Patient Testimonials

Over twelve years ago, I underwent a partial knee replacement at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Following the surgery, I regained the ability to engage in various physical activities, including golf, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball. The surgery had a profound impact on my life. In 2025, my other knee was causing significant limitations on my daily activities. Without knee replacement surgery, I encountered difficulties with stairs and even lifting my leg to get into a car. The doctor who had done my partial knee had retired and after finding online resources and friends, I went to Dr. Bircher for a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Bircher provided me with a comprehensive diagnosis and recommended surgery. However, he refrained from pressuring me into a quick procedure. Instead, he offered me a detailed treatment plan and recovery timeline, assuring me that he would address the issue when I was ready.

I had the surgery in mid-November. Two and a half weeks later, I am walking without crutches or a walker, and most importantly without pain medication. Both the procedure and recovery process have undergone significant advancements since my partial knee replacement years ago. Dr. Bircher used robotics during the surgery to ensure the utmost precision. As someone with experience in aerospace manufacturing, the use of robotics made sense. Additionally, he recommended acquiring a pedaling machine for in-home recovery, which could potentially reduce my recovery time by up to 30%. While I do not recall specific details about my partial knee replacement, I can confidently say that it took over a month before I could pedal a stationary bike. With Dr. Bircher’s guidance, I began pedaling on my first day home. Dr. Bircher and his team are exceptional. If you are experiencing knee issues, I strongly recommend seeking treatment from his team.

Everything was perfect with my procedure, and my recovery is going very well. I have my hand back with no pain. I can squeeze and make a fist. Dr. Dwivedi and his crew did a terrific job. I have nothing but great things to say!

Dr. Kelly repaired my rotator cuff a few years ago and recently replaced one of my knee joints. Both surgeries went flawlessly. I will be forever thankful for his meticulous professionalism, kind bedside manner, and sunny disposition.

I am pleased that I chose Dr. James Bircher to do both of my knee replacements. I had my right knee replaced a little over a year ago and my left knee replaced three months ago. Both surgeries were outstanding and the recovery times were amazing. Dr. Bircher and his entire team were very personable and informative. I recommend Dr. Bircher to anyone who needs knee replacement surgery.

I have been putting off my knee replacement since 2020, when I was first diagnosed. I had heard nothing but good things about Twin Cities Orthopedic. The list of doctors was a bit overwhelming, so I looked at testimonials and found that Dr. Bircher’s name came up often. Dr. Bircher and his staff were more than helpful. Everything went well with no surprises. After two months, I am back to doing everything I was doing before the surgery including swimming! Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team for everything!

I had a more uncommon surgery since I had two hip procedures done at once. Dr. Bircher and his team were able to take bone from one hip and use it for the other. The recovery has gone better than we expected. One thing that meant so much to us was how Dr. Bircher prayed with us prior to the surgery. His team and the nursing staff were awesome as well.

I had a great experience for my hand surgery with Dr. Dwivedi. Everything went very quickly and smoothly. My hand is feeling great, and I am very pleased with my results!

My career involves a lot of travel, and I walk through multiple airports, factories, and businesses every week. I have lived with significant pain in my right hip for over three years and kept telling myself it would get better. It didn’t. It got bad enough that people would ask if I needed a cart or wheelchair. My gait changed and pronated badly enough that my shoes would wear funny. My girlfriend kept being disappointed that I couldn’t hike or walk with her, couldn’t mow the lawn, or do other normal tasks. Finally, when I needed help putting my socks and shoes on, that was it for me. I set up an appointment, and Dr. Bircher was able to see me immediately. About an hour later, after imaging, he said, “You look like a person that severely needs a new hip. How about next Tuesday?” I was a surprised at how fast I could be seen but settled on a procedure date two weeks out instead. He constantly communicated with me. His team sent me a ton of information and talked me through the entire procedure. On the day of the procedure, each member came in individually to go over their role in detail, which was reassuring and kept each step clear. They checked up on me regularly during my recovery and provided valuable information on physical therapy. All of them had phenomenal bedside manners. I honestly could not have had a better experience with Twin Cities Orthopedics, Dr. Bircher, and his team.

Dr. Leafblad expediently diagnosed my injury with X-rays and gave me a prednisone pack for the extended pain that I was experiencing. He scheduled an MRI the same week where we determined there was a need for surgery which we were able to schedule within three weeks. He explained the process, assuring my success and recovery that would likely feel like a long process. However, after my three-month follow-up appointment, he was happy with my disciplined physical therapy exercises that helped me reach the range of movement goals. I have two and a half months of physical therapy for continued movement growth and strength building. I will be good to go golf, kayak, and dance in a stronger healthier way than I could before. He gave me encouragement to stick to the plan and to not hurt myself so that I would be back to return to my normal activities. Getting back to normal really takes a full year, but it’s worth it. It was important for me to have family help during the first two months of recovery as well. Everyone that I encountered at Twin Cities Orthopedics were professional and efficient. Thank you!

I saw Dr. Traynor for an ongoing infection from a previous left total ankle replacement. He was amazing! We talked about three different options that I could try. I chose to have my implant removed and receive IV antibiotics so I could then get a new ankle implant put in six weeks later. Throughout this entire process Dr. Traynor was caring, took time to listen to me, and gave me all my options upfront. I received the BEST surgical care from him and his team to treat my issue. Thanks to Dr. Traynor, I will be able to have full use of my ankle and get back to being able to move again without pain.