Patient Testimonials

I met Dr. Hunt in 2016 at the Minneapolis VA where I was referred to him as being a doctor who could handle difficult cases. I had been treated at the VA for over 6 months for shoulder pain without resolution and without a good diagnosis. Dr. Hunt got me an MRI, and very quickly diagnosed a full thickness supraspinatus tendon tear that had happened several months earlier with resultant muscle atrophy. He helped me negotiate the VA system – which said they could schedule surgery in six months – to get referred out to his clinic where I got the arthroscopic shoulder repair surgery much more quickly. Recovery was almost miraculous, literally pain free after two days.

Then, the knees. Both knees had had meniscus cartilage removal/repair between 45 and 50 years ago. Both were bone on bone, arthritic and causing much pain.   After looking at the X-rays he simply asked, “Which one first?” I had a full knee replacement on left knee in January 2017 and another on my right knee in January 2018 by Dr. Hunt, Nick and the rest of his excellent team. Was only in hospital about 30 hours (one night) with the right knee. I am now moving without pain and doing things I have not been able to do for years. And I am a 75 year old man!!! Riding bicycle, climbing ladders, doing heavy building work, etc. are all in my weekly routine.

Dr. Hunt, Nick and the rest of the team display such skill, compassion, humor and overall pleasant demeanor that I would not hesitate one moment in recommending them for any potential patient.

This was the 4th joint replacement that I had done by Dr. Szalapski. He has been treating me since 2010 and I have always been treated very well. His skills have helped me regain my mobility. Thank you for all your concern and great care.

Dr. Joe Nemanich and his physician assistant, Ashley, have given me so much high quality advice and assistance with my various joint issues that it’s hard to do a simple story. Dr. Nemanich has replaced two knees and handled a follow-up repair surgery and Ashley does the best job on knee injections. They are an excellent, highly informative team and have kept me mobile through a long journey dealing with pain from many athletic injuries in my younger life. I can’t say enough good things about them. I consider them, and all of Dr. Nemanich and Ashley’s support staff at TCO, a true blessing in my life.

In 2014, Dr. Hunt suggested bilateral partial knee replacements to treat years of knee pain that had not responded to other options. Within weeks the surgery was complete and within hours I was walking. Dr. Hunt has a caring and warm manner when working with patients. He explains everything really well and inspires confidence. Every aspect of the experience was handled with efficiency and competence. After a week I was free of pain and within a month I was able to begin a school year as a teacher and easily manage two flights of stairs multiple times a day. Four years later my knees continue to feel better than ever. I haven’t had one problem or bit of pain. Dr. Hunt continues to be sincerely supportive, friendly and keeps an eye on the alignment of the replacements and the knee parts that were not replaced. I can’t say enough about the positive experience I have had with Dr. Hunt and Twin Cities Orthopedics. What a difference it has made in the quality of my day to day life! Thank you Dr. Hunt!

Dr. Bjerke replaced my left knee in April 2018. The surgery took away my arthritis pain in that knee immediately. After 6 weeks of outpatient therapy at TCO, I was able to walk again better than I had in many years. Dr. Bjerke and his staff (Katie and Andria) took wonderful care of me. I recommend them to anyone!!

Dr. Neil Johnson has been my family’s choice for orthopedic care starting in 2010 when our son tore his ACL. Since then Dr. Johnson has fixed both my wife’s rotator cuff, my rotator cuff (and soon my other one) and just this past year a total knee replacement on me. Both Dr. Johnson and Tad have made us feel comfortable every step of the way and confident in their abilities as well as the outcomes. I highly recommend Dr. Johnson and his team for your knee and or shoulder care.

We wanted to express to Dr. Steven Meisterling – my goals following my knee replacement in May 2018 were to dance the Polka and drive a tractor. And in the last 2 weeks, I have been dancing the Polka, Waltz and 2-step and driving a tractor. Please relay the message and thank you!

One year ago, before my surgery with Dr. Knowlan I was in constant pain, unable to walk short distances without my knee locking up, unable to exercise, and unable to enjoy normal every day activities. Today I am performing vigorous exercises at the gym, climbing over 600 stair towers, hiking, biking, shopping and many other activities without pain.

Dr. Owen O’Neill is without question an outstanding surgeon!!! My hip surgery from late 2017 is perfect. He diagnosed the issue with my right knee immediately and gave me three paths of treatment. If you have any waist-down issues – there is no expert better than Dr. O’Neill.

Dr. Zachary Arntson was my fabulous surgeon for my full knee replacement in April 2018. During my year of developing pain, Dr. Arntson listened and explained with devout compassion. When I decided to go ahead with knee replacement he explained everything thoroughly and didn’t sugar coat it. He made sure my expectations were in line regarding this challenging recovery. He did a brilliant job replacing the joint. And, because I have followed his care instructions to the letter, I am walking pain-free in just 6 weeks. Of course there is continuing recovery, but my year-long battle with bone-on-bone arthritic pain is history. May I also say that the Mercy Hospital staff and my physical therapists at TCO (Seth and Jared) have been outstanding! I couldn’t be happier with my results. If you need a knee consultation, please don’t wait. Start by seeing Dr. Arntson and then get it done and get your life back!