Patient Testimonials

I would like to add my 5 star rating for Dr. Daniel J. Marek, MD, and Twin Cities Orthopedics. Last year I fell and badly broke the two major bones in my wrist. After my successful wrist surgery by Dr. Marek, I developed a rare nerve condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. My wrist swelled to twice its size, and to attempt any movement of my wrist or hand caused excruciating pain. I was frightened enough to doubt I would regain use of my limb. Dr. Marek assured me that he and his team would help me recover.

His expertise, his kind manner, and his optimism gave me confidence. Dr. Marek’s PA-C, Ryan Bakko, was just as caring when he assisted me. After six months of intensive physical therapy with the skills of PT/OT Erik Peterson, I recovered to have a useful wrist and hand. I can’t recommend TCO highly enough. Dr. Marek is one of those special physicians who is a talented surgeon with the best of a “bedside manner.” You won’t be in “better hands” than with Dr. Marek, and his co-workers at Twin Cities Orthopedics.

Dr. Bakker operated on my right thumb about a year and a half ago, and then my left thumb two weeks ago. Both surgeries had excellent outcomes. Dr. Bakker listened to my concerns and abided by my wish not to undergo anesthesia but to just have a “block”. Beyond that, he is one of the most gentle and caring surgeons imaginable. He personally follows up with a phone call and is extremely patient with questions and provides answers that are easy to understand. I am so grateful that I found him and could not possibly recommend him with more confidence. Neither operation caused me one minute of pain either!

I can’t describe how much I appreciate Dr. Bakker and his skilled team. I work with my hands and, even though I waited 5 weeks post injury to be evaluated, he was able perform a complex, newer surgical procedure to give me full function again. From my own experience, along with reading other reviews, to say Dr. Bakker cares for the patient is an understatement. I’ve not experienced such a high degree of genuine care, professionalism and competency in any prior medical care situation.

Dr. Bakker inspires confidence, listens, and treats the whole person through his performance and manner. It’s been my very fortunate honor to have been Dr. Bakker’s patient. He and his excellent team have my sincere gratitude.

I felt totally secure with Dr. Koch and the amazing team at TCO. She explained everything in detail and got me in as soon as possible. When I left a message with her team about an issue, she called me within a short time and addressed my issue. I would not hesitate recommending Dr. Koch to anyone. I am so pleased with my experience!

Over the past three years I have been under the care of Dr. Bakker for a problematic right wrist. The initial solution recommended was a series of cortisone injections, over several years. However, that solution finally failed and it was time to consider surgery. I did seek a second opinion, as I had a recommendation from another physician I knew. The other doctor’s recommended course of action was the same, but he did not have the calming bedside manner of Dr. Bakker, nor did he convey the confidence that came from Dr. Bakker during my pre-surgery visitation.

Most importantly, Dr. Bakker placed me in the care of the highly competent physical therapists on my post surgery follow up office visit. The two women that who work with his patients are a key to his patience’s recovery success. I saw them both and, believe me, they represent TCO very well.

I considered this operation very seriously as I am a very avid golfer. A couple of years ago, I play almost 60 rounds here in Minnesota. Although it still March and we not on the golf course yet I can recommend Dr. Bakker to anyone experiencing serious wrist and hand pain. I believe he is a tribute to the orthopedic profession and a healer to his patients.

After two failed attempts to fix my thumb, I feel that Dr. Bakker actually listened to me. I truthfully didn’t care what he did because I had researched his qualifications and I felt so comfortable with his decisions, I just wanted to be out of pain and not deal with this left thumb pain anymore! He did exactly what needed to be done. I knew right out of surgery what he did worked because that pain in the pad of my thumb was gone! I’m happy, excited to move forward in my activities (as therapy allows) and stay out of pain!

Also, the staff is so friendly! They call out ‘hello’ when I walk in or ‘thanks, bye now’ when I leave! I love it! I am somebody at TCO!

As a “senior” I expect detailed information and a thorough explanation regarding surgical and medical procedures, and with my recent carpal tunnel/trigger finger I am happy to report that both verbal and written information before and after surgery was helpful and supportive. There was no wait time and cleanliness and safety was very evident from Dr. Gesensway and all of the staff involved with the surgery. I made a post-op phone call which was returned immediately. The pain management recommendations and plan was extremely useful without narcotic meds. With a right hand involved and size of the bandage/cast, I was not completely prepared for using my left hand for eating, dressing, meal preparation or hair washing and needed a little help. Not much dish washing or house work was done with my left hand since I live alone. I was happy to drive myself, rest when needed and slept well through the night. I also had an excuse to buy a few clothes to fit over the bandage/cast to make dressing easier. My adult, grown daughter warned me to have a post-op plan, and I did.

My family loves Dr. Koch. With all of the hand concerns and ailments we have had Dr. Koch and her staff are patient and caring and provide excellent care. I would recommend her to anyone.

Dr. Cooper and his staff were very helpful and certainly eased the anxiety my daughter had over her hurt wrist. He offered a couple options and suggested the best given the injury, her age and level of activity.

I first saw Dr. Norgard in 2012 after a motorcycle accident where I received multiple injuries including a fractured hand. Over the years I have continue to see him for multiple reasons which has included consultations and multiple surgeries. I have been diagnosed with arthritis in both hands and Dr. Norgard treated both hands. He has followed and provided care on and off over the last few years and when the time came I trusted him to do a total knee replacement. He is extremely thorough and discussed all options with me. He took his time and was very thorough. He has also great respect in the decisions that I did make after his consultations. In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Norgard is very kind and has a gentle manner to him. Not only will I continue to see him, I have recommended him to my family members.