Patient Testimonials

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.

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!

I went to my local emergency room when I hurt my back and then discovered TCO had an Orthopedic Urgent Care. That could have saved me so much time and pain. The first time I met with Dr. Omar I felt like someone understood the exact pain I had been feeling. He looked over the imaging that had been sent to him and he explained what the diagnosis was and how to treat it. After I agreed to surgery, it was a smooth process. Dr. Omar’s assistant, Matt, was right there with the steps I needed to have done before the surgery. After the process was over Dr. Omar came to explain how it went and what my recovery should be. From the moment I walked into TCO, I felt like a person and not a number. I have been recommending to TCO for any and all orthopedic needs. I know if anything happens in the future I will be back. I thank all the staff that I have encountered for being amazing and understanding!

I’ve dealt with cervical issues for most of my adult life. In late August/early September of 2022, the C6-C7 area of my cervical spine herniated, causing pain, paresthesia, and substantial weakness in my right arm. In particular, those muscles innervated by the nerves were compressed by the extrusion. My mother recommended TCO to me, having had tremendous success there with her double knee replacement.

Upon arrival, Dr. Ryan Hoel examined me thoroughly and ordered imaging. He was able to diagnose the issue very quickly. Considering there was substantial weakness in my right arm, there was a chance strength might not return if left untreated. Because I was young and physically active, Dr. Hoel suggested surgical repair by means of an artificial disc replacement. This type of surgery was a novel idea to me and I was initially apprehensive at the prospect. However, my anxieties were dispelled immediately by Dr. Hoel’s tremendous confidence in his abilities to perform the surgery, as well as its outcome. The surgery was performed in early November and it was masterfully done. The strength in my right arm is 90% restored, and continues to improve weekly. I no longer experience pain or numbness, and the scar at the front of my neck has faded and is hardly discernible. I highly recommend Dr. Hoel to anyone who has suffered a neck injury and is considering the prospect of surgical repair. He is a master of his craft and no one could have done better.

I had back fusion surgery in 2019. Dr DuBois did a great job. It has been years now and I continue to feel great.

I’ve had multiple spine/back surgeries, the most recent was 4 months ago. I chose Dr. Banks for my recent surgery and I’m very happy I did. He spent time understanding my issue and tried several non-invasive attempts at reducing my pain. Eventually we decided surgery was the best option. Three months after the procedure I was doing things I haven’t been able to do without pain for a long time. I’m feeling so much better. Dr. Banks is an excellent spine surgeon and I would chose him again without hesitation.

It is with gratitude that I write this testimonial for Dr. Hoel, his PA-C, Christina Erdmann and his care coordinator, Julie Patricelli. In January 2023, Dr. Hoel performed my cervical fusion which was necessitated by my myelomalacia. This condition caused me to lose my balance and drop things. Almost immediately after the surgery, I noted a reduction in my symptoms, which was a bonus since the goal of the surgery was simply to stop the progression of my condition. Not only were the surgical results excellent and the recovery very tolerable, but also my interaction with Dr. Hoel, Christina and Julie could not have been better. All three of them responded to my many questions promptly and with patience.

My spinal surgery with Dr. Omar has been a very positive experience. He explains the process well, is conscientious and caring. I am glad he was referred to me.

I had severe pain in my back. I visited Twin Cities Orthopedics and was lucky to get a timely appointment with Dr. Omar. He was attentive, kind and caring. His diagnosis was to the point. Not too long after our meeting, he performed surgery on my back and I could not be happier. I am thankful to Dr. Omar and TCO for my health the wonderful surgery.

I wanted to thank Dr. Maura Hartigan for the care she provided me. She helped with the ongoing pain in my back, neck and head due to arthritis that has taken over my body the last several years. I had this same treatment done 3 years ago by another spine specialist. It 100% helped me for 3 years with severe back, neck, and arm pain. Dr. Maura Hartigan was very kind, caring, and did a great job helping me transfer my file to her from another specialist. Dr. Hartigan and her team were kind and caring. She explained the narrowing going on in my back that was not talked about from my last specialist. I’m so thankful I was referred to Dr. Hartigan. I’m so grateful to her and her team for such great care and helping with my ongoing pain.