Patient Testimonials

Dr. TJ Ridley pieced together my broken patella. Dr. Ridley has that rare combination of being not only a highly qualified and gifted orthopedic surgeon, but he is also genuinely caring, understanding and friendly. His energy is contagious, a straight shooter and will quickly evaluate and focus in on the best ways to help you. Thank you Dr. Ridley!

Dr. Scott Anseth performed work on both my left knee and right hip. A year after my knee replacement, I was skiing, not slowly, in Colorado. He took the time to listen to concerns and objectives, and his team was very professional in moving me through the process. After my right hip surgery, I’m able to walk without a cane after 7 days.

I’ve seen Dr. James Bircher over the last few years for different injuries and ailments. Most recently he performed a robotic-assisted total knee replacement, Dr. Bircher excels in kind, compassionate care as well as being an exceptional surgeon. He was patient in guiding me through the process, I felt well informed before, during and after the surgery. I appreciate his skilled ability and kind demeanor. Would highly recommend Dr. Bircher to others!!

Dr. Joseph Nessler is a great surgeon. He always takes his time to answer my many questions, even took time out of his busy schedule to x-ray my low back when I came in for my knee revision follow up appointment. I never have to wait long to see him, and he is always professional with a great bedside manner.

I always tell family and friends to go see Dr. Nessler and any of the providers at TCO. I have always great customer service from billing, scheduling and physical therapy.

Keep up the great work!

Three months ago I had a total right knee replacement performed by Dr. James Bircher. He is very talented and knowledgeable, and uses the latest in knee technology and robotic-assisted surgery. I am extremely satisfied with the results.

I have excellent stability and full range of motion, don’t have any pain and with only slight swelling. My incision is perfect and barely visible. Dr. Bircher is very friendly, kind and easy to work with. I highly recommend Dr. Bircher for your knee replacement surgery.

After my son broke his wrist, we went to see Dr. Adam Bakker, and he put in plate and screws. There is no doubt in my mind he is an excellent surgeon and doctor, we are 100% happy with his work and his communication skills.

Dr. Marcus Mittelsteadt was superb. He took time to answer all of my questions, and explained the procedure and recovery quite well. He and his staff were always available for questions and assistance, corrected any issues that arose, and returned phone calls in a timely manner.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous surgeon possessing a rare combination of exceptional talent, wisdom and compassion. I am truly grateful for Dr. Bircher and I would highly recommend Dr. Bircher and his ‘team’ to anyone seeking great orthopedic hip care.

My story begins almost three years ago. Having just moved to Minnesota from Wisconsin and suffering from severe right hip pain. After researching the biographies of TCO’s surgeons, I felt led to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bircher. During my initial appointment with
Dr. Bircher, two things occurred:
(1) I immediately realized that I had found the ‘right surgeon’ to replace my right hip
(2) I learned, incredibly, that I had to first lose almost 60 pounds before surgery could be safely accomplished

Almost two and one half years from that first appointment, I was scheduled for the replacement of my right hip having lost the required 60 pounds. On the day of surgery, prior to being wheeled into the operating room, Dr. Bircher met with me and asked if he could pray with my wife, our adult son & myself for God’s favor over the surgery – my response was – absolutely and so very much appreciated!

To my surprise, I learned that my severely deteriorated hip (according to Dr. Bircher, one of the worst that he had seen) was successfully replaced and that Dr. Bircher would be visiting with me shortly, and surgery was pronounced to be a ‘success’.  Three weeks after the surgery, I was able to go beyond my walking at home and begin walking around Lifetime Fitness’s walking track. And now February 24 2025, I still remain completely ‘pain free’ with ALL that I had to endure but a distant memory.

I take this moment to personally thank ALL involved in my hip replacement surgery:
Almighty God – for answering our prayers for a successful surgery (Psalm 77:11)
Dr. Bircher – for being the tremendous surgeon that he proved to be
PA Kari – who closed my incision to a point whereby it is now almost unnoticeable
Cassie – as the Care Coordinator who was always there to efficiently address the multitude of questions or needs relating to the surgery
Heather – my TCO physical therapist who did her very best to help me cope with all the pain I had to endure until the day of surgery.

I decided to visit Dr. Paul Langer in search of a second opinion on my injury, a Llisfranc fracture, and to explore more treatment options to get me out of pain. Previously, I had already had two surgeries and was considering the possibility of a third one. Dr. Langer educated me on my treatment options, and ultimately we decided to take a more conservative route, starting with a round of physical therapy and new orthotics. I am very pleased with my treatment so far.

The 3D technology Dr. Langer uses for his orthotics has been life-changing! I work all day on my feet and I love to stay active, and the orthotics Dr. Langer made for me, in addition to physical therapy, has gotten me back to day-to-day life without pain. I live over 4 hours away and Dr. Langer’s team has been great to communicate with they have been flexible in working around my schedule.

I am very appreciative of Dr. Langer providing me with all of my options, and would highly recommend him and his team to anyone dealing with a foot/ankle injury!

Although my index finger had been bent by arthritis for a few years, the pain was new. Pain escalated until the slightest bump felt like shards of glass in my finger. I was referred to Dr. Nishant Dwivedi by Melissa Olson, hand therapist.

At my first appointment, Dr. Dwivedi showed me the x-rays and explained no therapy or splint would help, and that I needed surgery. A few weeks later, Dr. Dwivedi fused a joint in my finger. I have not had even the slightest pain since surgery. My finger is straight and pain free! Melissa taught me several exercises and massage therapies, which kept the incision soft and gave me great range of motion in that finger. It’s amazing how the absence of pain in one finger can make every day so much better!