Patient Testimonials

In 2018, I was told I needed a hip replacement by another orthopedic practice and I said, I’m not getting one, how long do I have? I was told 3 years. In the Spring of 2024, I had enough ibuprofen and decided to schedule an appointment.  I was also motivated by an upcoming project completion in July. I knew I was going with TCO as I was aware of their reputation. Researching hip doctors, I found Dr. Bircher  and I’m so glad I did, and when I met with him he was professional and to the point. He stated I was good candidate for a successful hip surgery. I enjoyed his friendly confidence. He explained things and as a result, I went in July with no worries. I followed the recommended home therapy and was able to return to work with some caution and restrictions in about 60 days. Follow up appointments were great. Dr Bircher and his staff always gave me all of the time I needed to describe where I was at. I should also add that on the day of the surgery the staff was remarkable. One by one they each came in to meet me to explain their role and to wish me luck; A+ on it all. Do this thing. The pain I had endured was gone immediately after surgery. I used a walker for a two weeks to ensure no falls, then went to a cane and could do pretty much what I wanted to do. By the way great job on the closure too. My scar is as thin as a kite string.

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank TCO’s Dr. Jason Holm for the great result.
I was a high-level volleyball player throughout middle school and high school. I beat up my body and continued to play the game as an adult recreationally. I had an onset of hip pain that just would not go away with time or OTC medications. I had tons of snapping and clicking in the hip that became very painful and made walking or even sitting hard to do. I had an MRA scan completed and unfortunately, this didn’t show a tear. Dr. Holm did not hesitate to believe me when I told him this is not right. This pain is not normal. He agreed to do a scope of the hip. I was grateful that we did proceed with this surgery. I ended up having a large labral tear that was successfully repaired.
I am now 14 months post-surgery. I can go for long walks on uneven ground and hope to start playing volleyball again. Dr. Holm is great at this surgery and truly one of the few orthopedic providers that I recommend.

Thank you, Dr. Holm, for giving me my life back.

When I awoke following fusion surgery, I had nearly full use of my arm and hand again. Recovery went exactly as forecasted, and I consider the surgery a major success. Dr. Garry Banks is excellent, explaining the procedure and what to expect clearly. I highly recommend Dr. Banks and his PA Jessica Staples.

Wonderful experience! I was back walking my two miles after five and a half weeks. Dr. Joseph Nessler is a gifted surgeon!

Dr. Ryan Nielsen performed surgery on my daughter with special needs when other facilities were turning her away. She had a femur fracture, and he found anomalies in the other femur. Dr. Nielsen performed two surgeries on my daughter. He took additional time to explain what would happen in terms she could understand. He also took additional time to ensure all of my questions were understood as well. Dr. Nielsen went above and beyond to find out why she was having these problems with her femurs. I could not have asked for anyone better to care for her during such a traumatic time.

I had a wonderful experience. From the time I visited Dr. Jeff Mair before my surgery to my four-month check-up, I was very happy with my care.

I am seven weeks post-op after having a total hip replacement done by Dr. Owen O’Neill. I just got home from a high-intensity Zumba class and experienced absolutely no pain! I couldn’t say that before my surgery. I had my procedure done at the Orthopedic Institute. I felt like I was at the Ritz Carlston! Just a beautiful facility with wonderful and caring personnel. Plus, the food was delicious! I stayed one night and had maybe two to three days of pain, nothing severe. I walked without assistive devices by day four, even up and down stairs. I started out by walking maybe two or three blocks and can now walk around the lakes with no issues. I also take many classes at the Eden Prairie Community Center. I had very limited range of motion before surgery and that improves daily. My only question to myself is why did I wait so long? Dr. O’Neill and staff are wonderful and caring. I could not recommend them more highly. Kayla is just a sweetheart. I had the anterior approach, no PT afterwards, and a swift and quite painless recovery.

Dr. Jozef Murar was excellent. He repaired my shoulder injury, and the care was excellent. I would highly recommend him. It’s like a miracle. Katie also was awesome. Excellent care. Thank you.

Dr. William Engasser performed surgery on my right foot and did a great job!
I no longer have pain from arthritis and can go out and walk my dog without pain.
His staff is really great too. They all took good care of me. What a great doctor and staff!

Thank you!

From the first time I met Dr. Bircher and PA Kari I had trust in their expertise, their recommendations, and pre-surgical instructions. In addition, their bedside manner, both before and after surgery was superb, kind, attentive, and informative. This was such pleasant surprise since I’ve had the opposite previously. They told me exactly what I’d be going through post-surgery including a timeline for healing. The communication with Dr. Bircher, Kari, Cassie, and Stephanie was beyond excellent. They returned my calls, emails, and texts either within minutes, within the day, or by the next day. They also responded in the evenings and even on weekends. That surprised me and made me feel important. The physical therapy team of Michelle and Lisa demonstrated their knowledge and well proven techniques. Their bedside manner was also superb. Their patience and encouragement were exactly what I needed. Since the conclusion of my clinical PT I’ve continued to follow the exercise program they laid out for me. I attribute the level of my mobility to them. At this writing, I am three months post-surgery. My knee is doing well, and I am happy with the results. I am looking forward to further healing. I have an appointment with Dr. Bircher/Kari in one week and I’m curious to see what their reaction will be to my progress.  Finally, and it’s obvious by my comments cited above, I completely and totally recommend this fantastic team. In fact, a year from now I’m planning on having my other knee replaced. I have been in their expert hands, and I know I will be in the future.