Patient Testimonials

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!

Dr. O’Neill and his entire staff are beyond amazing to work with. Four years prior to seeing Dr. O’Neill, I had hip reconstruction for a labrum tear and reshaping of the ball and socket. I was hoping that surgery would be the fix. Eventually I developed severe arthritis and needed a full new hip. My husband had already had a hip and a knee surgery with Dr. O’Neill, so I knew he was my choice for this surgery.

He knew I had a trip planned in November which would require hiking and he promised me I would be ready. I had surgery on August 8, 2022 and was walking in post-op and at the recovery center. I was off a walker and walking with a cane in my neighborhood within 5 days post-op. The only pain I would tell you to be prepared for is the thigh pain. One would assume pain in the surgery area but this was not the case. I had quite a bit of swelling in the hip/thigh for almost 8 weeks. Overall, I felt better and better every day for the first 5 weeks. Note – You MUST WALK a lot and push through the pain! I also would say that until my swelling was gone, my leg felt a little bit longer. Once the swelling was gone it felt perfect!

I unfortunately had a slight set back around week 6, and I ended up getting bursitis in my hip/leg which I found out at my 8-week appt. I did PT for 4 weeks, and then at week 15 I was able to climb Machu Picchu with ZERO PAIN! We were on a trip to Peru where we walked or hiked every day and my average steps per day were between 13,500 – 17,500. We averaged 7/8 miles a day! So, when Dr. O’Neil tells you that you will be able to anything you want after 12 weeks, he is 100% correct! Just have to put your mind to your rehab/recovery and you can do it. I have referred him to several people and will continue to do so! Thank you again for everything!

I received great care and counseling. I feel completely restored and love being able to move effortlessly again! I forgot what it was like to live pain-free. I am back to life. Thank you Dr. Arntson!

Could not ask for a better outcome for my hip replacement done by Dr. Arntson. First time in years that I’m pain free. Get it done, it’s so worth it!

When I met with Dr. O’Neill for my post-op check-up seven weeks post-surgery (anterior hip replacement), I told him he was a genius. I can’t say enough good things about him and the staff at TCO. From my first meeting, through surgery and post-op, Dr. O’Neill listened to me and sought to understand my situation. He was caring and compassionate, knowledgeable, thorough and encouraging. I felt confident in his ability to help me, and at ease under his care. I was surprisingly calm as I faced major surgery.

The entire staff was always available to answer my questions (and I had a LOT!) and when I met personally with Dr. O’Neill, he seemed to “settle in”, not in a hurry to move on to the next patient. Pre- and post-op instructions from both TCO and the hospital were very clear.

I had some conflicting diagnoses prior to seeing Dr. O’Neill but from my first visit with him, I knew he was on the right track. I had struggled with back and hip pain for 18 months and lost much of my mobility, and my zest for life. Dr. O’Neill and his team gave that back to me and as I look ahead to retirement in a few days, I’m so grateful that I will be able to be an active, ALIVE participant in life. Many thanks to Dr. O’Neill and staff!