Patient Testimonials

After visiting with two other orthopedic surgeons, a friend suggested I meet with Dr. Owen O’Neill at TCO. This friend had both hips replaced by Dr. O’Neill about 10 years ago. Her goal was to be back riding her horse within eight weeks of the surgery and in both cases, she was. While most hip surgeons use the posterior incision method, Dr. O’Neill uses the minimally invasive anterior technique. I knew as soon as I met Dr. O’Neill that I was willing to put my hip health in his hands, and he was able to schedule surgery for five weeks out. Every step of the process was shared with me in advance. After the morning surgery, I was moved to the overnight facility where I stayed until the next morning with round-the-clock care including physical therapy. Dr. O’Neill visited me the morning after surgery, and I was released to go home. Within three weeks, I was driving again and by six weeks, I had resumed most normal activities. My hip pain was gone immediately after surgery, and I have had no pain since then. I was able to climb stairs the day after surgery and as part of the EXCEL Surgery & Recovery program, I walked three times a day until I was walking over an hour a day. This was a life-changing surgery for me. I have resumed regular exercise and travel and am pain-free. In hindsight, I would not have waited so long to have the surgery, but I did so out of fear. Dr. O’Neill is an excellent surgeon, and he and his team at Twin Cities Orthopedics took very good care of me.

Dr. Owen O’Neill performed my direct anterior hip replacement with amazing results. No physical therapy was required versus the traditional procedure which was done on my right hip a few years ago. My recovery time was much shorter, and I had minimum pain. There is no question for anyone who is considering a hip replacement to have Dr. O’Neill perform it.

I chose Dr. O’Neil because a friend who had him for a hip replacement said it was a “piece-of-cake”. My surgery was early in the morning. I slept most of the day and the next morning I was awake and feeling good. They gave me breakfast and a lunch to take along I was discharged to go home to northern Minnesota. The next day I started walking our driveway, which is quite long, with a walker. The next week I switched to a cane more for security than needed. My recovery was faster and pain was less with the anterior hip surgery. This was so much easier than my previous surgery with a different orthopedic physician, and the scar is fading fast.

Dr. O’Neill came highly recommended to me by my Primary Care Physician once I could no longer maintain my active lifestyle due to pain in my right hip.

After my first appointment with him, I knew I did not need to look any further. I felt comfortable and confident in his skills. He was attentive, professional, and explained everything thoroughly. My minimally invasive anterior hip replacement surgery took place at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center, and it all went perfectly. The next day I was home using a walker for only 3 days. I followed all the instructions and dutifully did my daily exercises. I am now 10 weeks post-operation, and I am back to participating in all of my activities pain free! I feel wonderful and am so grateful to Dr. O’Neill and his amazing staff. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a top-notch orthopedic surgeon.

I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my hip replacement surgery. Dr O’Neill and his staff were exceptional. I am nine weeks post-operation and am able to walk 5-6 miles per day without pain. I would highly recommend Dr O’Neill for anyone needing a hip replacement.

I was recommended to Dr. O’Neill when it was determined I needed a hip replacement, and I am forever grateful for that recommendation. Dr. O’Neill performed anterior hip replacement surgery and answered all of my questions. The care Dr. O’Neill and his team provide is wonderful. In less than two weeks I could handle any discomfort with just Tylenol and Ibuprofen. It has now been ten weeks since surgery and I can go about all my normal activities, including golf and extended walks. Walking is very important to me, and I was unable to go more than a few blocks prior to surgery. Now I’m doing five miles with no trouble. I highly recommend Dr. O’Neill; he is a top-rated surgeon.

I received anterior hip replacement surgery from Dr. Arntson. After the surgery, all my previous pain was gone, and there was no new pain. I am one happy patient.

I am so grateful for Dr. Bircher and the very successful total hip replacement surgery he performed. He did the anterior approach which was an amazing surgery and recovery compared to the very painful, difficult lateral/posterior surgery I had done 2 years ago with a different surgeon. I’m totally back to doing all the things I love like babysitting grandchildren, walking on the beach, singing in the choir, gardening, and much more. Thank you for giving me my life back!!!

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.

Wow, where do I start. Dr. Arntson was such a professional from day one. He never told me what to do, but explained all possibilities in details so I could make an educated decision. I chose anterior hip replacement surgery. I highly recommend this approach. My recovery was quick and the pain went away quickly too. I had a friend that chose the posterior approach and he said at 4 weeks, I was so much farther ahead on my recovery than he was. I also recommend the NICE ICE suit which made 20 minutes of icing on and off very easy. I’d like to add that the entire staff of nurses, PT’s, X-ray staff, and others that helped me through this were wonderful. They really do care about your health and recovery. Great job, Dr. Arntson and staff.