Patient Testimonials

Dr. Gerlach has been wonderful to me. I went to other surgeons, and they were going to put a plate on my wrist, which makes NO wrist. When I found Dr. Gerlach, he looked at my x-rays, said he could do surgery and that I would still have 70% of my wrist motion. In March 2023 I had my left wrist done. It was a major surgery so most healing to get back to normal was about 3 months. After recovering, I was able to hold my fishing pole and filet my fish, until the right wrist went bad. Now this February 2024, Dr. Gerlach did my right wrist. I’m still in recovery but I hope to be fishing in Devils Lake by end of June. Thank you again I highly recommend Dr. Gerlach for any hand or wrist surgery.

I had a right total knee replacement on September 5, 2023, and a left total knee replacement on January 2, 2024. Both replacements were done by Dr. Arntson at Mercy Hospital. I have so much respect for Dr. Arntson. He is very knowledgeable, has a great bed side manner, and explains everything fully. I was back to working an active job six weeks after each surgery. Thank you to Dr. Arntson and his entire team for giving me a new lease on life pain free!

With years of aches and two prior knee surgeries it was time for a replacement that previously was denied by another physician due to a blot clot issue. Dr. Bircher and I had an open discussion about the clot issue and after careful testing and consultations it was agreed that the surgery could be done with minimal concern. I felt Dr. Bircher and Kari Gabrielse, PA-C were serious and straight forward of the pros and cons of having the surgery as well the physical therapy necessary after the surgery which wasn’t easy. I felt so positive of the overall process they took me through, the support staff in the OR, and the after-surgery care from the hospital staff that I could only rate them as 5 STAR practitioners.

I had a recent total right knee replacement by Dr. Bircher and I am so happy with the outcome! I was surprised that I had no pain during recovery, just slight discomfort, and I was back to work sooner than I expected. My whole experience from scheduling the surgery, having surgery, and physical therapy was all so positive! My knee feels great!! I will request Dr. Bircher for my left knee replacement as soon as I’m able. Keep up the excellent work!!

I want to give an absolute huge shout out to Dr. Daniel Marek! He cut open my hand and drained infection that was causing serious pain requiring 6 days of hospitalization. He was absolutely amazing and extremely informative. Top notch service!

I met with Dr. Anderson about my left leg. He did not keep me waiting long and was extremely clear about what I needed to do. I have done it and it is much better. Thanks to Dr. Anderson.

I have had excellent results from the surgeries performed by Dr. Owen O’Neill. He is extremely experienced and has a great bedside manner. His PA-C, Isabel Campos, and his coordinator, Ann Thompson, were very professional and helpful. I am getting back to the high intensity (strength and cardio) workouts that I need to maintain muscle and elevate my mood. I would recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone with issues in their knees or hips, whether surgical or non-surgical.

Dr. Frattalone is a brilliant and caring doctor. She diagnosed my seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and developed a treatment plan which has kept it under control. She is always kind and takes whatever time is needed when we meet. Her care coordinator, Heather C, is also a very patient and caring individual who goes out of her way to put you at ease during your appointment and makes sure you fully understand the follow-up care instructions before you leave the clinic. I could not be more pleased with the care I have received.

Dr. Vargas was excellent!

I went to urgent care at TCO Vadnais Heights because I slipped and fell down my stairs. Dr. Vargas was on-site for clinic that day, and he was able to squeeze me into his schedule.

He was direct and kind, and he also communicated the urgency to resolve the physical trauma quickly. He was able to schedule foot and ankle surgery for me in two days with him. I’ve found out subsequent to this that for many people, it can take weeks to get in for surgery!

Although I was nervous at how all of this was unfolding so quickly (Wednesday urgent care, and Friday surgery), it was the best decision I made for my health to get the surgery. He was able to answer my questions, stay connected with me prior to surgery, and was attentive. My healing and recovery are going really well, and it’s been less than one week since my surgery.

If you want someone who “tells it like it is,” gives you solid, fact-based advice, cares for his patients, and is an expert in his field, then Dr. Vargas is your surgeon. I’ll be recommending him to my family and friends, should they need a podiatrist surgeon.

I tore my ACL and meniscus in 2005 when my husband was overseas. I had surgery to repair the tears, however, over time my knee deteriorated, and I had increased pain again. I was told many years ago I needed a knee replacement but could not wrap my head around it, so I waited. In 2022, I started having hip and lower back pain from my “knee swagger.”

I was seen by my primary care provider, and she recommended Dr. Jonathan Cooper and Twin Cities Orthopedics. I can honestly say my first appointment with Dr. Cooper was educational. He went over my options, explained the procedure, and answered all of my questions. I had my long overdue knee replacement this past summer. Dr. Cooper and his wonderful staff at Lakewood Health System are amazing, and I wish I would have had surgery sooner. I am back to work full time with a “runway walk” that I love to show off. Thank you, Dr. Cooper and staff!