Patient Testimonials

I am so thankful for Twin Cities Orthopedics’ Bone Health Program. I was in denial for a couple of years and if it wasn’t for the help of this program, I still would be. They took the time to explain what was happening to my body and how medication, nutrients and exercise can help. I was afraid to take medication but all my concerns were addressed in ways that I could understand. They helped me choose a once weekly pill and not only have I ever missed a dose, but have also tolerated very well with no side effects. I’m no longer afraid because they gave me tools to help prevent more loss of bone from osteoporosis. I can’t wait to see the results come September!

I am 75 years old and was suffering with a bad left knee for 7 months before I had the great fortune of being introduced to Dr. Jonathan Cooper. We were introduced randomly through a neighbor in November 2021. After a very professional encounter with Dr. Cooper and his staff, the diagnosis was a partial knee replacement. Surgery was decided to be on Thanksgiving but was delayed because of COVID.

The operation went very smoothly as planned and I went home the next day where live alone. There were no detrimental effects from the procedure, except the normal pain from healing which subsided a little more each day. I was driving within a week and blowing snow 2 weeks later. My extremely qualified physical therapist (Ashley Kelleher) was absolutely a delight to work with. She was very informative and helpful. She managed to get me back to normal after 7 therapy sessions. All appointments were very prompt and intense but I left feeling better after each one. I am grateful for the experience and to be walking normal in 7 weeks post-surgery. Dr. Cooper’s top surgical skills barely left a scar. Kudos to the team at TCO!

I aam so glad I found TCO’s Bone Health Program. I was contacted by a nurse (Darla) for an initial intake. She scheduled me to have a visit with the nurse practitioner Emily. She discussed nutrition and supplements in such a way that was easy to understand and follow. She even ordered labs that she felt were important to my bone health care. Emily then scheduled me to see a physical therapist (Julie) to discuss a home exercise plan tailored to me. They even went the extra mile after my visits to make sure things were going well and to see if I had additional questions.  My bones and I have never felt so well cared for! Thank you, TCO, for a wonderful program!

To say I am a little hard on my body is an understatement. I have had multiple issues with both of my knees. I knew it was time to be seen again so I put out a Facebook request for “a great knee guy”. That’s when a private message was sent to me from a longtime family friend. She told me the story of how her mom met Dr. Ridley and how wonderful her mom’s surgery and recovery went. So I looked into Dr. Ridley. Keep in mind, I am NOT an elite athlete but I am a very, very active (almost) 60 year old.

Our first visit was to chat about both of my knees. After x-rays and MRI’s were done, we had answers and made a plan. We planned to “clean up” my right knee with a same day surgery and a total replacement for my bad left knee. Both surgeries were done at the TCO Blaine clinic. My right knee surgery was done in October 2021 and I was in and out without any issues. My left knee surgery was in Jan 2022 and I stayed in the EXCEL Program care suites at the Blaine facility. That suite was seriously the nicest place to recover in. I cannot brag enough about the staff, my suite and my fabulous care. When I was ready to be sent home after both surgeries, Dr. Ridley had all of the medications, PT, Q&A and just about anything else you could want ready to go.

Dr. Ridley calls to check in on you and then his staff does a few days later! I have had my share of doctors that are unlike Dr. Ridley. He listened to me when I explained the issues I was having. He made me feel like a part of the team when it came to surgery day and recovery. I have already referred him to a few family members and friends. So if you’re in pain, don’t hesitate. Dr. Ridley is seriously the best you can get!

My experience with Dr. O’Neill and the EXCEL Program team could not have been any better. From the preparation to surgery and follow-up, things exceeded my expectations. Speaking from experience, if you are in need of a hip replacement, this is your guy!

Dr. Coetzee‘s team at TCO is the best of the best. From scheduling and consultation, to surgery and beyond, this team inspires confidence. They are caring, kind, cutting-edge medical experts who also value research and shape new procedures in their field. Pre-surgery information was outstanding and I had tremendous support from Lawrence Nilsson, PA-C during recovery, and when questions arose. I can’t say enough good things about this place and these people. I whole-heartedly recommend them!

My experience with TCO has been amazing. I started having problems sleeping when I was coaching my two sons in hockey. Dr. Vorlicky correctly identified the issue with my hip and put a monitoring plan in place. I was still able to do the activities I wanted to and we took steps to make sure I could still be active and eliminate many regular sleepless nights. We were able to defer surgery for several years.

When we determined it was time to take action, Dr. Vorlicky connected me to Dr. O’Neill and after our first meeting I was completely relieved and very comfortable going forward with hip replacement surgery. I was offered two different dates as options for surgery, provided all the written information needed to explain how to prepare and what to expect before, during, and after surgery, and attended an online class to further answer questions before my procedure.
From the moment I checked in on the day of surgery until the moment I was discharged the next day, I was super pleased with every interaction with every professional during my stay. The surgery was a complete success, and Dr. O’Neill visited me the following morning before I was discharged, along with the PT staff to cover all the post-surgery best practices to minimize pain and explain the exercises that would speed my recovery. It was amazing how fast I was up and around with limited assistance, and I never took any pain medication other than Tylenol.

I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and all the fine physicians at TCO, and would encourage anyone considering hip replacement to speak to Dr. O’Neill, as my experience was “off the charts” excellent! Since the surgery, I have been very active. In the first 40 days after receiving full clearance for activities, I have been downhill skiing in Colorado and snowmobiled over 150 miles in one weekend, all without any pain or discomfort and more enjoyable than if I had done these activities prior to hip replacement. Prior to hip replacement, there is no doubt there would be pain, discomfort, and limited sleep. Many doctors can do procedures, but Dr. O’Neill and the folks at TCO, from my experience, EXCEL at the procedures they perform. If a person wants the best, it’s TCO!

My son broke both bones in his lower ankle in a basketball game in July. Dr. Holthusen and his team got him in for surgery quickly so our son could start his road to recovery as soon as possible. Being a 3 sport athlete with plans to also play basketball in college, every single day mattered. He was able to return for the end of his senior football season and is currently playing a full basketball season and looking forward to baseball season! We are so incredibly thankful for Dr. Holthusen and his staff for taking excellent care of him! He is back to 100%.

I can’t believe I was hesitant! The fusion of the MP join on my right thumb as made all the difference in the world to me. The pain of recovery from surgery was nothing compared to the pain in my thumb for years prior to the procedure. Getting used to the fusion wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had feared. In fact, it was quite easy. If you are presented with joint fusion as an option, I strongly recommend Dr. Clare McCarthy. She and her team are compassionate professionals, who walk you through the entire process with your best interest put first. I can’t imagine a better team to trust! Simply put, they rock!

Dr. Ridley completed a total knee replacement on my left knee in April and I couldn’t be happier. I just skied 10 days in a row on my new knee at Breckenridge with absolutely no problems whatsoever. Dr. Ridley helped me back to my sports and activities. I would highly recommend Dr. Ridley for any orthopedic procedure!