Patient Testimonials

I have suffered from hip discomfort for years. At only 45 years of age, I could barely walk and I was in so much discomfort. I saw a few surgeons but it was Dr. O’Neill that had the knowledge and experience which made me choose him to perform my surgery. His demeanor is calm and kind, and his team was also amazing in making me feel so comfortable. I am very thankful for the talent he has and that I am able to enjoy daily activities again. Thank you to Dr. O’Neill and his team!

Dr. Ockuly replaced my husband’s hip, and did an outstanding job. My husband was walking without a cane in just a few weeks. Not only did the surgery go well, but we were so pleased with Dr. Ockuly’s care for his patients and the time he takes with each one of them to make sure they have a good experience and great result. The entire team with Dr. Ockuly is truly great. We are very thankful for their outstanding expertise and caring manner.

I was referred to Dr. Hoel by another surgeon at TCO. I went in with shoulder and neck pain. I also had numbness, like pins and needles going down my arm and into my left hand. After reviewing my MRI, he diagnosed me with a large herniated disc. After reviewing all my options I decided on surgery. The surgery went great. In the recovery room, all of the pain in my shoulder and the feeling of pins and needles were gone. I would recommend Dr. Hoel for any of your surgical needs.

I am 8 weeks out now from a total left knee replacement from Dr. Saterbak. After being denied surgery from two other orthopedic surgeons over the last 1.5 years, Dr. Saterbak understood the need in a 44 year old to regain her quality of life back. After 20 years of surgeries due to multiple knee dislocations, my left knee was becoming unstable and also developed degenerative joint disease and severe arthritis. This made it difficult to do daily activities like walking to perform my job, which is physically demanding every day. I’m so grateful to Dr. Saterbak for taking a chance on me with an outstanding outcome.

I needed help with my left shoulder that had a failed first replacement. I was in a lot of pain and had lessened flexibility. Dr. Leafblad replaced the bad joint with a new reverse joint. The operation was just great. I have no pain now and the shoulder has all of the flexibility, motion, and utility I hoped for.

I met Dr. Ockuly over a year ago at TCO River Falls. After completing X-rays and an MRI, it was determined that I needed to have a total hip replacement for my right hip. Dr. Ockuly and his staff were friendly, professional, on-time, efficient and willing to help in any way possible. Due to being a diabetic, my surgery was postponed until May of 2023 until my A1C was below 8. The surgery was a success. I no longer need to use a walker and am back riding my HD motorcycle within 6 weeks after my surgery. Thank you so very much Dr. Ockuly. You are a world class surgeon!

My wife and I were patients of Dr. Shammash when she was at another practice. We are pleased that we can continue our relationship with her now that she has joined Twin Cities Orthopedics. Dr. Shammash is always well-prepared for appointments, listens attentively, and explains things clearly. We are comfortable entrusting her with our ongoing care.

Dr. Banks is simply the best spine/neck surgeon in my opinion! He goes above and beyond what is expected. He watched me walk into his building and told me the issue wasn’t my back, it was my neck. I walked with a cane, while dragging my right leg behind me. An MRI confirmed he was correct, and we scheduled surgery immediately. After one of my surgeries, my husband had to be out of town for business. Dr. Banks called him on his way home from work to tell him how my surgery went. How many doctors do you know that would do that?

Dr. Banks told his staff that if I ever call with an emergency, they are to let him know because with me, it’s always an emergency! I have referred several people to see him. He is straight and to the point with anyone’s orthopedic issues. If he can or if he cannot help you, he will let you know.

If you know of anyone with spine or neck issues, Dr. Banks is the surgeon for you! I will NOT let any other spine/neck surgeon touch me! I don’t know what I’m going to do when the day comes that he decides to retire, hopefully that’s not for quite a while. He is a very caring and skilled surgeon and I truly appreciate his talent and knowledge. Thank you, Dr. Banks, for everything you have done for me and continue to do for me! I appreciate YOU!

In April 2023 I fell at the gym, landing on my right hip and was in terrible pain. My husband took me to TCO Urgent Care in Vadnais Heights. I was seen right away and X-rays showed a hip fracture. The staff worked hard to find an operating room available for emergency surgery and I was told that Dr. Leafblad would do my surgery the next morning at Hudson Hospital. He talked to me on the phone, explaining the surgery, and after talking to him I felt relieved that there was a good plan in place. We went to the hospital and met him the next morning before surgery. The surgery went well and I have been following up with him at two, six, and twelve weeks post-op. I will see him two more times. Dr. Leafblad is a wonderful doctor and it’s obvious he cares about how I’m recovering from my injury. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Leafblad, his staff, and TCO.

It has been one year since my back surgery and every day I am so thankful for Dr. Banks. He changed my life. Prior to surgery I was experiencing back pain that would radiate down my right leg into my foot. We tried conservative approach but soon realized that surgery was the best option. Today I can say my surgery was a success and I am back to being active. Thank you Dr. Banks.