Patient Testimonials

Just had my 6 week follow up with Dr. Mittelsteadt and he by far rates a 10 out of 10!! He is one of the most personable Dr.’s I have encountered in my 80 years. Above all that he did an outstanding job on my fractured knee. His bedside manner is impeccable. His rising star status should be shining bright. I recommend him 100%.

I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Moeller and her entire team. From the moment I scheduled my appointment to my final follow-up, the care I received was exceptional.

Dr. Moeller was incredibly thorough in explaining my procedure and ensuring I knew exactly what to expect, which helped me feel confident and prepared. The entire team—from Sarah, the scheduler, to the PA, nurse, and anesthesiologist—was fantastic. Their professionalism and kindness made the whole experience as smooth as possible.

Thanks to their expertise, my “skier’s thumb” surgery was a complete success, and I’m now fully back to normal. I highly recommend Dr. Moeller to anyone in need of hand surgery—she and her team provide top-notch care every step of the way!

I couldn’t be more satisfied with the care I received from Dr. Szalapski and his team. I had a total knee replacement (right knee) that went very smoothly. I was well informed about every aspect of the procedure and what to expect afterwards. I felt totally confident in Dr. Szalapski’s ability to perform this surgery. I appreciate his easy manner and sense of humor. He put me at ease which helped me get through the whole process. I am 2 months post-surgery and already taking daily walks. I have already scheduled my left knee replacement surgery with Dr. Szalapski in a couple of months. The care I received at the EXCEL recovery center was also exceptional. The attention and care I received was so comforting. Staff were more than just professional and competent. I truly felt like they cared about my comfort and well-being. I highly recommend Dr. Szalapski and the team at TCO and EXCEL.

I had shoulder replacement surgery in November and couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ve endured shoulder pain for decades and kept putting off the surgery with a myriad of excuses. Finally, I heard about Dr. Mair at a charity event and decided to see him. We met and talked about what shoulder replacement would look like, and we made an appointment for an MRI. We met after and decided what treatment needed to be done and an appointment for surgery 9 months later. I have been pain-free for the first time in 40 years and would choose to do it again. Dr. Mair was honest and forthright in what was going to happen after the surgery. I loved how he just told me exactly what the procedure would be without sugarcoating it. He did a great job and would highly recommend him. I gave him a nickname of “Michelangelo” because of the job he did on my shoulder!

Dr. Shashank Dwivedi deserves both my gratitude and admiration for not only his skills and knowledge but his exceptional interest in each patient.

I first met with Dr. Dwivedi following a serious fracture to my hand and wrist resulting from a slip/fall. Having been a very physically active person up to this accident, he wisely guided me through my options of treatment and helped me select the one that would best help me reach my end goal along with speed of recovery. When one is confronted with a major injury, it is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional one. His calm and assuring manner along with his skill and knowledge benefited me greatly. I now have complete bone healing and am continuing with my physical therapy to obtain full range of motion of my right hand and wrist. I am able to use my computer again and have been doing core strength training! He takes excellent care of patients. I consider myself blessed to have had him as my surgeon.

I’d like to give a huge shout out to Dr. Sam Carlson and the whole EXCEL team at Eagan Viking Lakes. The entire process was so well organized and as stress free as possible. From the surgeon and RN coordinator to the anesthesia team and post op, to physical therapy, all run like a well-oiled machine. Couldn’t have been a better experience, and my hip feels great! Thank you!

I have been seeing Dr. Mair for my knee pain and issues for several years. Meniscus repair surgery and cortisone treatment on both knees helped for a quite some time, but in early 2024 we decided it was time for me to proceed with total knee replacement surgery on both knees . . . the strain from my years of marathon running and skiing needed to be corrected. We scheduled my surgeries for early September and early December which gave me time to continue strength training right up until surgery. Along the way, I had great communication from Dr. Mair and his team to help me prepare for my upcoming procedures. I felt confident in their process, I understood the mechanics of the TKR implant and procedure, and all of my questions were heard and answered. My first surgery experience was amazing from intake, pre-op preparation, meeting with the care Team, and the post-op car in the Two-Twelve care suite. I was prepared for the recovery thanks to the care team and followed their pain control and exercise recommendations. To be honest, days three through five were the toughest for me but the pain medication and cold compress therapy really helped. After that, the recovery gets better each week and I felt quite normal and sleeping well by about 8 weeks. My second surgery was also a fantastic experience. I was told that every knee is different and not to expect the same result or pain level as my first procedure. The procedure experience was great, but I did have more pain in the first week than my first knee, but after that, my recovery really caught up to my first knee and I felt back to normal in the same timeframe. The Physical Therapy through TCO is top-notch and the guidance provided helped me regain my strength quickly. At this time, I am a little over 6 months out from my first surgery and 3 months out from my second surgery. I have resumed my strength training routing with lots of squats, lunges, and leg presses. I can walk many miles now and I am getting back into cycling this Spring. Also, my scars are minimal, and they are fading quickly due to the great surgical procedures and post-op care. I fully trust Dr. Mair, his support team, and most importantly the proven processes they have refined over many years. I would recommend Dr. Mair and Team to anyone who is at the point of needing TKR. I feel like I have a new lease on life.

Dr. Bircher performed a total knee replacement on my right knee 4 months ago, and I cannot describe how happy I am! I’ve been bone on bone in both knees for more than a decade (the right knee being the worst) and had not been able to straighten my right knee. I had seen Dr. Bircher on various occasions for cortisone shots but was terrified about having the replacement done. About a year ago, I’d had enough of the pain and not being able to enjoy my life fully so I went to talk to him about having the surgery. I left my appointment feeling disappointed because he told me I needed to lose at least 30 pounds before we could schedule surgery. I decided to buckle down and do it! I lost 45 pounds and went to see him again and was able to have surgery scheduled! I have been beyond happy; my recovery went exceptionally well, and I can fully extend my leg. I’ve been walking 2 miles a day, painting my house, and I can walk up and down stairs like I used to!!! Our family has an annual fishing contest at a large park in the area, and we end up walking close to 5 miles. It’s been extremely painful in the past, but his year…I CANNOT WAIT!!! Thank you so much, Dr. Bircher!

 In August of 2024 I had robotic total knee replacement. Dr. Bircher and his team gave me a new life in that knee. I walk normally again and sleep so much better. In addition to excellent surgical work, Dr. Bircher’s explanation of the procedure and after surgery care was first rate.

I had my knee replacement surgery on 1/20/25 and was walking without aid (walker or cane) by the beginning of week 2. I appreciate all support from TCO staff and Dr. Lewis. Thank you to all who were involved in my journey. My surgery & recovery couldn’t have gone better.