Patient Testimonials

I first sought chiropractic treatment and then physical therapy for my left hip pain. My X-rays revealed severe arthritis. At 67 years old, I was hoping to avoid surgery, but when I could no longer walk more than two blocks, I knew it was time. A co-worker recommended Dr. O’Neill, and he performed my left hip replacement using the anterior approach in July 2025. My right hip was also severely affected by arthritis, and Dr. O’Neill replaced it in October 2025. Recovery from both hip replacements was easy, consisting mainly of walking and a few exercises at my kitchen counter.

Meanwhile, I had been dealing with various right knee injuries for decades, including a fractured patella in three pieces, arthritis, and pain. I consulted with Dr. O’Neill about my knee and my X-rays showed it was also in rough shape. We went forward with a right knee replacement in April 2026. The recovery was more intense with regular physical therapy and home exercises to achieve the best possible outcome. But if I can do it, anyone can! If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon for hip or knee replacement surgery, look no further than Dr. O’Neill. He and his team are wonderful! I want to give a big thank you to Ann, Lauren, Kaylyn, the pre-operative staff, Randy, Mary, Lindsey, William, the EXCEL Care Suites staff, and my physical therapists. I am very grateful to have had such skilled medical and surgical professionals!

Dr. Engasser was great! The procedure was done efficiently and perfectly. He is very empathetic, truly cares about your issues, and makes sure you have a successful resolution. He was so pleased with the success of the operation and how well everything went during my recovery. If you need ankle surgery, especially a replacement, I would see Dr. Engasser!

I was completely satisfied with Dr. Vanden Berge and the staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics. From the pre-op appointments through the post-op follow-ups, he did a thorough and professional job explaining each step along the way. He was very patient and answered all my questions. As a result, my knee is well on its way to being more stable and far less painful than it was prior to surgery. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Vanden Berge. I am so confident in him that I am entrusting him to replace my other knee!

I have had the unique opportunity to know Dr. William Engasser from both sides of healthcare – as a perioperative nurse who worked with him in the operating room and now as his patient.

I first worked with Dr. Engasser when he came to Twin Cities Orthopedics as a Foot & Ankle Fellow working alongside Dr. Chris Coetzee at Crosstown Surgery Center. Even early in his career, I was impressed by his surgical skill, professionalism, and the way he interacted with both patients and the surgical team.

Years later, when I needed foot and ankle surgery myself, choosing Dr. Engasser was an easy decision. He repaired my bunion in 2024. After an excellent experience and outcome, I trusted him again for my ankle arthroscopy and Broström ligament reconstruction in 2026.

Being an OR nurse makes you very aware of what you look for when choosing a surgeon for yourself. Technical skill matters tremendously, but so do communication, judgment, compassion, and trust. Dr. Engasser has all of those qualities. He listens, explains the plan clearly, answers questions, and genuinely cares about helping his patients return to the lives and activities that matter to them.

Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give is this: I knew Dr. Engasser’s work before I ever became his patient, and when it was my turn to be on the operating table, I chose him. Twice.

I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Engasser and his team for the care they have given me, and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing foot or ankle care.

I thought my riding career was about to be over when I was experiencing excruciating pain which prevented me from sitting on a saddle. I couldn’t ride effectively with the pain. I saw Dr. O’Neill half expecting that I would have to be done with riding forever. However, he assured me that I would be able to ride again after a hip replacement. The surgery went well! Ann was amazing at answering my questions before and after the procedure, and my recovery went very well. I did need some physical therapy afterwards to help regain a full range of motion. Jeff LaPlante was fabulous in helping me get there. I am happy to report that I am back in the saddle and pain free! I cannot thank Dr. O’Neill and his team enough for all their great care and follow-up assistance. Dr. O’Neill is a technical wizard! The equipment and technology that used to execute a flawless replacement is a marvel. Anyone that asks me for a referral gets one answer! Get it done by Dr. O’Neill and get back to living! A huge thank you to Dr. O’Neill and the TCO team!

Twin Cities Orthopedics is the best! Dr. TJ Panek is a skilled surgeon with healing hands, a great heart, and a user-friendly bedside manner. He is truly passionate about what he does. The staff at TCO and EXCEL are also very passionate, and  it’s easy to see that they love what they do. I would recommend Dr. Panek and TCO to anyone who needs orthopedic surgery.

I have greatly appreciated Dr. Engasser as my surgeon for a right ankle replacement and would recommend him for anyone needing an ankle surgery. He answered every question I had with knowledge, experience, compassion, and good humor. He sincerely cared about me and about the surgery going perfectly. Images were taken of my ankle pre-op to have an ankle joint made in the shape of my original joint. The surgery itself went very well from both Dr. Engasser’s perspective and mine. Pain from the surgery was minimal. Once I could, I put weight on my ankle and started physical therapy. The recovery went very quickly. My ankle was imaged at all follow-up appointments and Dr. Engasser met with me to discuss the results which have all been excellent. He and his team also helped me make connections with a surgeon where I winter to continue monitoring my ankle and continue physical therapy there.

I have been recovering from back surgery performed at Twin Cities Orthopedics and have been doing physical therapy as part of that recovery. At one of my appointments, I learned that TCO Therapy offers massage therapy to support recovery. I have had two sessions now with Brook Gahm at TCO Edina – MN Drive. I highly recommend her! She is excellent. Her knowledge, expertise, and skill has undoubtedly accelerated my recovery. If you are looking for massage therapy as part of your recovery, or for any reason, do yourself a favor and make an appointment with Brook.

Dr. Mittelsteadt and his team are outstanding! Amy Franck, his care coordinator, was amazing with helping lay out the schedule and set up most of my many appointments. Dr. Mittelsteadt explained the surgery and recovery very well. My surgery was a huge success! Dr. Mittelsteadt said he believed that I would be very happy with the results of the surgery and I truly am. I highly recommend him as a surgeon.

There is nothing negative I can say about Dr. Bircher. My total knee replacement was performed on May 4th, but my care with him began in January. From our first appointment through my final follow-up, I always felt I was in excellent hands. Dr. Bircher and I are both very pleased with the outcome of my surgery. I believe my successful recovery was a true partnership – I followed his instructions, stayed committed to my home physical therapy, and trusted the process he outlined for me.

What impressed me most about Dr. Bircher was not only his exceptional surgical expertise, but also his willingness to listen. He always took the time to hear my questions and concerns, making me feel like an active participant in my own recovery. That level of respect and communication meant a great deal to me. I also appreciated the personal touches that speak to his character. Every visit began with a handshake and ended with a cordial goodbye. Those simple gestures made every appointment feel welcoming and personal.

Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his entire team for the outstanding care they provided throughout my journey. Because of their expertise, encouragement, and professionalism, I have returned to doing the things I enjoy. I am truly grateful and would recommend their team without hesitation.