Patient Testimonials

I was lucky enough to have Dr. Paul Lafferty as my surgeon when, at the age of 68, I fell off my bicycle and fractured my left hip in four places. This was in the summer of 2018. Initially, ER doctors almost sent me home with a handful of pills and the hope that what they thought was a single fracture would heal. When a CT scan revealed four fractures, the stakes went up. The ER doctors explained that my injury required not just an orthopedic surgeon, but an ortho trauma surgeon with special expertise in this type of injury. The good news, they said, was that one of the best was an ambulance ride away at Regions Hospital. That was Dr. Lafferty.

When I met him for the first time at the hospital, Dr. Lafferty said that hip replacement was one option. But because I had been very active and wanted to remain so, he offered a second option: a repair surgery in which a titanium plate would hold together my messed-up hip as it mended. I chose that surgery and he operated the next day.

Jumping ahead here—which I’m able to do thanks to Dr. Lafferty—I highly recommend him, for both his surgical expertise and his bedside manner. He’s kind, friendly and explains in clear English, not medical-ese. From that first meeting in the hospital through checkups, he’s always taken the time to answer all my questions. I’ve never felt rushed through an appointment and his staff is wonderful. Recovery from a fractured hip was not fun but I made steady progress. A year post-surgery, I’m fully active and have no pain. X-rays show no sign of arthritis developing. At my one-year checkup, I was cleared to do anything which, I hope, includes getting through TSA without undue discussion of my titanium plate! I am very grateful to Dr. Lafferty for putting me back together.

I am a fairly healthy 48 year old female who was suffering a lot of pain in my hips and low back. I had been to the chiropractor many times and received some minimal relief. I finally saw my general practitioner who really didn’t take me seriously but ultimately agreed to x-ray my hips at my request. The result was arthritis in both hips with bone on bone in the left joint. My GP sent me to physical therapy which I did for 5 weeks with minimal results. A friend of mine suggested I see Dr. Holmberg and so I did. Dr. Holmberg reviewed my charts and talked to me about options and we decided on surgery for the left hip. I was very scared as I had never had surgery. Dr. Holmberg was very reassuring and I was confident in his skills. The staff at the clinic was kind and helpful, the class I took prior to the surgery was extremely helpful. And the hospital staff were amazing. I was back to work 2 weeks after surgery and only using a cane to assist my walking. I followed the exercises daily and walked a lot to make a full recovery in less than 12 weeks. I am 6 months post-surgery and my left hip is AMAZING! I highly recommend Dr. Holmberg to anyone who asks me about my procedure.

Before my first hip replacement with Dr. Meyer, I had stopped doing everything. After it, I was able to resume some walking and pool exercise. Then my other hip started getting the same pain. The simple things I was doing had to stop. Now, after my second hip replacement I actually thought to myself that if I needed to run to save someone’s life, I think I could do it. I have shared with so many people how the hip replacement has decreased my knee pain so much that they should make sure their hips aren’t the problem before getting knee replacement. I am able to take full stride steps and walk fast. Seems simple but it wasn’t just three months ago when I was, again, doing this weird lumbering walk. I no longer need to worry about how I am sitting. Prior to my right hip replacement, my hip would get stuck. The pain was phenomenal! I’m not worried about that anymore. The pain also impacted the low impact water aerobics that I was doing. Now I’m not worried about that anymore either!

I am able to function as well as before the hip started to hurt. I didn’t have to use my cane after about the third day. I am absolutely satisfied with the results.

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!

TCO did a great job, Dr. O’Neill is wonderful. He did my left hip. I previously had my right hip done by a different doctor and hospital. On my previous operation they used a different technique that had more discomfort and a longer recovery time. Dr. O’Neill used a less invasive surgical technique and my recovery was much quicker with less discomfort.

Dr. Simonet did both my hips in November of 2014. Feeling absolutely great! Just wanted you to know that I’m participating in the YWCA Women’s Triathlon on August 11, 2019, Lake Nokomis. Swim 500 yards, bicycle 15 1/2 miles, do a 5 K (I walk very fast!). I’m so excited and so very thankful to you for your excellent work on me. Please pass this on to Casey and Jane too. They are wonderful! I’m certain I could never have done this without you. I was in a wheelchair! Ugh! I’ll send photos of the finish line.

If you are looking for a good Orthopedic Doctor in the Minneapolis – St. Paul Area – I should say upper Midwest Area – Search no more! I have known Dr. Szalapski for several years. He did a total knee replacement in 2004 and that knee has pulled me all over on my travels and adventures. And two new hips in 2015 & 2016. He has given me a better quality of life! Dr. Szalapski has done hundreds of surgeries on hips and knees with a stunning record. He is a brilliant orthopedic doctor who cares about you and your health and well-being. He is down to earth, honest, and will take his time when talking to you about your concerns and give you honest answers. After you meet him you will understand that he is not only a doctor- but a miracle worker. Kind, honest, dedicated and genuinely cares about his patients.

From the very start in the exam room, Dr. O’Keefe was very helpful. The “schooling” before the procedure was beneficial (don’t skip this). The day of the procedure, everyone involved was very nice. The recovery suites were topnotch – I wanted to stay longer. PT was awesome with Ron at TCO – Otsego. Follow-up appointments (for x-rays four weeks after) were easy to make. I am so happy that I did the procedure and I would recommend TCO and Dr. O’Keefe to all my friends and family.

As a high activity handball player 3 times per week; the hip replacement done by Dr. Knowlan gave me ability to move around the court pain free.