Patient Testimonials

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.

I have seen Dr. Diekmann for over 10 years. He is a very good doctor and I recommend him to many. He has given me cortisone shots for my bad knees and now it is time to get a knee replacement. I have no worries because he did my mom’s hip surgery and you could barely tell where the scar was. His personality is A+ and he really does great with informing you what is going on and takes his time doing it too. I highly recommend him.

I just want to start out by saying thank you so much to Dr. Steven Meisterling for being an amazing surgeon, and taking good care of me over the last 6 months. He is extremely personable and did not sugar coat my injury or outlook. This is actually the type of person I needed and wanted. My knee/leg injury is on the extreme side as far as injuries go, but he is an expert on how to put humpty dumpty back together again. I would recommend him and his staff for any minor injury or the most extreme. Trust me, after my injury I wasn’t sure if I would ever return to work, but 6 months later I’m cleared to return as a K9 officer. This is truly amazing work! Thanks again Dr. Meisterling and staff! Love you guys!

To: Dr. Wulf and his medical team,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and support over the past year. To properly understand my gratitude, I feel it is important to explain my journey. About 20-years ago, I had two right knee meniscus repairs. Despite my attempts post-op to explain that my knee did not feel well, I was quickly quieted by the surgeon and told it would improve.

About 8-years ago, I was diagnosed with bi-lateral FAI, AIIS impingements, with labral tears. I was treated by a well-known physician at another facility. After four surgeries in two years (1 initial and 1 revision bilaterally), I was unable to walk a few blocks. Due to the pain, I became a patient at the United Hospital Pain Clinic and was given opiate pain medications. My mental health declined because I lost my identity and could not be the father to my two children in the way I envisioned. During my clinic exams, I again was silenced by the surgeon who appeared to struggle with his own hubris. I was told that my hips were repaired; at which time, I asked for a second opinion. It was at this time I became an advocate for my own healthcare and researched the best physicians for FAI and AIIS impingements by reading medical journals.

That brought me to Twin Cities Orthopedics, where I was treated by Dr. Chris Larson, who did my 3rd procedure on each hip. No longer did I feel like a number, I was treated like a person and my experience with orthopedics was immediately changed. After examining my right knee, Dr. Larson referred me to Dr. Wulf for complex knee issues.

Dr. Wulf, you exceeded my expectations and I have always felt cared for and treated with respect. Your humble confidence puts a patient at ease and is reassuring. The outcome with last year’s root repair on my left knee has been excellent. My left knee feels unbelievable and I was able to become free from opiate pain medication for the first time in 7-years. The improvement I was promised by the surgeon 20-years ago occurred this year with the meniscal allograft transplant by Dr. Wulf. In both procedures, I worked closely with Braidy and his knowledge and expertise is a great compliment to the treatment team.

Being a patient within a sports medicine provider, the road to recovery implies an athlete’s journey back to their respected sport. It’s been a long-time since I identified as an athlete, but this is my road to recovery as a father, husband, and son. You are part of my recovery journey and I received the best medical care an individual could have imagined.

Dr. Wulf, you have given two girls their father the ability to be active in their lives. You have given a wife her husband back and parents a healthy son. I have been off very strong opiate pain medication for 16-months, which is incredible with our society’s epidemic. I am pain-free and as I continue to heal; my goal is to be active and healthier thanks to you. My health has been a journey with 10 orthopedic procedures, and I have joy in my life again. My family and I are grateful for what you have given us. Dr. Wulf, words cannot express my thanks. Your care team,  including Braidy, is terrific.

Respectfully,
James

I had my initial consult with Dr. Anderson and was so pleased! He has the bedside manner that you can’t find anymore! He took the time to visit with me, explain things to me, and helped me work through my choices! I would recommend Dr. Anderson to anyone looking for a surgeon who actually listens to his patients. I will be working with Dr. Anderson through my knee injury recovery.

I recently went to see Dr. Fey for knee pain and was very happy with the thorough care I received. He is an excellent physician who listened to my concerns and advised me with the best care options possible. His assistant, Erin Ferguson, was also wonderful to work with. She is knowledgeable, caring, and amazingly personable. I would highly recommend TCO and Dr. Fey/Erin Ferguson for your future orthopedic care!