cause of my pain was bone on bone in both hips. After discussing the process, I had confidence it was the way to go. The surgery went great! I was walking with a walker within hours and walking without a cane in five days. I never had any signs of bleeding, drainage or infection. I am three months post-surgery and that hip feels great. I can’t wait to get the other hip done in a few months. Dr. Bircher’s staff is great. I wouldn’t consider seeing anyone else. I had my surgery done at North Memorial Hospital and spent one night on site. The staff there were outstanding too.

Our 96-year-old mother was living life in chronic hip pain. She endured several years with multiple cortisone injections until they became ineffective. The hip joint pain was becoming unbearable. Her quality of life was poor at best, dealing with constant pain. Other orthopedic doctors stated she was too old for hip replacement and offered other alternatives that provided no relief. She couldn’t walk or sleep comfortably and often just sat in a recliner. The family had to rely on the wheel chair more often when going outside the home.

We finally met with Dr. Bircher, who was referred to us by moms primary Doctor. He listened to the family’s concerns, goals, and mom’s quality of life. He took into consideration her entire health history and not just the number of her age! After basic pre-op testing, he saw no reason we couldn’t do a total hip replacement. While we all had our reservations for hip replacement surgery, especially since mom only had her tonsils removed at a very young age and no other surgery in her 96 years!

Surgery day came and while they were prepping her, she asked for a hospital chaplain. The chaplain got called away and could not visit beforehand and asked Dr. Bircher to say a prayer. Guess what, he did! He held hands with mom and our family and lead the prayer for his hands to guide him in a successful surgery.

Our mother’s surgery went perfect and she was up walking and feeling better the same night after surgery. Even at 96, she recovered quickly and is back in her home. She is walking free of pain, mainly with a walker for safety, but she often sneaks quick distances without any assistance. We never thought we’d see her walk without in excruciating pain again.

We highly recommend Dr. Bircher for his amazing surgical skills, communication, kindness, empathy, bedside manner. He’s an all-around a great man! Thank you, Dr. Bircher and your amazing support team!