Patient Testimonials

 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.

This past year I had robotic-assisted total knee replacement of both knees because of an auto accident. The total professionalism and care of Dr. James Bircher and his staff made the experience easy to deal with. He explained each step and offered great advice on my aftercare. Thank you Dr. Bircher, his staff and TCO.

Many thanks to Dr. Leafblad and supporting staff, at TCO Vadnais Heights and TCO Surgery Center Blaine. The surgery team from start to finish gave me the best of care. Dr. Leafblad clearly explained the procedure and the results afterward. I appreciated being show actual photos of the inside of my shoulder and what was done. Also would like to compliment the front desk staff on the second floor of TCO VH. They dealt with me in a very friendly and professional manner. Thanks again.

My hip pain returned so I made appointment for an injection. I knew there was pain but didn’t realize how much it affected me until after the injection when I had the best night’s sleep. The procedure went well and it was totally worth it. Thank you, Dr. Kirksson and his team. Best care ever.

A shout out to Scott Cichos and Katie Godmare for the excellent physical therapy program they have provided to get me on the way to recovery. They both show their desire to guide you to recovery, obviously are skilled in their profession and are very pleasant to work with. They previously helped me recover from a hamstring tear and I am now in my third month of physical therapy for a torn rotator cuff. My range of motion has greatly improved and getting better every day. Many thanks to both of you for your efforts, I appreciate your outstanding care.  I would be remiss if I did not mention your friendly and efficient staff at your front desk. They have been very helpful with scheduling and anything else I needed. Thanks again to all at Physical Therapy at TCO Vadnais Heights.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous orthopedic physician and I am greatly appreciative of his awesome treatment of my longtime knee pain. Dr. Bircher possesses a rare combination of great wisdom, compassion and kindness. Both my husband (hip replacement surgery) and I are patients of Dr. Bircher, further confirming our mutual confidence and trust in his medical expertise. Dr. Bircher is a truly outstanding orthopedic provider and his TCO team of Kari (PA) and Cassie (care coordinator) provide superb, enhanced patient support. My husband Bill has submitted his own patient testimonial regarding his successful hip replacement surgery by Dr. Bircher. Both my husband and I greatly thank and highly recommend Dr. James Bircher to anyone seeking excellent knee or hip orthopedic medical care.

To say that I’m impressed with the results of my surgery would be an understatement. I am OVERJOYED with the amount of movement I have regained in my hand. Dr. Bhatt has told me that I can expect to see continued improvement for up to a year. Considering the immediate results, I can only imagine how much better it might get! As a doctor, she is personable and takes time to explain the condition and treatment options. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Bhatt for anyone seeking treatment with hand/wrist/elbow issues.

It has been three years since an injury profoundly impacted my life, and I am proud of the progress I have made. After that life-changing event, I not only regained the ability to ski but also competed in the Minnesota High School League Alpine Ski competition during my junior and senior years, consistently ranking in the top ten. Additionally, I completed my first marathon in October 2024 during my first year of college, finishing the Twin Cities Marathon in 3 hours and 23 minutes. This achievement has qualified me to apply for the Boston Marathon, which has inspired me to pursue the upcoming Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth in June 2025.

Reflecting on these accomplishments post-injury, I am deeply grateful for the expertise and dedication of Dr. Robert LaPrade and his team, who played an essential role in my recovery. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Jake Foley, who committed over a year and 170 physical therapy sessions to my rehabilitation and return to sport. Furthermore, I owe much of my success to the ACE program, Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. Natalie played a key role in helping me build strength, while Jeff focused on agility, both of which were crucial in preparing me to ski again. Together, they made the recovery process enjoyable while challenging me to reach my fullest potential.

During my sophomore year of high school, I was in Colorado training with my alpine ski team when an unfortunate turn on my skis led to a catastrophic injury. I tore my ACL, MCL, patellar tendon, and PCL. Prior to this accident, I had never faced a setback of this magnitude, and the prospect of my athletic future was uncertain. Dr. LaPrade and his team performed my first surgery in November, and for the next year, I worked tirelessly with my physical therapist, Jake Foley. Initially, I was anxious about starting physical therapy, unsure of what to expect. The process was challenging and often painful, but Jake’s unwavering positivity and encouragement made the experience more manageable, and his dedication pushed me to exceed what I thought were my limits.

By early spring, I had made significant progress, but a setback occurred when I tore my patellar tendon once again, requiring another round of surgery. Dr. LaPrade and his team provided exceptional support, ensuring that I felt reassured throughout the entire process. After my second surgery, I continued my rehabilitation with Jake Foley for another six months. His approach to physical therapy remained motivating and focused on my progress, and I always felt that he genuinely cared about my recovery.

I am where I am today thanks to Dr. LaPrade, his team, Jake Foley, the ACE program with Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. The team at TCO has not only restored my ability to enjoy life to the fullest but has also helped me achieve new athletic milestones. I owe my success—earning two state medals and meeting qualifying time for the Boston Marathon—to the unwavering support and expertise of this remarkable team.

Dr. Carlson replaced my hip November 2024 at TCO’s Orthopedic Institute in Chaska. My surgery and recovery were as painless and timely as I could have asked for. The facility was clean, quiet, peaceful, and extremely conducive to positive healing. I had a single spacious room for an overnight stay. The food they tell me was nutritious and delicious. Most importantly, the staff were attentive, competent, friendly, and very helpful when needed. I was walking the day of my surgery and went home the following morning with complete directions on how to best care for myself and move toward a successful recovery with the help of my spouse. Because of the care and instructions I received, I walked into Dr. Carlson’s office on my own without any support device at my 2 week checkup. My progress continued from that point forward, allowing me to eventually walk 1 mile, then 2 miles as the snow melts. I look forward to eventually adding to that distance as my body walks as I once did without pain. I am highly recommending Dr. Carlson and his staff.