Patient Testimonials

After shattering my shoulder, Dr. Bakker did a reverse total shoulder replacement with complications. That was 6 weeks ago. I’m now basically pain free, improving range of motion with physical therapy and couldn’t be happier. Dr. Bakker did an amazing job, given the mess my shoulder was in. I’d recommend him in a heartbeat.

This is my third procedure through TCO with Dr. O’Keefe, this time being a complete replacement of my right shoulder. He is my orthopedist. I have been thoroughly pleased with my care here in the hospital, clinic and physical therapy. Dr. O’Keefe and staff have instilled confidence about my expected results. My results have been great and have returned me to my normal tasks and certainly improved my quality of life.

I have been going to physical therapy at the Fridley TCO location for my shoulder after shoulder replacement surgery. I have gone to therapy 3 times so far. Steve was very patient and thorough in instructing me about the exercises. I’ve also worked with Dustin and he gave me pictures of my exercises so I can do them at home. They are excellent, wonderful therapists that I would highly recommend to anyone. I also visited TCO several years ago for my carpal tunnel surgery rehab and had a good experience there as well. I had suffered from shoulder pain for several years and had limited mobility. In the one month since I had the surgery, I’m nearly pain free and have enjoyed the use of my shoulder so much more in my daily life and activities. I would say my therapy and comeback has been a home run and a big hit!

I had been in a very long estate clean out for 5 years (very physical) and had worn my left knee and right shoulder, which had been repaired two times. I had a revision done April of 2018. Came back great by June with full use (I’m a very active race car driver and car builder). Had my right shoulder fully replaced in March 2019, and as of today, May 1st, I have 90% of my use back. My wife had her knee replaced in the middle of April 2019 and it was my turn to be nurse. She is already walking with a cane and well on her way to normal.

Post shoulder replacement surgery complete and immediate relief from pain. With the help of Dr. Lervick and guided/approved PT, I returned to great mobility. The absolute best staff, Andy and Ann – very professional, caring and candid. Also all above involved and interested in ongoing follow-up. Thank you!

Dr. Hunt, this may seem too corny to endure, but I’ll risk it.  I find myself struggling to express the depth of my gratitude to you and the team of caring professionals you have gathered around you for the fifteen years or more you have added to my life. When I decided to go to you to replace my knees late in 2008, I was seriously facing the loss of most of my outdoor activities. In January, 2009, you and your team replaced both of my knees, and in two surgeries during 2011 you also replaced both of my shoulders. Now you have given me a new right hip.  Because of your work, I have continued to backpack with three generations of family members for days on end on Isle Royale every fall (sometimes twice in a season). Early last spring I backpacked about forty miles of the Superior Hiking trail with a friend. Libby and I have been able to tour the Peruvian Amazon and the Peruvian sacred valley, and then spend a week on the Galápagos Islands. As a pastor I made multiple trips to partner congregations in El Salvador and in Nigeria. Twice I’ve made it to Alaska, most recently with Libby for a stay with friends in Halibut Cove on Kachemak Bay. Two years ago Libby and I toured Iceland, reunited with her relatives in Sweden and with my relatives and friends in Norway. And for the last three years I’ve led delegations to explore how migratory birds connect Minnesota and Nicaragua.  All this scattered among countless forays across Minnesota and Wisconsin to go birding in remote wild corners of our region.

I only hope this little album of memories gives you some sense of my gratitude to you for your work and for my privilege of having access to this health care (when so many across the world do not).

Blessings, Keith O.

I suffered with pain in my right shoulder for several years due to arthritis and eventually was in constant pain. It was disrupting my sleep and kept me from activities I used to enjoy. Dr. Kelly provided me with the treatment options, including full shoulder replacement surgery. At age 58, I wasn’t looking forward to surgery and weeks of recovery, but in August 2014 I took the plunge. I couldn’t be happier with every aspect of my choice to have Dr. Kelly and his team perform my surgery. I have known Dr. Kelly for several years and have found him to be an extremely talented surgeon who takes the time to answer my questions and help me decide what will be best for me. Because Dr. Kelly arranged my surgery through the EXCEL program, the entire process was extremely well-planned and coordinated. My surgery experience only took a few hours at the Crosstown Surgery Center in Edina, with a one-night hotel-like stay in a wonderful facility with a private room and fantastic nursing care. I was relaxed and slept very well that night (as compared to no sleep during previous stays in a hospital). The surgery went as smoothly as Dr. Kelly and Kaici had explained and my recovery went much faster and easier than I had ever anticipated. Within 6 weeks of surgery, I was using my shoulder for most of my normal day-to-day activities, and the shoulder continued to gain strength and rotation from the physical therapy and exercises. I have re-gained full use of my shoulder and don’t even think about it anymore. I was washing windows this spring and smiled because I realized I was using my right arm/shoulder – something I would not have done a year ago. I’m not sure why I waited so long to get it done! Everyone from the reception staff, the surgical team and recovery nurses were outstanding – their personal touch and genuine caring made me feel like a VIP! The EXCEL program was a blessing because it allowed me to get through joint replacement with minimal disruption in my life. For anyone considering any kind of orthopedic surgery, I would encourage you to consider Twin Cities Orthopedics. Dr. Kelly and TCO will always be my first and only choice for orthopedic care!

I can’t say enough good words to express my appreciation for Dr. Kelly and his staff.

When researching doctors for my shoulder replacement surgery, I wanted to meet with Dr. Kelly because of what I read about his expertise in this area. I met a friendly, down-to-earth man with a sense of humor. I felt like a person he cared about instead of a number as I had found with other doctors I had seen.

After he explained the procedure to me I left confident I had found the right doctor.

I was so right! The surgery went well, as have all the follow-up appointments. Thanks also go to the team of people working with Dr. Kelly.

I guess you can say I’ve become one of Dr. Kelly’s biggest fans!

I have been going to the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) since 1964 when my father took me on my first trip to this magical, wonderful place. Since then I have made 25-30 trips back to the BWCA, recently with my sons and nephews. To say that it has a special place in my heart is a gross understatement. 2 years ago I came off the last portage in near tears, suffering from arthritic pain. Since then, Dr. Owen O’Neill, Dr. Ed Kelly and their expert staffs have replaced 2 shoulders, 2 hips and 1 knee. The attached photo was taken earlier this year and shows me and my team (including my youngest son and nephew) over-looking “our unnamed lake” in the BWCA. We traveled over 10 miles to get there, crossing 3 lakes, 4 portages and 3 rivers. My sincere thanks to Dr. Kelly, Dr. O’Neill and their expert staffs for giving me this important piece of my life back! I strongly recommend them both and encourage you to schedule a visit if you are in pain like I was!

On a scale of 1 to 10, Dr. Kelly deserves an 11. Two years ago I had total shoulder replacement. This past May I had total knee replacement. Today I am playing tennis with my grandchildren with an arm and a knee that move as normal as anyone could expect for someone 70 years old. Having been active all my life, Dr. Kelly literally gave me my life back as I had known it. I am very grateful for his skill, and most especially for his insistence that I trust him in the rehab period. I did and the rest is very good history.