Patient Testimonials

I had a hip replacement with Dr. Carlson in January. Everything went excellent and I had minimal pain after the surgery. I had good communication with the doctor through the entire process.

My first experience with Dr. Ockuly was five years ago when I needed a hip replacement. He took time to explain the x-rays and promised me he would do his best to fix my hip. It was a very successful surgery. Four weeks later, I had finished PT and could walk without any assistance. Next came a completely torn shoulder that could not be fixed except for a total reverse shoulder replacement. At first, Dr. Ockuly wanted me to try PT. Eighteen weeks later, Dr. Ockuly told me I was doing better than what surgery would do. Now I’m facing replacement of both knees but not before having a few years of alternative therapies.

I highly recommend Dr. Ockuly to anyone needing surgery. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. He takes time to explain the situation and what plans are available for treatment. His entire team is caring, competent, and really treats you like family. His PA, Annie Merrill, is an invaluable member of his team before, during, and after surgery.

After months of trying to maintain the pain from arthritis I was forced to have my hip replaced. I am a single dad and I was a little scared, but Dr. Wetter and his care team have made this one of the easiest surgeries I have ever had. I am very grateful!

The diagnosis of severe degenerative arthritis in my hips came as a shock even though I had begun to limp and limit activities previously. Dr. Arthur reassured me that bilateral hip replacement surgery would remarkably improve my life. Truer words could not have been said!

Thanks to Dr. Arthur and his professional team, I recently had two very successful surgeries, a couple months apart, with smooth and rapid recoveries. Their excellent care and expertise have allowed me to return to the golf course, tennis, and pickleball courts. Most importantly, it helped me get back in action for my family, especially our young grandchildren.

I highly recommend Dr. Michael R. Johnson and his team to anyone considering hip replacement surgery. He performed my surgery in January 2025. From my initial consultation through my post-operative physical therapy, my total hip replacement journey with Dr. Johnson has been a truly positive experience. Dr. Johnson is a skilled surgeon, and both he and his nurse Jen were always prompt and thorough in their communication. It made me feel supported and informed every step of the way. The EXCEL Surgery and Recovery program was invaluable to me. This comprehensive approach made a significant difference in my recovery. My physical therapist, Ashleigh Kratz, challenged me to succeed at my pace. She really listened and found good solutions to the couple of challenges I encountered. I am now enjoying a much-improved quality of life thanks to Dr. Johnson and his team. I’m so grateful for their excellent care!

 Dr. O’Neill performed a hip replacement on my right hip a little over 2 months ago. I am on the younger end of getting a hip replacement, so I was nervous as I did not have many others my age to talk to about the recovery etc. The surgery and my recovery went smoothly. I was up and moving immediately and was never in any pain. I am now able to walk up the stairs in my house as opposed to crawling up them. I no longer have lower back pain. I can walk my dog for miles and even play pickleball. I have also noticed a positive change in my mental health. I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and his staff if you need a hip replacement.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous orthopedic physician and I am greatly appreciative of his awesome treatment of my longtime knee pain. Dr. Bircher possesses a rare combination of great wisdom, compassion and kindness. Both my husband (hip replacement surgery) and I are patients of Dr. Bircher, further confirming our mutual confidence and trust in his medical expertise. Dr. Bircher is a truly outstanding orthopedic provider and his TCO team of Kari (PA) and Cassie (care coordinator) provide superb, enhanced patient support. My husband Bill has submitted his own patient testimonial regarding his successful hip replacement surgery by Dr. Bircher. Both my husband and I greatly thank and highly recommend Dr. James Bircher to anyone seeking excellent knee or hip orthopedic medical care.

Dr. Carlson replaced my hip November 2024 at TCO’s Orthopedic Institute in Chaska. My surgery and recovery were as painless and timely as I could have asked for. The facility was clean, quiet, peaceful, and extremely conducive to positive healing. I had a single spacious room for an overnight stay. The food they tell me was nutritious and delicious. Most importantly, the staff were attentive, competent, friendly, and very helpful when needed. I was walking the day of my surgery and went home the following morning with complete directions on how to best care for myself and move toward a successful recovery with the help of my spouse. Because of the care and instructions I received, I walked into Dr. Carlson’s office on my own without any support device at my 2 week checkup. My progress continued from that point forward, allowing me to eventually walk 1 mile, then 2 miles as the snow melts. I look forward to eventually adding to that distance as my body walks as I once did without pain. I am highly recommending Dr. Carlson and his staff.

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.

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.