Patient Testimonials

I had gone to numerous doctors before finally finding my saving grace, Dr. David Hartigan. I had been dealing with hip pain for quite a few years. I had just kind of gotten used to the pain. I had numerous injections, tried many different anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, and obviously the good ole “rotate heat and ice.”

I started researching orthopedic hip surgeons, and I came upon Dr. Hartigan. From the first fist bump to the end of my first appointment, he had a plan of attack set up and I had scans and surgery scheduled and completed within a month. By my first follow-up appointment, I was already cleared to drive, which was way ahead of schedule. I’ve been nothing but happy with my recovery thus far, and it’s been almost three years since my surgery. I’ve had a few days that have been a bit of a struggle but that’s because of my fibromyalgia flaring up more after surgery. I’ll take that healing pain over the hellish pain I was in before surgery.

My only regret is that I didn’t advocate for myself sooner. I am and will be forever grateful to Dr. Hartigan, his care team, his surgical team, the nurses and receptionists, and the physical therapists. You have all given me my life back. I can walk and play with my niece and nephew without constant horrible pain. I have been able to exercise more and have lost weight thanks to Dr. Hartigan and his team.

Dr. Nielsen, you are 12 on a 10-point scale as far as healthcare providers. I happily drive from Hudson, WI to receive your care and guidance.

I was ‘fortunate’ to have had an emergent care opportunity at North Memorial Health and to have you repair my intertrochanteric left femur fracture.  As a patient, most expect that healthcare providers demonstrated technical or position competence, and an added plus would be if they also provided emotional support and perhaps kindness.  In our brief encounters, a traditional quote that particularly applies to you and Ms. Eckerdt is “Individuals do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care”.

Undoubtedly, I suspect that you know that Ms. Eckerdt is a FANTASTIC person that appreciates and epitomizes the various items in each of the three previous paragraphs.  She represents you, your practice, and serves your patient(s) exceptionally well!  She “Gets It”!

I chose Dr. O’Neil because a friend who had him for a hip replacement said it was a “piece-of-cake”. My surgery was early in the morning. I slept most of the day and the next morning I was awake and feeling good. They gave me breakfast and a lunch to take along I was discharged to go home to northern Minnesota. The next day I started walking our driveway, which is quite long, with a walker. The next week I switched to a cane more for security than needed. My recovery was faster and pain was less with the anterior hip surgery. This was so much easier than my previous surgery with a different orthopedic physician, and the scar is fading fast.

Ten weeks ago I had hip replacement surgery with Dr. Owen O’Neill. I highly recommend him and his talented team.

Dr. O’Neill listened and answered all my questions before and after surgery. The EXCEL Surgery and Recovery program makes the entire process (scheduling, insurance, check-in, overnight stay, prescription meds, follow-up appointments, etc.) seamless. Every person I encountered was friendly, reassuring, and competent. The recommendations for at-home recovery were easy to follow. I found the post-surgery walking program motivating and helpful.

I now walk faster and without a limp. I am more flexible and move without stiffness and pain. I am getting much more out of my workout classes with my new hip! I am grateful for Dr. O’Neill and his entire team.

Dr. O’Neill replaced my hip in April. Within a few weeks, I was pretty much pain-free and able to walk 4-5 miles every day. I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill if you’re considering hip replacement surgery.

I’m an 83-year-old who recently had a total knee replacement performed by Dr. Owen O’Neill. He has provided orthopedic care for me during the past 20 years (he also performed my hip replacement in 2019). I had known that both of my knees were ‘bone-on-bone’ for many years but always hoped I could avoid more surgery and had numerous cortisone injections and physical therapy over the years. Last year, I took a nasty fall which finally pushed me to consider knee replacement, something I concluded was a ‘quality of life’ decision. Knee pain was preventing me from climbing stairs, walking any distance, etc. The final straw came last spring while on vacation in San Diego. I was miserable! I couldn’t walk more than a few feet without significant pain and was inconveniencing others.

TCO from our hotel room in San Diego and set a date for the total knee replacement at the end of May. It was the best decision for me. At 10 weeks with my new knee, I can walk and climb stairs without pain. I believe my decision to finally have this surgery, even at an advanced age, was definitely facilitated by the long history of excellent orthopedic care I have experienced with Dr O’Neill.

I just wanted to thank Dr. Scott Anseth for a seamless surgery and recovery. I was very nervous for this surgery as I had an intra-op femur fracture with my other hip replacement surgery, which was performed by another surgeon.  Dr Anseth, I appreciate your expert surgical skills and bedside manner. I hope I don’t have to see you for more joint surgery, but I have peace knowing I’d be in great hands!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dr. O’Neill came highly recommended to me by my Primary Care Physician once I could no longer maintain my active lifestyle due to pain in my right hip.

After my first appointment with him, I knew I did not need to look any further. I felt comfortable and confident in his skills. He was attentive, professional, and explained everything thoroughly. My minimally invasive anterior hip replacement surgery took place at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center, and it all went perfectly. The next day I was home using a walker for only 3 days. I followed all the instructions and dutifully did my daily exercises. I am now 10 weeks post-operation, and I am back to participating in all of my activities pain free! I feel wonderful and am so grateful to Dr. O’Neill and his amazing staff. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a top-notch orthopedic surgeon.

Dr. Samuel Carlson recently performed my right hip replacement, and I am so thankful for his expert knowledge and surgical skill as I was up and about walking with ease and comfort soon after. It amazes me. Dr. Carlson took the time to carefully listen to me, explain my treatment options, and answer all my questions and concerns. I cannot convey enough thanks or positivity about Dr. Carlson’s outstanding care before, during, and after the hip replacement. It is great to walk about without struggling during each step. Thank you again, Dr. Samuel Carlson and staff!

My first appointment with Dr. Bircher was on April 11, 2024, and it took all of a few seconds for him to realize that I needed surgery. I had left hip replacement surgery on April 25, 2024. WOW, what a quick turnaround. I went from hardly being able to walk to getting up and walking without pain just a few hours after surgery. The total care team were so professional and caring. They answered all my questions and helped me in every way I needed.

Within 24 hours after checking into the hospital, I was on my way home to start my recovery. The care team said the best medicine for me was to walk, walk, walk, so that’s what I did. Now just over 2 months after surgery, I bought a new pair of roller blades so I could skate around the lake to get ready for the ice hockey season in the fall. Haven’t been able to play in many years. I am so impressed with Twin Cities Orthopedics and would recommend them to anyone in need of their services. Thank you so much Dr. James Bircher and the care team for giving me back my life!