Patient Testimonials

Dr. Arntson is a very nice, kind, and personable physician. He was recommended to me by another surgeon when I discovered I needed to have a second hip replacement. 10 years ago I had my right hip replaced and the surgeon used the posterior method, which was common at that time. It was a long and painful recovery. I heard of the anterior method and my previous surgeon did not perform that type of surgery so he referred me to Dr. Arntson. I can’t even begin to explain what a pleasant difference it was between the two procedures.

Anterior procedure is surgery whereby the incision is on the front of the hip area and no muscles are cut. This alone speeds the healing process tremendously. The surgery required a one-night hospital stay at Mercy Hospital. I was treated very well! I was up and walking around, doing therapy the same day as surgery, and with no pain! I felt very comfortable going home the next afternoon. Minimal use of pain medication was required when used alternatively with extra strength Tylenol and Ibuprofen. No out-patient PT was necessary either. I just exercised and walked at home. I am at the 6 week post-surgery mark, walking normally and pain free. I don’t have any fears about this anterior procedure. I would highly recommend it and Dr. Arntson!

At age 71 and very active in sports, I dreaded the whole thought of a hip replacement. Dr. Szalapski was recommended to me from a friend that I ski race with. I went for all the usual tests and found out I had bone on bone in my hip. It was then that I met the rest of the “A Team”. Dr. Szalapski introduced me to Jessica, his care coordinator and Tracy, his physician assistant. I booked the surgery and the whole process went without a hitch. My phone calls were returned promptly, appointments were made quickly and all of my questions were answered. I am a month out from surgery and am walking every day without pain. Thank you to the A team. I am looking for another hip replacement because the other one is fine at the moment, but I would very highly  recommend my team at Twin Cities Orthopedics.

I had a right hip replacement in 2011 by a different physician and one in December 2020, performed by Dr. Arntson. The comparison to my previous surgery and the most recent one was a night and day difference. My short term stay at the Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center was great and the staff were too. I am 6 weeks post-surgery and I feel almost like I did before surgery! The total experience was great. I have my life back now! Thank you!

Having Dr. O’Neill and his team perform anterior hip replacement at age 51 was an exceptional decision. Before the surgery, I was in constant pain and unable to enjoy two of my passions – backpacking and biking. The pain kept me awake at night. Just standing up from a chair was difficult. Now I am pain free, strong and enjoying backpacking and biking again. My recovery has exceeded all my expectations. I am currently training to hike to the bottom and back to the rim of the Grand Canyon. My surgically repaired hip is smoother, stronger and more flexible than my natural hip and it has only been 10 weeks since my surgery.

The only thing I would do different is have the surgery done sooner. I stayed one night in the comfort suite and went home with a cane. The first few days after surgery were painful, however the physical therapy exercises and icing were a big help. Every time I went for a walk I felt better. By day 6, I used trekking poles for my outdoor walks. I am glad I took two weeks off from work to rest and recover.

Dr. O’Neill has a caring, supportive, compassionate and wise team who gave my great instructions to speed my recovery. They also provided a helpful booklet. I did extensive research and have family and friends in the medical field. It was clear that the anterior approach was my best option and Dr. O’Neill, and his team, are the best providers of this procedure.

After my knee surgery with Dr. Chris Larson, it was time to move on to my hip issue. Dr. Larson referred me to Dr. Owen O’Neill. We reviewed my X-ray, showing the gap in my hip had closed to become bone on bone. My research showed that waiting for surgery would only make matters worse. Dr. O’Neill and I agreed that an anterior replacement of my right hip would be the best course of action. I would recommend anyone with hip issues to see Dr. O’Neill to evaluate their issues and find a path forward.

As for the post hip replacement procedure…I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER WITH THE RESULTS. I had minimal pain afterwards and was walking within 4 hours after surgery. I am an avid golfer and could not walk the course last summer. It will be awesome to walk pain free this summer. Thanks to Dr. O’Neill and the entire staff at TCO. They all have been terrific to work with.

I had a great experience at TCO! Dr. Owen O’Neill explained everything in detail before surgery and followed up afterwards. I could not be happier!!

How would I describe my experience with Dr. Knowlan at TCO? Absolute perfection, articulate, and flawless. The quality of the surgeon and surgery are unparalleled. Even the incision for my hip replacement is almost the quality of a plastic surgeon. Dr. Knowlan’s personality is very welcoming and family-like. I personally think that I am very fortunate to have been cared for him. Thank you, Dr. Knowlan.

I went to my family doctor with a lot of pain in my right hip. Right away, he referred me to Twin Cities Orthopedics and Dr. Owen O’Neill. He said that if his mother had a bad hip, this was the doctor he wanted her to see. Dr. O’Neill took x-rays, examined me, and said the hip would only get worse in time and that I should let him replace it. As it was, I could no longer golf or drive without using my hand under my right knee to lift my foot from the gas pedal to the brake, and vice versa. I could not do stairs! Still, I put off surgery for a while and when I could no longer stand the pain, I put aside my fear of surviving surgery (at my age of 77 years) and asked him to help me.

He replaced my hip and after 2 days, I was home on a walker. 10 days later, I was walking around my house with a cane. Then on my next visit, I was walking on my own just like my old self – NO cane and NO limp! Soon, I’ll be playing golf with my friends and teenaged grandchildren. I just had my 5 year re-check and am doing great. I will see Dr. O’Neill in another 5 years. Oh yeah, and I have a very small amount of visible scar tissue on the front of my right thigh and hip level. We are blessed to have TCO here in our area and, of course, Dr. Owen O’Neill.

Dr. Chris Meyer is a quiet, get it done right professional. My total hip replacement has been a positive and healing experience with good follow up visits. As time goes on I know I am in good hands with Dr. Meyer and his competent staff.

I would highly recommend Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team to perform anterior hip replacement surgery; and through the EXCEL Program, if you qualify. I am accustomed to a high level of customer service, due to my previous profession, and have to say I was blown away by the professional service I received from the first call to the final check up by the entire team! They also did an excellent job in managing my safety during Covid-19. Dr. O’Neill doesn’t push the surgery, but explains the details of your situation, options available and lets you decide. He is extremely knowledgeable and demonstrates his concern for you and your situation. He is genuinely a great guy.

Prior to surgery I was able to still do activities like golf and pickleball, but had a hard time enjoying them, due to hip pain that was only getting worse. After the surgery, I bounced back very quickly. I was walking 2 miles by the 2^nd week post-op and felt 85% at 8 weeks, doing most things I love. At 10 weeks post-op, I played two rounds of golf and four hours of pickleball in 2 days and had no pain. Frankly, I was amazed that I was able to enjoy my activities and no longer have to compensate for pain. If your quality of life is not what you want due to hip issues, I encourage you to go see Dr. O’Neill and his team at TCO! I would also encourage you to dedicate time to do the pre and post-op exercises they ask you perform. I think that also made a big difference in the recovery time. LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE!