Patient Testimonials

An old knee meniscus injury (1977), exacerbated by 28 years of military service and thousands of miles training for marathons finally led me to make an appointment for nagging pain and lack of mobility. Dr. James Bircher recognized immediately after looking at my x-rays the need for a robotic-assisted total knee replacement. My surgery was 11 March, and I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her 22 June wedding unimpeded by pain. The initial recovery was not fun, but through great physical therapy at TCO and great care by Dr. Bircher’s team, I am able to walk pain-free for the first time in decades. Dr. Bircher and his team tells it like it is — the recovery will be tough the first several weeks, but by 6 months you will be better than before. I am waiting to see what 1 year brings! Thanks Dr. Bircher and team!

Four years ago, I broke my femur in a winter accident. The bone snapped, and Dr. Jason Holm surgically repaired it. I was terrified that I wouldn’t run again. As a 56-year-old woman, I’d been jogging for 40 years. The surgery was a huge success, and Dr. Hold assured me I could run a marathon again in the future. He was right. I was back to running within a few months, ran a half marathon five months later, and just completed a second post-injury marathon (with a great time). My leg is stronger than ever, and I am eternally thankful for Dr. Holm.

I was referred to Dr. O’Neill by another orthopedic doctor who felt the best way to fix all that was wrong with my hip was to replace it. At 56 years old, a hip replacement certainly was not on my radar. Dr. O’Neill and his team were incredibly kind and took the time to answer all my questions and encouraged me to take all the time I needed to make a decision.

I am so grateful to have my life back and be able to do all the things I enjoy!! The surgery and the EXCEL program were amazing! I was walking without the assistive device on day 3. I also rented the NICE machine, and it was a game changer for icing after surgery. I drove 2.5 hours one way to see Dr O’Neill and would do it again, if needed. Thank you so very much for getting me back to an active life!

Dr. Bircher performed my robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. Once it was determined that I needed to have my knee replaced, Dr. Bircher and his team explained the entire procedure to me and what I could expect after surgery. I was very well pleased with the entire process and would recommend Twin Cities Orthopedics to anyone.

Excellent surgery care, all went very well. The EXCEL program is a blessing. All aspects of the experience went quite well all the way through physical therapy.

Dr. O’Neill handled both my total knee replacements this past year and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. From the initial assessment with Dr. O’Neill, I could tell this was a highly experienced surgeon with a very warm and reassuring personality. I could feel he genuinely cared about my well-being. Every interaction since that initial assessment was very positive. The recovery process has been steady and relatively swift. Now that my second knee replacement was 3 months ago, I am beginning to again resume a more active lifestyle which I had put aside years ago, like enjoying playing golf pain-free or taking long walks with my wife. I highly recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone thinking about total knee replacement surgery. My only regret is that I didn’t see Dr. O’Neill years ago!

Given the complexity (in my mind) of this procedure and everything it entails, I am amazed at the efficiency, thoroughness, and level of care at all stages. Dr. Andrew Schmiesing, his direct TCO team, admin staff, the EXCEL program, and post-surgery caregivers all exceeded my expectations. From the earliest point in the process with Dr. Schmiesing, and through the procedure, post-surgery, and rehab, everything I experienced was smooth, high quality, and confidence-inspiring. Dr. Schmiesing and TCO have my highest recommendation.

From the very beginning I was extremely impressed with the team and Dr. O’Neill especially. The surgery went smooth, and I was home the next day. For a couple of days, I was pretty sore, but within a week I was very mobile, and didn’t need a cane or walker. I wouldn’t hesitate to enthusiastically recommend Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team!

I injured my left knee many years ago and then continued to punish it further through a 28-year military career, as well as training for marathons. Dr. James Bircher performed knee replacement surgery in March, and I was able to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding in June. Dr. Bircher did a great job, and I highly recommend him. Absolutely amazing results!

Dr. Joseph Nessler has been there with all my knee pain, helping me with a total knee replacement, and getting cortisone shots until my other knee will be replaced. His staff is wonderful, and he is taking good care of me!