Patient Testimonials

In September of 1990, I shattered my right ankle while seven months pregnant with my first son. Dr. McGarvey was the orthopedic surgeon on call at Fairview Ridges ER. He was very reassuring and confident that he could rebuild my ankle and I’d be good-to-go by my December 26th delivery date. Between my pregnancy and penicillin allergy, medication choices were slim and I would not be able to be completely put out. The anesthesiologist & anesthetist were so kind and attentive throughout the 3+ hour surgery. Dr. McGarvey basically rebuilt my ankle with a 5 or 6″ plate & screws on the right side and a pin on the left. My cast went from my toes to my knee and I could not put any weight on my ankle – not easy when 7-8 months pregnant and living in a two-story. It all would have made for a great reality show! The physical therapy center even had a pool going for my delivery date…and the sex of the baby. And, on Christmas night, Jack was born. Almost 27 pain-free years later, I am very thankful for the surgeon on call in Burnsville’s ER.

I was kicked by a horse on February 14th and ended up with a tibial plateau fracture. I could have opted to “fix” that or have a knee replacement, Dr Arntson was very informative about the pros and cons of my options and i scheduled a minimally invasive knee replacement with him on March 21st. I was insistent on the best care as I was determined to be back riding horse again for the spring, summer and fall season. I was not disappointed. The surgery and the therapy all went well. I drove myself to my first physical therapy session (this was a right knee replacement) one day short of four weeks after my surgery. This is not recommended but my ride to therapy fell through. I was able to quit the prescription pain medication less than 2 weeks after surgery and soon after that quit taking the Tylenol. The first week in May I was able to ride horse for the first time since getting kicked, I quit wearing the TED stockings and pretty much resumed my normal schedule with no residual pain and no limp whatsoever. I still have a long way to go to build my stamina/endurance back up again as I was pretty much non-weight bearing on my right leg between getting kicked and the surgery but i couldn’t be happier with my progress and my results. I have a shoulder that needs attention also and I already warned Dr.Arntson that I will be making an appointment with him once horse riding season in MN is coming to an end this year.

I was shocked and dismayed to need a hip replacement in my 50’s. When researching surgeons – two separate parties referred me to Dr. O’Neill. When I met him at the pre-op appointment – he communicated directly and clearly. I never felt rushed with my many questions and I was impressed with his confidence in the procedure and in his ability to restore my mobility. That confident style reassured me that I could get back an active life.

The surgery and recovery went exactly as planned (no issues or concerns). His visits to me in the hospital post surgery were timely, informative and caring. At the post op appointments, Dr. O’Neill was thorough in his explanation of x-rays, expected progress and restrictions (I healed quickly – the restrictions were few). My entire experience with Dr.O’Neill and TCO was great. I truly felt I was treated by a surgeon who was interested not just in the mechanics of the surgery – but took pleasure in seeing my improved health and well-being. Thanks Dr. O’Neill. I’ll report back on my horseback riding adventures in a year!

Trust is the glue of life. Dr. Arntson’s had a distinct ability to calmly and professionally answer my questions about my anterior hip replacement, hospitalization and rehabilitation. This was my third attempt to find a surgeon that I trusted. This trust carried through the pre-surgery questions, my family’s post-surgery meeting and my follow up surgical appointments. I not only trust Dr. Arnston’s words, I trust his actions. I have had a much quicker rehabilitation than my former hip surgery. Such professionalism is an art. As such, Dr. Arntson is an artist I unqualifiedly endorse.

Dr. Ryan was amazingly helpful and thorough. I’ve been to several orthopedic specialists at other clinics and found that they didn’t take time to listen to what was going on, or didn’t take me seriously because I wasn’t an athlete. But Dr. Ryan took the time to really pay attention to what was going on. She was mindful that I’d had back surgery, but quickly recognized that the pain actually was in my foot and not a nerve pain coming from my back. She prescribed some easy-to-do treatments and less than a week later, the pain is in control and will just continue to improve.

I was a patient of Dr.Coetzee’s about five years ago, when I got into a terrible dirt bike accident and broke my ankle in many places. It was a very frightening time in my life, and I knew that my foot would never be the same. Dr. Coetzee was truly the most amazing surgeon I could have hoped for. He did an amazing job, and to this day I am able to live a normal life, I even started my first job as a Registered Nurse in March! I want to thank him so much for all he did for me. He is truly a wonderful and intelligent human being.

I would like to take a few moments to recognized the team of individuals at Twin Cities Orthopedics who help me through my ACL injury recovery progress. On February 26^th I tore my ACL and went to Twin Cities Orthopedic Urgent Care. On February 28th, I saw Dr. Arthur and it was determined that ACL Replacement/Reconstruction was the best option for me. On March 2nd, I saw Jay Schindler, Physical Therapist to establish a baseline for recovery. On March 7^th, the ACL replacement/reconstruction took place. After surgery, I began physical therapy on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Jay and his assistant Shannon were absolutely the best. They knew when to recommend going down to one crutch, removing the knee brace, walking without crutches and what stretching/exercise were best to help me recover quickly. I am doing really well and would like to recognize them for caring about their patients and doing such a fabulous job. Thank you!!

Thanks Dayna for your help getting the team the recognition they so much deserve.

I have had very successful luck with Dr. O’Neill, I had a hip replaced 2 years ago with no problem and was very pleased with everything. This past January I had my knee replaced, I was in the hospital for 4 days, the care team at the hospital were very pleased with my fast recovery, I had no problems. My physical therapy went very well; I was able to bend the joint easily. The staff remarked that they were surprised with how fast I was moving along, and I said it was because I had a fabulous surgeon. At 6 weeks they kicked me out of PT because I was doing so well. Dr. Owen O’Neill was responsible for my rapid recovery. If I would not have had a good surgeon, I would not have had a good outcome. I have no doubt that he is one of the best in the twin cities. I have had no complications. Dr. O’Neill called me his poster girl because I was recovering so fast.

Around 7 months or so, I had both of my knees replaced by Dr. Owen O’Neill. My second knee was much easier for me as I knew what to expect. I was hesitant at first but you have to overcome your fear. While in the hospital, I did exactly what Dr. O’Neill and his team recommended, I didn’t let the pain control me and I did the Physical Therapy.

My goal throughout was to be able to climb the 88 steps from my dock to my lake house. I will find out if I can meet this objective in May, but have no doubt in my mind that I will.

Dr. O’Neill was very open about the entire experience, he was straightforward and made sure I knew exactly what to expect. I would recommend him to anyone.

My orthopedic surgeon for a left shoulder rotator cuff repair was Dr. Frank Norberg. I was surprised with the minimal amount of pain after surgery. I only used one pain pill after surgery to make sure that I got a good’s night rest. The remaining prescribed pain pills were not needed. The scar is no longer visible. I healed in record time by following the exercises that Dr. Norberg recommended.

I’m fortunate that my primary doctor recommended Dr. Frank Norberg. He is a great surgeon, which I highly recommend.