Patient Testimonials

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.

I am so grateful to have had such an amazing orthopedic surgeon as Dr. Lewis. My left knee was extremely crooked and would bend towards the left severely. It was very painful. Dr. Lewis and his team, including Elizabeth (Libby) Witchger, performed the surgery on 2/19/26. After only three weeks of physical therapy, the pain was almost completely gone. As of today, 2/26/26, I have no more pain and my leg is straight.

I am 57 years old. I have always played sports and working out is an important part of my life. As I got into my 50’s, my left knee was in pain after I did any kind of running or squatting. After X-rays revealed a deteriorating meniscus, I started getting cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections. Last year the efficacy of those treatments wore off, and the next step was a total knee replacement. After consulting with my orthopedic doctor, she recommended me to Dr. Bircher. I felt comfortable immediately upon meeting him. The next time I saw him was the morning of my surgery and he made me feel comfortable about the procedure. He offered to pray for me prior to the surgery which made me feel like I was in the best hands. When I was recovering after the surgery, he stopped by to check on me and answered all the questions I had.

The first 2-3 weeks were hard for me, and I struggled see a future where I would fully recover. Dr. Bircher ensured me that things would work out if I kept consistent with physical therapy. He was right! Three months later, I am back at my gym. I am scaling back some of the things I used to do, but I am amazed at how good my knee feels. If you are considering a knee replacement, I highly recommend Dr. Bircher. Stay on the path with rehab and be patient. It made a huge difference for me. I thank God every day for bringing Dr. Bircher into my life. I am forever grateful!

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.

I want to give a big thank you to Dr. Bircher and his entire team! The tremendous skill from Dr. Bircher was the foundation of my recovery. My recovery time was a fraction of our expectations because of his work and the amazing guidance from TCO’s physical therapy staff. I returned to playing pickleball seven weeks after having surgery on my second knee replacement surgery.

I am so happy to have found Dr. Vorlicky! I had a knee replacement with another provider outside of TCO. It never seemed to be getting better and the original surgeon said nothing was wrong. I asked my cousin who she had gone to for her knee replacement and she referred me to Dr. Vorlicky. When I went to see him, he said he knew exactly what was wrong. He operated on my knee and it made such a huge difference! 

Four months later, I am having him do my right knee. I am still healing but continue to feel better every day. Dr. Vorlicky is amazing and I would highly recommend him to anyone! In fact, he has also replaced my husband’s hip. He has no pain in his hip at all anymore. All of the staff at TCO and their surgery centers are the kindest and most helpful people. They are amazing at making you feel better!

The care I was given from Dr. Bircher’s team was excellent! I had a robotic total left knee replacement, and I couldn’t be happier with the results!

I had my knee replacement surgery with Dr. Bircher. It went very well! I am having a great recovery with no issues. Dr. Bircher is a great physician. He truly listened to me and my needs. It meant a lot!

I first saw Dr. Bircher 3 1/2 years ago when I started experiencing pain in my right knee. He guided me through options. He said to come see him once I am unable to do the activities I want to do without pain. There was no pressure in deciding right away! When the time came, he X-rayed and confirmed I was ready to have my knee replaced. Dr. Bircher and his team were very helpful and responsive throughout the process. The surgery went great! I have already been golfing and hitting the gym consistently only 90 days after the surgery. If I have any further knee or hip needs, I know who I will be calling. Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team, including my physical therapists. They did a great job!