Patient Testimonials

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.

For hip replacement, Dr. Knowlan exclusively uses the anterior (front) approach, which offers a faster recovery time than the posterior (rear) approach. A layman’s view is that the posterior approach involves cutting of muscle, while the anterior method allows the surgeon to push muscles aside. The anterior method requires more expertise on the part of the surgeon, because the view of the hip joint is more restricted.

My surgery went unbelievably well and I’m 83 years old. I barely had any pain and took just Tylenol for a few days. I went to a wedding 4 days after surgery (using a walker). Shortly after that I switched to a cane, which I ditched about 2-3 weeks after surgery. I was driving 3 weeks post-surgery, even though surgery was for my right hip.

I began pre-op exercises about a month before surgery and have been doing the post-op exercises (it is now 7 weeks since surgery). It is important to do these to strengthen key muscles since it reduces recovery time. Dr. Knowlan says I don’t have any restrictions for movement now and I can golf.

Dr. Knowlan’s team was wonderful. Also, everyone at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater was very caring. Even the food was excellent!

I have had two hip replacements in the past 3 years. The first was using the posterior approach and the second was using the anterior (front) approach. I highly recommend Dr. Arntson and the anterior approach if you are contemplating a hip replacement. Recovery was a breeze and I was back doing my usual activities way sooner than when I had my first surgery. I am very pleased with Dr. Arntson and his surgical skills!

I had was thrilled that my anterior hip replacement went so well! I had a posterior hip replacement in 2020 and needed to have the other hip done in 2023. I opted to have an anterior procedure this time and was extremely happy with the results. I had very little pain, which Tylenol handled well. Everyone was surprised how well I was moving around shortly after the surgery. Recovery has been much easier than with the posterior approach. Dr. Owen O’Neill is amazing. He explains everything ahead of time and what to expect. His team of nurses and staff are the very best and the EXCEL Program was definitely the way to go!