Patient Testimonials

As a lifetime athlete who competes weekly in various sports, I was very apprehensive regarding the prospect of knee surgery. My first thought was “I’m not going to be able to do what I love or compete at a high level”. I met with Dr. Eggert and my attitude and prospects changed quickly for the better. Dr. Eggert was very calm, positive and straightforward on what my surgery would look like, recovery and long term outlook. Having done many surgeries of this type (and much more complex), his calmness and positive outlook helped me relax immensely. Also, knowing Dr. Eggert had worked with professional sports teams also gave me confidence in his expertise. After my initial consult I was scheduled for surgery shortly after and the procedure was very quick and painless. I was walking within days and in 2 weeks I was exercising at 70%, in 3-4 weeks I was back playing tennis, running and basketball and SMILING the whole time! Now, 2 months have passed and I have 100% recovery, speed, strength and flexibility. I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Eggert to help anybody with their surgery needs!

On February 28, 2019 Dr. Owen O’Neill and Jessie Donovan replaced my right knee. The surgery was successful and I was released from the hospital the next day. Dr. O’Neill suggested that I go directly home with someone to assist me for a few days. I was able to begin physical therapy on March 4 at the TCO facility in Edina. I saw Jessie Donovan on March 19 for a progress check, completed the physical therapy on April 23 and saw Dr. O’Neill on April 30 for the final progress check. Two months is a speedy recovery for an 80 year old woman; I can’t emphasize enough an exercise program prior to surgery.

The entire staff at TCO, for surgery and physical therapy, is outstanding and I’d recommend them. They are professional and helpful in every way, answered all my questions and encouraged me through the entire process. I have returned to all the activities that were difficult for me prior to the surgery.

In 2009, I tore my ACL playing soccer. In the late winter of 2019, I tore my ACL again and I saw Dr. Barry. The first week it was painful to walk and then after it popped it felt like nothing happened. I saw Dr. Barry before and after the MRI and we talked about the options I had. He gave me three options, and two of them was not getting surgery but also not being as active as I am now. As a surgeon who usually wants to do surgery, he wanted the best for me in my lifestyle. He asked me what I thought, he also asked me how I felt about what he said. Dr. Barry is a kind-hearted doctor that wants the best for you. He came in before my surgery and asked if I was ready and gave me a lot of time to ask any and all questions. Dr. Barry knew exactly what he was going to do and explained it clearly. One thing I really like is that he works very closely with the physical therapist (PT) and the PT’s keep in contact with him. Dr. Barry’s team is professional but kind and really just wants the best for you. I would have Dr. Barry do another surgery if I needed it. He is really great and honest.

On May 27, 2017, I stood on the top of the podium at the NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field National Championships after winning the 1500 meters in record setting fashion. I worked so hard for that moment. I was on top of the mountain. The climb was extremely difficult and painful, however, every moment of it was worth it. Little did I know that the next two years would be the ultimate test of my physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual strength. In July 2018, I joined Team USA Minnesota, a professional running team located in the Twin Cities. I started training for my dream of making the Olympic Team in the 1500 meters in 2020. A series of lower let injures had hindered my senior year cross-country and track seasons and I was eager to put them behind me and train under an amazing coach and with talented teammates. I also received care from TCO physicians and physical therapists to keep me at my optimum health. Unfortunately, the lower leg injuries prevailed. I was diagnosed with a variety of lower leg injuries that plagued me on and off throughout the fall.

Finally, around mid December, after ruling out stress fracture, stress reaction, tendonitis and compartment syndrome diagnoses, my podiatrist from TCO, Dr. Langer, did not give up on me. He mentioned the possibility of a condition called, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. It is an extremely rare vascular condition for women my age where muscles behind the knee compress the main artery and vein. This results in limited blood flow to the lower legs and a variety of painful symptoms. Langer referred me to a vascular surgeon who confirmed his diagnosis.

On February 27th, I underwent surgery on both legs. The surgeon removed both my plantaris muscles, opened up the soleus fascia and created more space for the blood vessels. Since surgery, I feel incredible relief in my lower legs. Dr. Langer is my TCO champion because without him I never would have been tested for this rare condition or had the opportunity to get surgery to fix the problem. Under the care of Dr. Langer and my physical therapist, Mike Shirilla, I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my road to recovery, train and compete pain-free and pursue my Olympic dreams.

When I first saw Dr. Szalapski I was mostly impressed that he wasn’t pushy about doing surgery. He let it totally be my decision on if and when I did the surgery. Once I made the decision to have it done, he sat down and fully explained everything about the procedure and recovery. They didn’t make light that there would be times I was going to be uncomfortable at first. Everyone on his team has made this as painless as can be. I am truly glad I went to him to have this done. So I can say if you follow his instructions and do the work, you will be greatly impressed with how your new knee recovers and feels. Should I ever need to have my other knee done, I will know I will go back to Dr. Szalapski.

I met Dr. Szalapski and had my first hip replaced at 42 years old – scared to death! It went perfectly and no limp. I had my knee replaced at around 50 years old and my other hip done a year later. Last year, I had my shoulder replaced and was told I may only get 70% of my range of motion back – I got 100%. I would never think of anybody but Dr. Szalapski to perform my surgeries when I have had the best care and absolutely no complications!! His support team and Jessica are the best also! Bonus he has a good sense of humor.

A friend of mine has seen Dr. Szalapski for over 20 years and gave him a glowing recommendation! I was struggling with my knees and walking stairs. The minute Dr. Szalapski walked in to see me, he was professional and down to earth! I immediately knew that I was going to like him. He watched me walk and looked at my knees and said right away I needed replacements. We did the left knee three years ago and the right knee this past summer of 2018. I am very happy with the outcome and can do the stairs with no pain. When I wanted more pain meds I was given the maximum allowed and was okay with that because I did not want to become addicted to a medication. I watched a child of mine struggle with addiction and knew that was not something I wanted or needed in my life! When Dr. Szalapski stops the pain meds he is following guidelines. I would recommend him to anyone that needs replacements!

I chose to have my knee replacement surgery with Dr. Szalapski based on the recommendation from my daughter. Dr. Szalapski and his staff walked me through the procedure and explained what to expect for surgery and recovery. 3 months post-surgery and everything is going well and I am feeling better. I would highly recommend Dr. Szalapski and the staff at New Prague surgery department.

On February 13th, 2018 I had my first knee replacement. Then on December 7th, 2018 I had my second knee replacement by Dr. Szalapski. He is very professional at his job, answered any questions I had and he had a good sense of humor. I would highly recommend him to anybody who needs a knee replacement! Thanks Doc for the good work!!
Ron G.

I’m a soccer player and I first tore my ACL in August 2016. I had surgery and two weeks later had a second surgery due to a rare situation where the endpoint of my graft moved. I spent 6 months in PT with Deb Kostecki and Kelly Soukup. I returned to playing soccer in June 2017 and couldn’t be happier. I finished my club season by winning the Midwest regional championship and earning a trip to the national championships with my team. My high school season started again in August 2017 and my club season began in late October. I tore my ACL for a second time on Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. I also tore both of my meniscus at the same time. I had a 5 hour surgery on 2/21/18 where my ACL was reconstructed from my quad tendon, both meniscus were repaired and a cadaver tendon was placed along the side of my knee, like an internal splint. I started back in PT again a few days later with Kelly and Deb. I had so much scar tissue built up from my prior two surgeries that the nerves in my leg were affected and I couldn’t get my knee straight and had continual pain in my foot. My focus in PT was range of motion in my knee and recovery from the surgery. I struggled with both. In July 2018, I had the 4th surgery on my knee in 22 months. This time it was a soft tissue release and scar tissue was removed as well as the nerve in my leg being released from the scar tissue and internal stitches it had gotten stuck on. Immediately after the surgery, the pain in my foot was gone and my range of motion was improved. I’ve continued with PT since that point to work on range of motion and now strength. Since August 2017, I’ve had 4 surgeries on my left knee and been in PT for almost 2 years – 15 straight months with the last injury. While I’ve had to give up my dream of playing college and club soccer, my goal is to play one last season of high school soccer. My comeback story isn’t complete. I continue with PT once a week. I’m also participating in ACE Plus with Maggie Dewitz and training at Training HAUS to build strength in my leg. People think I’m crazy for wanting to play soccer again, but the entire team at TCO, my PT’s , Dr. Neil Johnson and the Training HAUS crew, including Kirk Olson and Scott Schriever, are helping me work for one last season of high school soccer so I can leave the game on my terms this time.