Patient Testimonials

I’m a 52 year old woman who has spent my entire life working on my feet. Either as a restaurant server, to manager and most recently a freelance makeup artist. So it wasn’t surprising that I started having knee pain years ago. I tried the usual; massage, ice, heat, tons of Advil, glucosamine & chondroitin. Finally I knew it was time to have an orthopedic surgeon take a look at them. After having X-rays done, my worse fear came true. I was bone on bone in both knees. I had outlived my knees. I was very shook up. I decided to try cortisone shots and after the first time I felt like a new woman. I thought, “ok I can do this. Yes I have to have surgery, but I can put it off for awhile”, well the 3 months went by and my knees were feeling bad again so I went in for another cortisone shot. This time, nothing! It didn’t help at all. I met with Dr. Holm and confirmed I would need surgery. After speaking to him for a bit, I knew he was the doctor I wanted to do my surgery. I liked his upbeat attitude and his overall confidence. I cannot express my gratitude enough in Dr. Holm. After listening to a few well-meaning friends, I took my husband with me to see Dr. Holm again. I needed my husband to help me understand that all options were off the table, and that if I wanted the quality of life I had been missing I would have to do the bilateral knee replacement. Dr. Holm was very patient and kind to once again explain what the surgery would entail. So October 11, 2016 I was admitted to Fairview Ridges hospital for my surgery. I was a basket case. Every single person I came into contact with was exemplary! They alleviated all the stress and fear that I was feeling. The surgery went extremely well. Dr. Holm confirmed that my knees were a mess! So after 4 nights at Ridges (where my nurses and PT personnel were fantastic!)  I was sent home. I am so pleased to announce that I am recovering quickly. It’s been 24 days and I am walking without a walker. Going up and down stairs (slowly), but never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be where I am right now. I cannot express my absolute gratitude to Dr. Jason Holm, his PA Jamie & care coordinator Kelly! They have been there for every question, concern that I have had. I highly recommend that anyone considering surgery that they choose Dr. Holm and his team! So thank you once again, Dr. Holm, Jamie, and Kelly! You truly are the best!

I started seeing Dr. Hess after having an accident during a 2014 ice storm. The MRI showed severe damage but Dr. Hess said he could help me. After trying a few ways to help me relieve the pain, we ultimately decided on surgery. He removed part of my collar bone and the results were unbelievable. I have no pain and full range of motion. Dr. Hess took care of me and was always concerned about me. He was by far one of the best doctors that I have ever had. I would strongly recommend him to anyone that is in need of a concerned and caring doctor. If I ever need help again he will be the first doctor that I will be in contact with. I have all the confidence and trust in him!

In 2000, both of my ankles were broken.  I was told the severity of the injury to my right ankle would most likely not be able to be repaired.  I demanded the best doctor in the world to repair my ankles because I was a single mother with 2 young children, living in a multi-level house.  I told my doctor that if it meant leaving the country to get my ankles fixed, I would do so.  With that, my doctor found Dr. Coetzee located in S. Africa at the time and requested that we coordinate an effort to repair my ankles.  Dr. Coetzee left South Africa to come here to fix my ankles.  It is now 16 years later and I still tell this story of such a wonderful, skilled surgeon who saved me from walking with a cane for the rest of my life or worse.  This man is THE BEST!  My now adult daughters are equally appreciative of such a gift from him.  They got their mother back after a one year recovery and childhood of not having to have their mother dependent on them for help.  Thank you again Dr. Coetzee.

I met Dr. Kelly after an accident where I broke and crushed bones in my right elbow. He took on the challenge of putting my elbow back together with plates and screws.  Three months later I had an outpatient surgery to remove some unnecessary hardware and cartilage. Dr. Kelly is truly a miracle worker, he repaired the damage so well that two years later I have 95% mobility and use of my elbow. Without his skill and patience, I could have been left with a useless arm. He and his staff showed genuine concern through surgeries and healing, and always took the time to explain each process. I am so blessed that Dr. Kelly was called to do my emergency surgery. I will be forever grateful.

After battling severe plantars fasciitis for close to two years and exercising all remedies, I finally decided to go ahead with the Tenex procedure as recommended by Dr. Langer. Although the first 7 weeks after the surgery I wasn’t allowed to run, after that I slowly began to ramp up my mileage again. Within 3 months of the surgery I was running 60-70 miles a week and 4 months after I was back to 80-100 miles a week. Now, 9 months after, I am able to do all daily life activities plus maintain a high level of mileage. I highly recommend this surgery to anyone battling severe plantars, regardless if you are an athlete or not.

Couldn’t be more satisfied with him. Very personable, friendly, and keeps you at ease while explaining everything completely. I would recommend him to anyone needing a surgeon in his field.

*Keith is a patient of Dr. Gesensway

After multiple visits to different doctors to diagnose my shoulder problems with no luck, I visited Dr. Butterfield. He took the time to listen to my concerns of the pain and what I wanted to do with my everyday life. ( I wasn’t able to sleep at night and I also did not want to give up crossfit.) After all the tests, it was determined that the only way to help was surgery. Dr. Butterfield took his time to discuss the different ways to correct the problem and also which option was the best. After 4 months of rehab Dr. Butterfield gave me the all clear to resume all my activities. I could not be happier with the results. I am back doing crossfit and sleeping at night.

*Rick underwent surgery for Biceps Tenodesis with Dr. Butterfield at Twin Cities Orthopedics.

As a sports fanatic, it was very difficult to forego activities like golf, softball, bowling, etc. due to inability to walk or run without severe pain. Previous surgeons informed me that at my age of 57 that I was “too young” to have knee replacement surgery. Waiting an additional 18 months proved too painful and I got a referral to see the good doctor Allan. Within 30 days I had two Oxford partial knee replacements and returned home after surgery at Abbott within 36 hours. I was driving within three weeks and after successful therapy sessions I’m out golfing, trapshooting, boating and enjoying all kinds of activities. Dr. Hunt’s group at TCO and the staff at Abbott were absolutely superb and a patient couldn’t ask for any better treatment. Dr. Hunt reviewed every step of the procedure in detail and I felt comfortable with the decisions that were made for my health. You will not regret choosing Dr. Hunt as your surgeon.

I was very fortunate to be cared for by Dr. Bjerke! He applied emergency stabilization, recommended treatment protocol, performed surgery and provided followup care. We were extremely impressed with the knowledge, expertise, professionalism and caring manner of everyone we worked with – from the urgent care and surgical staff to the physical therapy specialists. Thank you for the excellent care, Dr. Bjerke and staff! It made a very painful situation much easier that I felt I was in good hands.

The entire process was accomplished with superb guidance and anticipation of the patient’s perspective. I am now pain free with full range of motion.