Patient Testimonials

A quick note to express my gratitude on the tremendous job Dr. Kelly did on my rotator cuff surgeries. Two weeks ago I was on a beach, throwing a football with my son, and it was the first time in 25 years that activity was pain-free. I have resumed all of my desired physical activities and cannot thank Dr. Kelly enough.

Dr. Ockuly met me on a short notice appointment, following my primary physician’s referral on the same day. He was knowable and acknowledging of my urgency and impatience for answers to rehabilitation or surgical repair of my broken shoulder. He recommended surgery for the best, cleanest, and most efficient result in getting me back on track to my active lifestyle as soon as possible. It was my first surgical procedure in 48 years of my life and it went very well. He was very communicative in follow-up and referral to skilled rehabilitation experts. I was pain free within a couple weeks of surgery and am now back to full activity and strength 6 months post-surgical repair of my broken clavicle. Thank you TCO team.

I highly recommend Dr. Hess. He was my physician for rotator cuff repair. Dr. Hess was professional, as well as very personable. Prior to surgery he explained the procedure in detail and told me expected out comes. His staff offered great follow up support. Thanks to his wonderful work, I am back enjoying golf with no pain.

I am a very active person who had been living for several years with a bad shoulder after a fly-fishing accident. I was hoping the shoulder could heal on its own, but finally realized that it wouldn’t, and got an MRI. I was frustrated at how my shoulder joint would give out, cause pain, and I was becoming increasingly worried about how it would become an even bigger problem as I aged.  The MRI showed a near complete tear of my subscapularis tendon and partial tear of my supraspinatus tendon. I took the MRI to Dr. Wulf at TCO and two other highly regarded and experienced Twin Cities shoulder surgeons at prominent clinics.

The two other surgeons looked at the MRI and told me there was nothing they could do for me. They said the subscapularis muscle had atrophied too much to be surgically reattached. They both suggested PT and that at some point I may need either a complete shoulder replacement or surgery to graft some of my pectoral muscle in place of the subscapularis. Dr Wulf, on the other hand, was able to look at my MRI and see that while there was atrophy, there was still enough viable muscle to allow reattachment.  He told me that even if only half of the muscle remained, reattaching the tendons and getting the tissues back in place around the joint would provide the stability I needed to regain performance and keep the shoulder from failing.

Dr. Wulf’s prognosis was what I wanted to hear, but I was still apprehensive given the two other opinions.  I scheduled two additional appointments with Dr. Wulf where I inundated him with questions.  He patiently answered them all, never wavered, and this encouraged me to put my faith in his knowledge, experience and surgical skill.

And he was 100% correct. I could tell early on in my recovery that this was an excellent repair, and that belief has only grown.  After seven months, I am back playing tennis again.  I can serve and stretch for a volley without hurting my shoulder. When I go to the gym, I can do flies without my shoulder giving out.  I can throw a ball and a Frisbee normally. I can put a bike up on ceiling hooks in the garage. I can scoop hard ice cream with my right hand.

Dr. Wulf restored my shoulder. He was the only surgeon who had the insight and experience to see that reattachment surgery was a real possibility, rather than seeing only options of last resort. His surgical skill was evident in my quick, largely pain free recovery and my joint strength. I am grateful that because of his insight, experience, and skill, I am able to regain strength and performance and can continue doing the things I love.

I cannot fully express my gratitude to Dr. Kelly and his staff for their care of my shoulder injury. I sustained a proximal humerus fracture in a ski accident about one year ago. Dr. Kelly’s diligent approach to my surgery and recovery ensured a return to my pre-accident range. The staff, especially Kaici, treated me with the utmost care and concern at each and every appointment. The communication at every step was clear and concise. I would strongly recommend Dr. Kelly as a surgeon.

When I first met Dr. David Anderson, my right shoulder had two surgeries in 6 months. Dr. Anderson looked at my shoulder and said, “First, you have to fix what is bad in the basics, in the foundation of the joint. And then you can fix what’s above.” He explained, “It’s kind of like trying to turn a double play when your 2nd baseman is looking and watching the sunset. You can’t do anything until everyone works on the basics, together.” That was in 2003.

Since that time, Dr. Anderson has worked on a couple of broken things, a few dislocated things, and just been a very good friend. And we’ve talked a LOT of baseball! He even helped with a puzzle in my pain research, because he knew about more sports related toys than anyone else — all for his patients, of course! Dr. Anderson is among the top sports physicians in the United States. We are lucky to have him among the surgeons at TCO. And, he’s a really good guy!

After several years of getting Cortisone shots in my right shoulder, I decided to find an Orthopedist recognized for the success on repairing shoulders. In my web’s research, standing out was Dr. Frank Norberg. I got immediate access for the first appointment with plenty flexibility for the ones to follow. Meeting him and his entire team was an excellent experience. The communication at all levels was extraordinary; from the telephone attendants, receptionists, nurses, PT personal and Operating Room’s personal, I found excellent care to solve my problem. From the first appointment to the very last one Dr. Norberg exceeded all my expectations, my rotating cuff was fully repaired as he described, with almost no discomfort. His patience and communication abilities are OUTSTANDING. I am 70 years old fully recovered and thankful to him and the team he has chosen.

I was referred to Dr. Hunt from a friend who worked within TCO. She didn’t hesitate for a minute when I asked her. Dr. Hunt is not only an amazing doctor he is also a kind, gentle, caring, and very humble man. He always took the time to explain anything I had questions about. Before my shoulder surgery his team went above and beyond to keep me comfortable and relaxed before surgery and during recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Hunt and his team to anyone and everyone.

I am 71 years old and over the years have sustained 3 rotator cuff tears following 3 separate injuries. Following each one, I underwent a rotator cuff repair by Dr. Norberg who was recommended to me by another orthopedic surgeon. Each time Dr. Norberg thoroughly explained the pathology in my shoulder, treatment alternatives and the reasons for his surgical recommendation. Most importantly, I have had excellent results. 8 months out from my last surgery, I am playing golf, shooting a shotgun and cleaning up leaves from my many oak trees. If my sons or granddaughters have shoulder problems, I will send them to Dr. Norberg.

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.