Patient Testimonials

My knee is so strong and I have been able to do many activities with no pain!

Dear Dr. Meisterling,

A note to thank you again for my good, healthy life. I am still pain free after knee replacements in June 2009 and April 2011 in Amery, WI. At 88 years old, my husband Louis (86 years old) and I go swimming and to fitness classes 4 times a week. I play cards, go to coffee, and do my housework. I think often of you and I thank you.

Sincerely,
Joan S.

I was recently out of town when I broke my leg – true story, and an embarrassing one. Well, I had to go to a nearby emergency room and all I could think about was, “Why can’t there be a TCO everywhere?” I’ve entrusted TCO with my foot, shoulder, and knee injuries. – Michele T., Sportscaster

Dr. Arntson’s Checklist:
Listens – CHECK
Does Not Judge – CHECK
Knowledge – CHECK
Provides Options (when appropriate) – CHECK
Straight Forward – CHECK
Compassionate/Cares About His Patients – CHECK, CHECK, CHECK

Above is just a short list of reasons I would recommend Dr. Arntson to anyone struggling with making that all important decision to move ahead with joint replacement. At age 48, I had my first total knee replacement by another reputable surgeon (now retired) with Twin Cities Orthopedics.  Based on the success of that replacement, 5 years later I knew I needed the other knee replaced. Sticking with TCO, I had my left knee replaced in November 2015.  6-months post-op my knee just didn’t feel right so I continued with visits to my doctor until finally at the 1-year post-op mark I went in for arthroscopy, resulting in the removal of minimal scar tissue.  Still not confident things were right, my doctor offered to scope again, but made the recommendation I see Dr. Arntson for a 2nd opinion.

My initial consult with Dr. Arntson resulted in his giving 100% to listening to me share my issues of both knees and replacement history. Following a line of questioning, checking the stability, etc., of my problem knee he informed me that with everything described and done to that point it was a “red flag” that the new joint of less than 2 years needed to be replaced. Needless to say I was shocked, and disappointed. Options were provided and all tried (lab work to rule out infection, injection, another scope). After all was said and done, and the shock of a revised replacement wore off, I knew what needed to be done and felt very prepared to go through another replacement; more importantly, I was very confident that Dr. Arntson was going to make this revision a success.

In early October 2017, the revision went ahead at Mercy Hospital. Unlike any other past surgeon, Dr. Arntson visited me each day I was in the hospital to ensure all was going well, changed the dressing and provided me information about the procedure itself. My first day of therapy in the hospital amazed both myself & my therapists. I made more progress in the first few days than expected and certainly far sooner than in the past! After 2-3 weeks I was experiencing some rather severe calf pain so Dr. Arntson ordered a scan to rule out a blood clot, which thankfully turned out negative. He called me at home with the results, as well as followed back around with another phone call a few days later to see how I was doing. I am now at week 5 post-op and doing very well.  Without a doubt, this “Rolls Royce” of new knees is going to get me back to my bowling average in no time at all. Thank you to Dr. Arntson, his surgical team and Mercy Hospital staff!

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t also give kudos to Kristen V., Dr. Arntson’s patient care coordinator!  Kristen, as a supervisor in a different line of medical profession, I know just how tough some days can be.  I truly appreciate all of the help you provided me before, during and after my surgery.

On June 26th of 2017, I checked in to The Ridges in Burnsville and Dr. Lewis performed a total knee replacement on my right knee.  My recovery from this surgery has been easier than I expected. The care I received at The Ridges was wonderful. All of the TCO providers, including the Physical Therapists at the Eden Prairie location have been awesome. I couldn’t be happier with my recovery and my follow up visits with Dr. Lewis. I have recommended him to many people.

Having a partial right knee replacement in September, 2017 done by Dr. Comfort and going through the EXCEL Program was a wonderful experience. A previous physician would not even consider a partial replacement. Dr. Comfort assured me this was the right decision and I have no regrets! Using the EXCEL Program, upon discharge from surgery center, you go to a health care facility in a private suite where you have a RN that takes care of you until discharged the next day. During that time you have several sessions of PT and are up walking with a walker. Dr. Comfort checks in on you that morning. When you leave you are feeling confident to go home and work on your recovery. Dr. Comfort, David, and Molly are all so reassuring, kind, and patient. I can now lift up my grandchildren without fear my knee will buckle under me. This was definitely the best medical experience I have ever had.  I highly recommend them!

I am 57 years old and had my right knee replacement surgery on October 4^th, 2017. I also had my left knee replaced just 2 years ago in September 2015.  Both surgeries were performed by Dr. Erik Peterson. He and his care team are rock stars. Dr. Peterson, Christine, Molly and Jenna have always gone above and beyond to ensure that my needs were met at each and every appointment. The pre-surgery and post-surgery care that I received from Dr. Peterson’s team was exceptional, always exceeding my expectations. In both instances, I started with steroid injections managing my knee pain which eventually led to recommendation for knee replacement surgery. My knee surgeries (2 years apart) were both at Fairview Wyoming Hospital, which was very well coordinated by Dr. Peterson’s care team. The nursing staff at Fairview was very attentive. Dr. Peterson’s team and Fairview Hospital were extremely helpful and cooperative when working with me on my goal to return home as quickly as possible. In both instances, I was able to return home with just 1 overnight stay in the hospital, with follow up physical therapy with Curt H. at Courage Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy for approximately 6-8 weeks. Remaining active and committed to a physical therapy regimen has been key to my recovery and has allowed me to return to work after 8 weeks. On a scale of 1 to 10 ranking of the care I have received by Dr. Peterson and his care team, I highly recommend them and give them a 10+ rating.

Dr. Kelly is knowledgeable, patient and thorough. He has put my arm back together and offered opinion on knee surgery. I always leave his exam room knowing I got the best advice.

My experience with TCO was a very positive experience. I first went there in January of 2014 when I fell at work and tore my rotator cuff. Dr. Kelly was my physician. I had surgery in February to repair the tear. I shared with Dr. Kelly that I had planned to get my knee replacement in the spring and was disappointed that it wouldn’t happen. His reply was, “oh we can do that.” He told me he also did knees and depending on my recovery from shoulder surgery, it could probably be done in May.

Well, I had a great recovery and while still getting physical therapy, discussed having the knee replacement done.

The staff was very excited to tell me that I would qualify to go through the EXCEL program. Not having to be in the hospital was very appealing and having a class about the procedure was very helpful. York Gardens, where you go for recovery, was a beautiful and very comfortable facility!

The surgery went well, and it was very comforting to have Dr. Kelly and Lindsay in the operating room. Going to the room at York Gardens was so nice and the staff there was very helpful and pleasant.

The physical therapist was patient but yet encouraged me to do what I needed to do. The food was very tasty. I felt I was in an apartment and not in a hospital room.

I would, and have, recommended the EXCEL program to people who need a knee replacement. I appreciate all the help I got from all of the staff. From the appointment desk to the physical therapists, and everything in between, I am very happy with the experience and outcome!

I cannot thank Dr. Comfort enough for the exceptional, life changing outcome I have experienced since my total knee replacements.  I went from having tears while walking to get my mail to pain-free walking the dog, gardening, boating/kayaking, traveling, dancing with my husband and skipping with my granddaughter in just weeks after my knee replacement surgeries!  My life has completely changed for the better, renewing my desire to be active, laughing more and really becoming a better person mentally and physically. I am truly the person saying “I wish I would have done this sooner!” – I will gladly recommend Dr. Comfort and his staff David and Molly to each and everyone that is struggling to make the decision for knee replacement surgery.  Molly worked with my insurance company and promptly had my procedures approved and scheduled.  First knee was done mid-June and the second 3 weeks later in July 2017.  Recovery was fast and progress was seen and felt daily.  Best decision I have every made and my family and friends have been asking me to speak with their friends to recommend TCO and Dr. Comfort.  To wake up and get out of bed, go up and down stairs without pain is amazing, dancing with my husband and skipping with my granddaughter, is absolutely priceless! Thank YOU Dr. Comfort, David, Molly and all TCO staff!