Patient Testimonials

Smooth! Effective! Humorous! (Whoops, watch the funny bone!) These guys were great. The most difficult after effect was the constipation related to surgery. We can easily live with that. Oops I forgot immediately responsive. The team was there when I needed them. It has not been quite a year and I am at the gym 110 minutes per day as well as walking 3.5 miles per night. Now this is not only on the new hip but also the knee replacement of 2007. Hey carpe diem all.

*Joe had Anterior Approach Hip Replacement with Dr. Owen O’Neill.

Less than a month ago, Dr. O’Neill performed a anterior approach total hip replacement on my left hip, and a year ago he performed the same procedure on my right. Both surgeries went extremely well. While I recovered quickly after the first surgery, recovery was even faster for the second. I used a walker for a few days, a cane for about a week, and was walking easily in 10 days. In fact, I am walking more easily now than I have in years.

Since it was clear from the start I needed both hips replaced, we planned a course of action that would work best for me. I am grateful for the individualized care I received from Dr. O’Neill and his team. I have recommended him, and the anterior approach, to several others.

The treatment I received from Dr. O’Neill, the EXCEL team and TCO was fantastic! The continuity of care was complete- each doctor, nurse, therapist, PA, administrative assistant, care coordinator- you name it- everyone coordinated my care and progress in a way that is remarkable for most surgical procedures. I’m less than four months out from a full knee replacement, and able to do most things already, including daily swims half-way across the lake, one of my goals for summer here at the cabin. The only thing slowing me down now is the other knee- which also has arthritis and that I’ll be replacing later this year. Based on my experience with the first knee, I should be on cross country skis by February! I felt totally confident with Dr. O’Neill- he patiently answered ALL my questions before and after surgery- he took the time I needed to be comfortable about what would happen. Thank you to the entire team!

*Linda was a participant in TCO’s EXCEL program.

I was so fortunate to find Dr. O’Neill when I needed a knee replacement! Everything went according to what I was told about the surgery and recovery. I was able to get back to my normal routine within 6 weeks and felt great again!

Then, 3 years later, I needed a hip replacement – and again, I was SO relieved to find out that Dr. O’Neill did those, too! All went according to plan and I was out of the hospital the next day and back at work a week later.

It’s only after I had the replacement surgeries that I realized how bad the arthritic pain was.

I am so thankful for Dr. O’Neill and his staff. I’ve been back to my normal daily routine for several months now and am still amazed at how healthy I feel.

Thank you to Dr. O’Neill and his staff for making my life more enjoyable!

From my initial meeting, through the surgery, and post op exam with Dr. O’Neill all resulted in a most positive experience! His “cheerful”, reassuring manner I believe intentionally contributes to the successful outcome for his patients

Some of the attributes of this least invasive, anterior method of surgery include the reduction of pain, eliminates further post op rehab treatment as well as lifting limitations or restrictions following surgery as well as two earlier replaced knee joints which give me a broader sense of comparison.

My endurance has significantly improved, my pain removed, my walking stamina increased and my quality of life is now allowing me to put entertaining and travel back on my calendar. We have a wonderful array of orthopedic surgeons in our area; I believe Dr. O’Neill to be a leader in that group!

Dr. O’Neill has done four joint replacements for me (two hips/two knees) since 2009 and this last one, the direct anterior approach on my left hip was a piece of cake for me to recover from! My first hip replacement in 2009 (the posterior approach) had a long and painful recovery which necessitated my taking many pain pills to be able to get around and, most importantly, be able to sleep. This time, there literally was no pain and I went home on the third day after surgery. I have a split-level home with many stairs and I had no difficulty in getting up and down. Used a walker for two days and a cane for another two and that was the end of that.

Dr. O’Neill and Jessie were wonderful, carefully explaining the surgery and what I needed to do to take care of myself afterwards. I have to admit that I didn’t quite believe Dr. O’Neill when he said that there would be minimal pain with this new type of surgery, but he didn’t lie! It is such a pleasure now to be able to do things and not have to calculate how much pain I can endure. My experiences with Dr. O’Neill and his team have been so favorable that I didn’t hesitate to recommend him to friends who needed joint work done too.

Prior to this knee replacement, I have had my other knee replaced and my left hip. Although I have no real complaints about my prior experience, this experience was like moving into the penthouse. From the time I stepped into the waiting room on the surgical floor at TCO, it always felt like personalized care. This includes preparation for surgery to recovery room and then transportation to the best of all: the care facility, which had a roomy private room with a nurse dedicated to me around the clock. One less day in the care facility than I spent in prior procedures in the hospital, and then home. Thanks to the able physical therapists who accurately judged my personal capabilities, my rehab was faster than on the prior knee replacement. I can’t wait for summer to start walking on the golf course again!

*Mick had a Knee Replacement performed by Dr. Owen O’Neill

Dr. O’Neill replaced both of my hips one month apart. He used the new direct anterior approach. The results were amazing! Little or no pain. I never needed a cane or a walker. I was driving a car in 2 days and mowing my yard in one week. Dr. O’Neill and his staff are top notch. They are kind and explain everything precisely. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone needing orthopedic surgery. You will be extremely pleased with the results!

I’m a 79 year old woman whose knees had become so bad that I could only walk for short distances without pain. Dr. O’Neill replaced first one knee and the other three months later. Two months after the second surgery I am able to walk over a mile without pain. I’m able to walk stairs with confidence, stoop to garden and generally back to my previous life. Dr. O’Neill made a huge difference in my life and I would (and have) heartily recommend him as a surgeon.

Ron (pictured on right) injured his shoulder over 20 years ago and underwent numerous surgeries that did not ease his pain. Recently, it was recommended that Ron schedule an appointment with Frank Norberg, MD (pictured on left), of Twin Cities Orthopedics. Dr. Norberg performed a shoulder replacement surgery which has vastly improved Ron’s overall quality of life. “For the first time since my injury I can lift my right arm unassisted and can do more than I ever dreamed possible,” said Ron. Dr. Norberg is “not only an excellent surgeon but a very kind and caring person,” he said.