Patient Testimonials

My hip replacement experience was excellent and life changing. Prior to surgery I had significant pain that limited my mobility and restricted me from the activities I enjoy as well as limited my ability to run my business. The pain initiated in my hip, but my back and right knee were also in pain. It was hard for me to believe that at just 61 years arthritis was to a point that I needed replacement. I also didn’t believe that replacing my hip would resolve my back and knee pain, but it did. I first consulted my general practitioner and on advice of a doctor within my insurance coverage, I had a steroid injection as a first step. With no improvement, I researched options for hip replacement, information on procedures and chose Dr. Brian O’Neill at TCO.

My experience was exceptional from the beginning through my final re-check. From a basic patient perspective, I had no long waits, had my questions answered and felt that Dr. Brian O’Neill listened to my concerns. The surgery was fast, the experience at the Interlude Center was fantastic, and best of all I am completely out of pain and back to a very active, pain free life.

Details that worked well for me:

– I appreciate that surgery was scheduled early in the morning. I had minimal general anesthetic issues.
– The bundled billing and ability to pre-pay was a very convenient option. It is also helpful as a patient to have one contact person should there have been a question on the billing.
– The education meeting with the TCO/Excel nurse Marni was very helpful to know what to expect.
– The printed booklet was helpful as it is easy to forget details.
– Recovering in the Interlude Center through the Excel program was a perfect after surgery experience. Private room, private nurses, physical therapy and a follow-up with an internist gave me access to care in one package and eliminated the chaos that can come with a hospital experience.
– The nurses that cared for me were wonderful and well suited to that kind of care.
– The room at the Interlude Center was great-it is nice to be surrounded by comfort while being focused on recovery.

I have only 2 recommendations based on my experience. It would be helpful to receive a chart or spreadsheet that scheduled the pain medications to be taken at home. I was familiar with the drugs and the nurses educated me, but for some patients this could be confusing and easy to forget what to take and when. There was a written list of medications prescribed, but not a specific schedule outlining how and when to take the meds.

The other recommendation is a printed handout from the therapist with pictures of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 exercises. Even though I could have used my laptop to access the videos, I created hard copies of exercises and included a chart of completion to make it easier to get it done.

I rate my experience A++. I would be giving my testimony in person but I am celebrating my 39^th wedding anniversary with my husband in Florida. We walk 4 miles on the beach each morning and that was my goal when scheduling the surgery in early August. Life is good, thank you Twin Cities Orthopedic team!

I had foot pain on my right foot for many years before I went to see Dr. Cammack at Twin Cities Orthopedics. He performed surgery on that foot and I no longer have pain. I highly recommend Dr. Cammack and his staff.

I just want to say I am so grateful to the wonderful surgeon Dr. Wetter! He did a great job with me fixing my elbow. And also my therapist, Ingrid, she gives me hope and helped me a lot getting better. She is a great therapist. I am so grateful to the whole team. Thanks guys!

Now that I’m 9 weeks post surgery, I can confirm what I’ve thought all along; I was fortunate to have Dr. Stephen Olmsted as the Surgeon on call from Twin Cities Orthopedics on the night of my accident. Having regained nearly all of my range of motion from a shattered wrist and reconstruction, and reviewed current X-rays with him that reveal a great surgical outcome, I clearly benefited beyond any reasonable expectation from the skillful experience, art and common sense of Dr. Olmsted‘s surgery and care. Don’t shatter your wrist! But if you do, go to TCO and request Dr. Stephen Olmsted.

My case was unique. I had had a total knee replacement surgery exactly one month prior to the day I fell and broke my ankle. Dr. Vorlicky’s team got me into surgery within 2 days. The entire team, including those who were part of the surgery, were awesome. They were not only knowledgeable, but treated me with dignity and many smiles. Dr. Vorlicky did an excellent job. My ankle healed well and after 2 years I am moving like a champ! I would recommend Dr. Vorlicky for any Orthopedic work.

I had a minimally invasive right anterior hip replacement on 10/16/2015 by Dr. O’Neill. It is truly a miracle for which I am very grateful. For the first time in over 18 months, I am walking without pain. I have a range of motion that amazes me.

I had polio as a 9 year old and had 3 surgeries on both legs and feet and now have worn bilateral leg braces for 16 years because I have post-polio syndrome. I was fearful of more surgery and I think even the EXCEL staff was leery of my disabilities but I can safely say that I have made it through the surgery in excellent shape. The first time I stood up in the recovery room I knew the pain was gone!

I highly recommend this surgery to anyone who needs a new hip! I also highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and all the staff at TCO including Eileen, Alyssa & Jessie. The EXCEL nurses and PTs were also terrific. All of my appointments were timely and the front desk staff are wonderful. Dr. O’Neill is very kind and thorough and humorous and I am so thankful for him. I am a RN and have been for 40 years and we nurses are very discerning and sometimes we aren’t the best patients, but this was a truly remarkable experience for me and my husband.

I have seen Dr. Szalapski for chronic pain in my shoulder, as well as ongoing monitoring of foot deformities caused by Charcot Foot syndrome. The shoulder was resolved with shot of cortisone (which I barely felt). Being severely diabetic, I believe I can say with honesty that without his recommendations and care, I would have lost one or both of my feet by now. Under Dr. Szalapski’s guidance, I have also seen several other providers in that same office for one surgery on a finger and two on a foot. One of the foot injuries could have been crippling, but healed wonderfully. I am a nurse by trade, so my standards are pretty exacting. I heartily recommend the entire staff there, and especially Dr. Szalapski.

If someone ever would tell me I would look forward to an 8″ needle (I think; I never look) going straight into my hip, I would walk straight away. More likely, limp. Having seen Dr. Hunt and getting the crusty-hip-on-the-road-to-replacement diagnosis, I was given options to delay the inevitable. And this would be those injections. I had a dislocated knee in junior high and had a really bad needle in the knee joint aspiration so when Dr. Hunt suggested this, I got the queasies. Not a very willing patient. And that is where Nick Meath comes in. Straighforward, down-to-earth, deadpan funny, beyond professional Nick the Needle. He explained his ultrasound targeting procedure and assured me he just didn’t miss. And you know what? He doesn’t. While I don’t look forward to heading in for a top-off, I have come to trust Nick and his competence completely. Knowing that when my replacement day comes, Nick will be part of the surgical team reassures me to no end. I cannot commend this young man enough for the patience, care, and compassion he has shown me. He is just that good! Thank you, Nick.

I tore my ACL about two months ago now and was absolutely blown away at the service I got from both Dr. Heikes and TCO. From the initial visit, to the MRI, to the surgery, I was given amazing service. I have had other surgeries where the doctor barely remembers your name, but that wasn’t the case with Dr. Heikes. She did such a great job explaining what the process, recovery, PT was going to look like and even went over and above checking in with me post-op. I coach soccer at Edina High School and have recommended Dr. Heikes and TCO to many of my athletes. They all come back to me saying the same thing, “Dr. Heikes was awesome!” I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend TCO or Dr. Heikes!

I’m so grateful for my recent appointment with Dr. Moser! Because of all my “obstacles” I sometimes wonder if it’s silly that I’m so deadset on going forward again with ballet (as far as I can), and it was so validating to hear his encouragement of the strengths I do have/reasons it makes sense for me physically to dance, as well as the understanding of what specifically I was experiencing and why. I’ve never seen a doctor before who was so equipped to discuss dance-specific issues and terminology, it was a revelation and I’m really excited to work with Meredith. Thank you for taking me seriously and for cheering me on.