Patient Testimonials

I have had lower back pain for years. I learned to live with my pain, using treatments that helped me cope. I have had several epidurals which gave me some relief from the pain, along with a variety of medications. In 2021, my back pain was the worst it has ever been. I love to garden, but found myself avoiding tasks I enjoyed to prevent flare-ups. Simple tasks like cutting the grass would be followed by two or three days of intense pain. I was miserable.

I made an appointment with Dr. Wanderman last fall. When I met him, he said that he was going to fix my back problems with surgery. Last April, my urologist informed me that the prostate cancer I had managed to fight off in 2018 had returned. Dr. Wanderman assured me that after the surgery I would live out my remaining years pain-free. I had my surgery in November 2021. It’s only been a couple months and I am happy to share that I no longer feel that miserable back pain which limited my life activities for so long. I am still on the road to recovery, but I am looking forward to getting back into my garden and yard this spring – pain free.

In December 2021, Dr. Hoel performed major back surgery to relieve severe stenosis and to fuse L3 L4. The pain I was experiencing before the surgery was very substantial, not only in my lower back, but also down the front and back of both legs. I had difficulty doing anything and everything and was pretty much confined to my favorite chair. After surgery it was like a miracle. Over a period of about 2 weeks, all of my back and leg pain were gone. I could walk, sleep and do virtually any task pain free! Dr. Hoel accomplished everything he set out to do and more. And he did this in a very caring way, always taking the time to explain and answer my questions . I couldn’t be more satisfied than I am with my entire experience with Dr. Hoel and would very highly recommend him to anyone needing spinal care.

From the diagnosis to getting back to my normal lifestyle, TCO has provided a top notch process. The care and understanding I received from Dr. Hoel and others has been a great experience!

I had a fairly sudden onset of pain in my buttock radiating down right leg. It was excruciating and I was unable to get relief. After going to TCO urgent care, having an x-ray, receiving pain meds and muscle relaxants, along with a subsequent MRI, I was referred to Dr. Hoel. He explained my problem and gave me 3 options for possible treatment. I chose the discectomy, as it was the least intrusive and had the shortest recovery option. Within a few days I was scheduled for surgery and it was performed under general anesthesia. I was discharged the same day and the leg pain was gone.

I had a bout of nausea and vomiting the day after surgery and called Dr. Hoel’s assistant, who ordered anti-nausea medication. Dr. Hoel called me the next day to see if I was doing better. I was amazed that he took the time to check in with me. The medication worked well and I felt fine. Subsequently, I quickly was only taking Tylenol for pain. Five days after surgery, I received another call from Dr. Hoel to see how I was doing. I was happy to report that all was going well.

I just had my 6 week post-op appointment and I have had no further leg or nerve pain. I have been quite active and can return to golf, tennis, and pickleball in 6 weeks. My only physical therapy has been walking. I have a little low back stiffness, but considering I am 78 and have a lot of arthritis, I think I am doing great! I was very impressed with Dr. Hoel and would highly recommend him.

Dr. Hoel and the entire staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics were outstanding. I’ve had multiple back surgeries over the years, and when we moved to Minneapolis a few months ago and I had a recurrence of a herniated disk that had been operated on by two previous surgeons. Dr. Hoel proved to be an excellent diagnostician and when it became apparent that I needed surgery, he also proved to be an excellent surgeon. Although he faced a tough challenge, due to significant scar tissue from my previous surgeries, he skillfully took care of my disk and I had a more complete and rapid recovery than ever before. His manner with patients is calm, friendly, and confident. The entire support staff, from front desk personnel to nurses and technicians, turned out to be highly capable and very good to work with. I would recommend Dr. Hoel and TCO to anyone!

I went to see Dr. Hoel because of severe pain in my lower back and down my legs. It was always worse when I was walking and bending over. The pain was relieved when I could sit down, but once I got up, it was only a matter of time before I needed to sit again. An MRI revealed that my 5th lumbar was not stable and was narrowing my spinal cord resulting in the pain down my legs (spondylosis and spondylolisthesis).

Dr. Hoel listened carefully to my descriptions of the pain I was having. He was compassionate and explained my diagnosis carefully. After our first meeting, I decided to do some research and came back to ask more questions. Again, he was very helpful and answered all of my questions and concerns. I tried physical therapy first, but when that proved unsuccessful, I asked to have the surgery. Dr. Hoel suggested to replace my disc and to fuse my 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae together. I can’t tell you how happy I am that I had this surgery! The pain in my back and down my legs was completely gone right away. It was miraculous! Dr. Hoel really impressed me with his kindness, compassion, and knowledge. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others.

I knew right away after meeting with Dr. Hoel that I trusted him and wanted him to do my surgery. I could no longer walk a short distance or stand for 5 minutes. We discussed my options together and decided surgery would be the best option. He explained the surgery so that I understood exactly what was going to happen and took the time to call my husband and explain it to him. The minimally invasive procedure had many advantages over the way the way this surgery use to be performed. Following surgery, he visited me every day I was hospitalized and he was so kind and concerned about how I was doing, sharing my x-rays with me and reassuring me. I am now 6 weeks out of surgery and have no pain. My surgery was 100% successful! I can now walk and stand as far and long as I want. I have my life back and cannot thank Dr. Hoel enough.

Dr. Maura Hartigan listened to what issues I was having and addressed them immediately. I felt very confident in her diagnoses and the treatment was done in a timely manner. I would highly suggest her for any back issues you may have.

I’m an extreme obstacle course racer and ultra endurance runner. I travel all the way from Florida to see Dr. Banks at Twin Cities Orthopedics. He’s the only doctor I would ever let do surgery on my back! I’m at the age of 62 and am still a world champion. I wouldn’t see anyone other than Dr. Banks.

Dr. Banks is the best orthopedic surgeon I have ever known. He has been our physician (for my wife and I) since 2004. When I say he’s the best, it is not only about his skills but the way he interacts with his patients and staff. Dr. Banks takes his time to listen carefully with respect to your concerns. He is a kind, knowledgeable person and is surrounded by very professional, friendly and helpful staff. My wife and I have had two surgeries each, performed successfully by him. My wife has had two cervical fusions and I have had two lumbar discectomies. Each surgery went very well and the recoveries were fast. My last surgery was done on December 22, 2020. I called it my ‘life saving surgery’ because the pain I had before it was gone. Big thanks Dr. Banks!