Patient Testimonials

Dr. Arntson’s Checklist:
Listens – CHECK
Does Not Judge – CHECK
Knowledge – CHECK
Provides Options (when appropriate) – CHECK
Straight Forward – CHECK
Compassionate/Cares About His Patients – CHECK, CHECK, CHECK

Above is just a short list of reasons I would recommend Dr. Arntson to anyone struggling with making that all important decision to move ahead with joint replacement. At age 48, I had my first total knee replacement by another reputable surgeon (now retired) with Twin Cities Orthopedics.  Based on the success of that replacement, 5 years later I knew I needed the other knee replaced. Sticking with TCO, I had my left knee replaced in November 2015.  6-months post-op my knee just didn’t feel right so I continued with visits to my doctor until finally at the 1-year post-op mark I went in for arthroscopy, resulting in the removal of minimal scar tissue.  Still not confident things were right, my doctor offered to scope again, but made the recommendation I see Dr. Arntson for a 2nd opinion.

My initial consult with Dr. Arntson resulted in his giving 100% to listening to me share my issues of both knees and replacement history. Following a line of questioning, checking the stability, etc., of my problem knee he informed me that with everything described and done to that point it was a “red flag” that the new joint of less than 2 years needed to be replaced. Needless to say I was shocked, and disappointed. Options were provided and all tried (lab work to rule out infection, injection, another scope). After all was said and done, and the shock of a revised replacement wore off, I knew what needed to be done and felt very prepared to go through another replacement; more importantly, I was very confident that Dr. Arntson was going to make this revision a success.

In early October 2017, the revision went ahead at Mercy Hospital. Unlike any other past surgeon, Dr. Arntson visited me each day I was in the hospital to ensure all was going well, changed the dressing and provided me information about the procedure itself. My first day of therapy in the hospital amazed both myself & my therapists. I made more progress in the first few days than expected and certainly far sooner than in the past! After 2-3 weeks I was experiencing some rather severe calf pain so Dr. Arntson ordered a scan to rule out a blood clot, which thankfully turned out negative. He called me at home with the results, as well as followed back around with another phone call a few days later to see how I was doing. I am now at week 5 post-op and doing very well.  Without a doubt, this “Rolls Royce” of new knees is going to get me back to my bowling average in no time at all. Thank you to Dr. Arntson, his surgical team and Mercy Hospital staff!

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t also give kudos to Kristen V., Dr. Arntson’s patient care coordinator!  Kristen, as a supervisor in a different line of medical profession, I know just how tough some days can be.  I truly appreciate all of the help you provided me before, during and after my surgery.

I am a 67 year old woman whose right hip was bone on bone. Dr. Owen O’Neill performed the minimal invasive anterior hip replacement surgery on me on November 9^th and I am amazed at the result. I spent one night in the hospital, went home with the ability to do steps, used prescription pain medication for two days and then was able to control the pain with just Tylenol. Additionally, I only needed assistive devices for two days post-surgery. It is surprising that no PT is required since muscles are not cut. I highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and Jesse. It is a relief to be able to walk again without pain.

Dear Mr. Simonson,

I have been coming to Twin Cities Orthopedics since it opened. There are certain Doctors and Surgeons that stand out with their personality and professionalism. Dr. Christopher Larson, MD is one of Twin Cities Orthopedics Outstanding Physicians!

I have been seeing Dr. Larson over the past 3 years with a Large Labral Tear in my right hip. Dr. Larson is personable, kind, courteous and a smile that is always calming and caring!

Dr. Larson always goes the “extra mile” with his knowledge, concern and explaining what the injury is and how to maintain it.

Dr. Larson is a “great asset” to the Twin Cities Orthopedic Team! Please pass these comments on to Dr. Larson and thank you!

Sincerely,

Betsy C.

On June 26th of 2017, I checked in to The Ridges in Burnsville and Dr. Lewis performed a total knee replacement on my right knee.  My recovery from this surgery has been easier than I expected. The care I received at The Ridges was wonderful. All of the TCO providers, including the Physical Therapists at the Eden Prairie location have been awesome. I couldn’t be happier with my recovery and my follow up visits with Dr. Lewis. I have recommended him to many people.

Having a partial right knee replacement in September, 2017 done by Dr. Comfort and going through the EXCEL Program was a wonderful experience. A previous physician would not even consider a partial replacement. Dr. Comfort assured me this was the right decision and I have no regrets! Using the EXCEL Program, upon discharge from surgery center, you go to a health care facility in a private suite where you have a RN that takes care of you until discharged the next day. During that time you have several sessions of PT and are up walking with a walker. Dr. Comfort checks in on you that morning. When you leave you are feeling confident to go home and work on your recovery. Dr. Comfort, David, and Molly are all so reassuring, kind, and patient. I can now lift up my grandchildren without fear my knee will buckle under me. This was definitely the best medical experience I have ever had.  I highly recommend them!

I am very grateful that Dr. Tanner was on-call the night of my auto accident. He saved my foot! Both of the attending ER and Trauma physicians told me that I was very fortunate to have Dr. Tanner doing my emergency surgery and that he was considered the foot and ankle expert at North Memorial. Dr. Tanner and the rest of the medical staff at Twin Cities Ortho are really top notch. I would recommend him and TCO to anyone needing surgery, physical therapy, or looking to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Dr. Kirksson was just such a blessing to meet! He listens and hears your full story and then helps you come up with a plan to heal and/or become more comfortable. He’s thorough with his testing and has creative ideas for healing and helping you become pain free. In today’s world it is hard to find a doctor who is not so pressed for time that they are watching the clock while you are talking. He truly listens–is knowledgeable and compassionate!

I am 57 years old and had my right knee replacement surgery on October 4^th, 2017. I also had my left knee replaced just 2 years ago in September 2015.  Both surgeries were performed by Dr. Erik Peterson. He and his care team are rock stars. Dr. Peterson, Christine, Molly and Jenna have always gone above and beyond to ensure that my needs were met at each and every appointment. The pre-surgery and post-surgery care that I received from Dr. Peterson’s team was exceptional, always exceeding my expectations. In both instances, I started with steroid injections managing my knee pain which eventually led to recommendation for knee replacement surgery. My knee surgeries (2 years apart) were both at Fairview Wyoming Hospital, which was very well coordinated by Dr. Peterson’s care team. The nursing staff at Fairview was very attentive. Dr. Peterson’s team and Fairview Hospital were extremely helpful and cooperative when working with me on my goal to return home as quickly as possible. In both instances, I was able to return home with just 1 overnight stay in the hospital, with follow up physical therapy with Curt H. at Courage Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy for approximately 6-8 weeks. Remaining active and committed to a physical therapy regimen has been key to my recovery and has allowed me to return to work after 8 weeks. On a scale of 1 to 10 ranking of the care I have received by Dr. Peterson and his care team, I highly recommend them and give them a 10+ rating.

I am 48 years old and Dr. Comfort did a total hip replacement on my right hip on October 17th, 2017. I was admitted into the EXCEL Program that is offered through TCO and would recommend this option to anyone who qualifies for it. Dr. Comfort is a top-notch surgeon and does a great job. I am currently 4 weeks post-op and cannot say enough about the success of my surgery and recovery. The surgery was performed at High Pointe Surgery Center in Lake Elmo where everyone from the admission person to the nurses and staff were extremely attentive and helpful. I then spent one night at White Bear Heights for recovery and again the entire process was pleasant. I left the facility being able to walk up and down the halls using a walker, climbed a flight of stairs with a cane, and even walked a short distance with no aide at all. 5 days after my surgery I was only using a cane to get around, and by my 2 week post-op appointment with Dr. Comfort I was walking with little to no assistance and driving! I was back to work 2 weeks after my surgery much to the amazement of my co-workers, family, friends, and most of all me! I have to remind myself that it has only been 4 weeks and that I still need to take it easy as I feel so great. I cannot thank Dr. Comfort and his wonderful staff at TCO, High Pointe, and White Bear Heights enough for such an amazing experience. I would not hesitate to refer Dr. Comfort to anyone (and I actually have) and will not hesitate to return to him if the need arises in the future.

Thank you for giving me a pain-free life again!!!!

Dr. Hunt, this may seem too corny to endure, but I’ll risk it.  I find myself struggling to express the depth of my gratitude to you and the team of caring professionals you have gathered around you for the fifteen years or more you have added to my life. When I decided to go to you to replace my knees late in 2008, I was seriously facing the loss of most of my outdoor activities. In January, 2009, you and your team replaced both of my knees, and in two surgeries during 2011 you also replaced both of my shoulders. Now you have given me a new right hip.  Because of your work, I have continued to backpack with three generations of family members for days on end on Isle Royale every fall (sometimes twice in a season). Early last spring I backpacked about forty miles of the Superior Hiking trail with a friend. Libby and I have been able to tour the Peruvian Amazon and the Peruvian sacred valley, and then spend a week on the Galápagos Islands. As a pastor I made multiple trips to partner congregations in El Salvador and in Nigeria. Twice I’ve made it to Alaska, most recently with Libby for a stay with friends in Halibut Cove on Kachemak Bay. Two years ago Libby and I toured Iceland, reunited with her relatives in Sweden and with my relatives and friends in Norway. And for the last three years I’ve led delegations to explore how migratory birds connect Minnesota and Nicaragua.  All this scattered among countless forays across Minnesota and Wisconsin to go birding in remote wild corners of our region.

I only hope this little album of memories gives you some sense of my gratitude to you for your work and for my privilege of having access to this health care (when so many across the world do not).

Blessings, Keith O.