Patient Testimonials

Dr. Carlson has given great attention to my left knee and entire left leg/hip issues. The speed and attention to provide a cure to my pain issues are world class. I came to TCO to find solutions and was not disappointed. The entire team of experts who I worked with moved me to the replacement surgery needed in a timely fashion and the Excel process gave me comfort on the steps I would be going through before and after surgery.
Thank you Dr. Carlson and staff!

From my initial consultation with Dr. O’Neill through my last follow-up appointment, my experience with him was exceptional. He patiently answered all of my questions and made me feel very comfortable with the upcoming procedure. He and his staff were very efficient during the entire process. I would definitely tell anyone who is experiencing hip pain to get this surgery and recommend Dr. O’Neill as their surgeon. I was able to return to all of my favorite activities – walking, bicycling, bowling, yoga – at the 8-week mark! Thank you Dr. O’Neill and his entire staff.

I’d like to give a huge shout out to Dr. Sam Carlson and the whole EXCEL team at Eagan Viking Lakes. The entire process was so well organized and as stress free as possible. From the surgeon and RN coordinator to the anesthesia team and post op, to physical therapy, all run like a well-oiled machine. Couldn’t have been a better experience, and my hip feels great! Thank you!

My hip pain returned so I made appointment for an injection. I knew there was pain but didn’t realize how much it affected me until after the injection when I had the best night’s sleep. The procedure went well and it was totally worth it. Thank you, Dr. Kirksson and his team. Best care ever.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous orthopedic physician and I am greatly appreciative of his awesome treatment of my longtime knee pain. Dr. Bircher possesses a rare combination of great wisdom, compassion and kindness. Both my husband (hip replacement surgery) and I are patients of Dr. Bircher, further confirming our mutual confidence and trust in his medical expertise. Dr. Bircher is a truly outstanding orthopedic provider and his TCO team of Kari (PA) and Cassie (care coordinator) provide superb, enhanced patient support. My husband Bill has submitted his own patient testimonial regarding his successful hip replacement surgery by Dr. Bircher. Both my husband and I greatly thank and highly recommend Dr. James Bircher to anyone seeking excellent knee or hip orthopedic medical care.

Dr. Leafblad and his team were absolutely fantastic to work with before, during, and after my hip surgery. I received great communication throughout the whole process to make sure that everything ran smoothly. Dr. Leafblad really listened to my symptoms and concerns pre-op and we were able to come up with a plan efficiently. He answered all questions pre-op and post-op and I highly recommend him, his care is amazing!

I came to Dr. Nessler with a part of my fake hip (done elsewhere, not TCO) sticking through my femur. I was in sooooo much pain and scared to death. He was so reassuring and confident that he could fix it. He did just that. It has been one year since the surgery, and I have completely healed, and I am pain free! He did an amazing job, and I recommend him without ANY reservation. His physician’s assistant is also very impressive. She too is knowledgeable and so reassuring. I drive 2.5 hours to get to them but would not consider going anywhere else!!!

Dr. Anderson is a skilled professional, knowledgeable, considerate, thoughtful. He listened to my concerns and made suggestions for my care that is respectful of my work commitments and work-life balance. I highly recommend Dr. David Anderson.

Dr. Scott Anseth performed work on both my left knee and right hip. A year after my knee replacement, I was skiing, not slowly, in Colorado. He took the time to listen to concerns and objectives, and his team was very professional in moving me through the process. After my right hip surgery, I’m able to walk without a cane after 7 days.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous surgeon possessing a rare combination of exceptional talent, wisdom and compassion. I am truly grateful for Dr. Bircher and I would highly recommend Dr. Bircher and his ‘team’ to anyone seeking great orthopedic hip care.

My story begins almost three years ago. Having just moved to Minnesota from Wisconsin and suffering from severe right hip pain. After researching the biographies of TCO’s surgeons, I felt led to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bircher. During my initial appointment with
Dr. Bircher, two things occurred:
(1) I immediately realized that I had found the ‘right surgeon’ to replace my right hip
(2) I learned, incredibly, that I had to first lose almost 60 pounds before surgery could be safely accomplished

Almost two and one half years from that first appointment, I was scheduled for the replacement of my right hip having lost the required 60 pounds. On the day of surgery, prior to being wheeled into the operating room, Dr. Bircher met with me and asked if he could pray with my wife, our adult son & myself for God’s favor over the surgery – my response was – absolutely and so very much appreciated!

To my surprise, I learned that my severely deteriorated hip (according to Dr. Bircher, one of the worst that he had seen) was successfully replaced and that Dr. Bircher would be visiting with me shortly, and surgery was pronounced to be a ‘success’.  Three weeks after the surgery, I was able to go beyond my walking at home and begin walking around Lifetime Fitness’s walking track. And now February 24 2025, I still remain completely ‘pain free’ with ALL that I had to endure but a distant memory.

I take this moment to personally thank ALL involved in my hip replacement surgery:
Almighty God – for answering our prayers for a successful surgery (Psalm 77:11)
Dr. Bircher – for being the tremendous surgeon that he proved to be
PA Kari – who closed my incision to a point whereby it is now almost unnoticeable
Cassie – as the Care Coordinator who was always there to efficiently address the multitude of questions or needs relating to the surgery
Heather – my TCO physical therapist who did her very best to help me cope with all the pain I had to endure until the day of surgery.