Patient Testimonials

I had a total knee replacement with Dr. Dieterle and the only thing I can said is that I should have done it sooner, years sooner.

My issues were not knee replacements but repairing and removing my meniscus. Dr. Comfort repaired my right meniscus 2 years ago. And just 3 weeks ago, he repaired the left meniscus. Dr. Comfort and his team, Ashton (PA) and Molly (CA), are the best from start to finish! I recommend Dr. Comfort to anyone I know (and even people I don’t) when it comes to a trusting and honest surgeon. I have known Dr. Comfort and his team for 3 years now and consider them my friends! Thank you.

Speaking for the surgery itself, I am already amazed after only 5 weeks, how much of the pain I was having in my knee before the surgery that is now basically gone. There is mild pain from the surgical process itself but I can tell that within months I will be able to do activities that I was severely restricted in doing before the surgery.

This renewed ability will allow me to continue work in my outdoor adventure ministry that would have been restricted otherwise! I can, with confidence, say that this is a life-changing procedure that I have had done.

I would also like to add that the whole process from diagnosis to follow-up has been extraordinary. The care that I have received has been far above my expectations. Dr. Meyer’s diagnosis, recommendations and, of course, his surgical skill have been excellent! Then, the care and follow-up by Sommer, the care by staff at the hospital and Aurora (Rachel!) and Alyssa at PCO, Burnsville for PT was absolutely amazing. Excellent experience!

I still have pain & stiffness from the surgery but I can tell that my knee will be 100% when it heals! Dr. Meyer did an amazing job!

Just saw Dr. Szalapski for my one year post-surgery appointment. My knee feels great. Thank you Dr. Szalapski. You’re the best!

Like so many others I waited too long to have my knee surgery. I am glad I did it. I can walk again!

I had both my knee & hip replaced on my left side by Dr. Meyer and would not even know that anything was done. I have no pain, full range of movement, and feel like a person much younger than my age (75). Thanks much to Dr. Meyer and staff!

I was a noncompetitive runner for several decades, but in December of 2016 developed right medial knee pain which did not resolve with conservative measures. A torn right medial meniscus was diagnosed, in the setting of significant degenerative change to the knee. Both my sports medicine MD (non-surgeon) and the orthopedic surgeon to whom he referred me told me that I was not a surgical candidate given the multiple cartilage defects in my knee, and I was told that I would have to adjust to a new normal of very limited activity, and that I would require a joint replacement sooner rather than later.

I have learned that, when one has a medical problem that physicians tell you cannot be solved, it often pays to seek a second opinion. I was fortunate to seek that second opinion from Dr. David Hartigan. After reviewing my MRI and examining my knee, he told me that he believed that addressing my torn meniscus was worthwhile, even in the setting of my other degenerative changes. He was truthful and upfront so that I understood that my knee would never be normal again, but that he felt that chances were good that my symptoms would be improved and that I would be able to resume at least some improved level of activity. He operated on my knee in June of 2018; my recovery was relatively low-pain and simple. Dr. Hartigan prepared me well for what to expect post-operatively.

Since my surgery, my knee has gradually improved a great deal. As Dr. Hartigan stressed, I have not and will not run again so as to protect what cartilage remains, even though I miss running tremendously. However, I can do pretty much every non-impact activity that I want now. I can ellipticize without problem, ride my bike without any symptoms at all, and swim. I can walk long distances faster than most people I know. Most importantly, I have been able to hike again without issue. This 5th of July, one year after my surgery, I hiked with my family to the summit of Mt. Humphrey, the tallest peak in Arizona at 12633 feet, using sport hiking poles to limit impact, and had no problem with my knee whatsoever. I was elated!!

If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable and competent orthopedic surgeon to address your joint pathology, I highly recommend Dr. Hartigan!
-Cecilia

Dr. Hartigan was great to work with and did a great job with my knee surgery. I am a professional athlete and he was our team doctor. Dr. Hartigan did a great job getting me back on the field, healthy and fit to play.

I can do things like I could when I was younger. In June, I camped in 3 State Parks and 2 camp grounds. Before knee surgery with Dr. Meyer, I would have maybe done only 1.