Patient Testimonials

I had a total left knee replacement 12 weeks ago. Dr. James Bircher is number one, I highly recommend!
The TCO EXCEL program, along with the great team of doctors, nurses and physical therapy staff are all just incredible. I am doing great!

After a knee replacement and knee revision surgery a few years ago, my range of motion was not good and not what it should be. I was referred to Dr. Nessler by another orthopedic surgeon. He was very clear as to what approach he would take and this gave me confidence to go ahead with surgery in January. I am pleased with my range of motion now and would highly recommend Dr. Nessler for any consultation on your joint problems.

I had my first knee replaced in March of 2023. I had my second knee replaced in March of 2024. I am six weeks out from the second surgery and have resumed my activities of daily living in a more relaxed fashion than I have for a long time. I am starting to ride my bike, take walks and swing a golf club. The surgery and post-surgical physical therapy were all done in a professional manner and exceeded my expectations. Mitch and Brandon at TCO physical therapy did a great job helping with my rehab. I am climbing stairs and navigating uneven ground better than I have in years. It was a good decision to use Dr Saterbak and her team.

Dr. Wetter and his team were awesome with the replacement of both of my knees. I had a great experience with their care and attention. I would highly recommend them to help anyone who has knee pain.

I’m 61 years old and I hesitated getting the much needed surgery because my other doctor retired. Words can’t begin to describe how great I feel after Dr. Bircher took care of me. The surgery was a huge success! At 8 weeks I graduated PT, and I’m bending and straightening my knee in ways I haven’t for a decade. I’m going straight up and down steps, not sideways, and I can garden again! Dr. Bircher has a great sense of humor and very caring. He told me I wouldn’t like him the first week after surgery, but it was only on day three where I felt that. I’m not going to lie, that day wasn’t fun. I have recommended him to friends. My right knee will be in his hands in the future. I highly recommend him!

I suffered from severe knee pain, which significantly impacted my quality of life. Dr. Bircher performed total knee replacement surgery, which allowed me to regain my ability to climb stairs, exercise, and do my usual chores. Before the surgery, I researched Dr. Bircher and discovered that he had received his training at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, where he became their chief resident. Then, following his residency, he took an orthopedic fellowship with the Cleveland Clinic. With such impressive credentials, I felt confident entrusting him to perform my knee replacement surgery. I was so impressed by his compassionate, warm manner. He made me feel well cared for. At just over three months post-surgery, I look forward to gardening again. Thank you, Dr. Bircher.

For over two years, the pain in my right knee grew to where it limited a lot of my activities. It was especially painful walking and going up and down the stairs. Dr. Lewis and his PA, Libby, helped decrease the pain with steroid injections. When that no longer helped, we decided I needed a knee replacement. At the end of January, I went to TCO Chaska. In every step of the process I was treated with respect and kindness. Everything that was going to happen was thoroughly explained. I was confident in my surgeon and his team. I trusted them completely. Surgery was a complete success. I was up walking and had physical therapy the day of surgery.

I’m walking around the lakes with my friends and enjoying every step. My knee feels stronger than it has in years. The best part is there’s no pain. Thank you, Dr. Lewis and Libby, for giving me my active pain free life back. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis. Life is so much more enjoyable when you aren’t in pain.

Under Dr. Peterson’s care I received a total knee replacement in September of 2023.  Post-surgery I was able to go on an adventure trip to New Zealand — 24 days of travel, over 80 miles hiked with significant elevation changes. I also biked, swam in the ocean, and kayaked twice.  I experienced absolutely no trouble with my knee and needed no ice or pain relievers!  Thank you to Dr. Peterson for his care which enabled this trip of a lifetime to happen!

Approximately 90-95% of knee replacements are successful in that they relieve knee pain. I was in the 5-10% that experienced pain that was worse than it had been pre-surgery. Every time I sat down or got up from a chair or toilet it hurt. Every step up or step down on a staircase hurt. For two years after surgery I was in pain. Then I was referred to Dr. Bloom. He performed a genicular nerve ablation on my knee. It was like a switch had been flipped. I got up and there was NO pain. It has now been a couple of years since the ablation and the nerves have grown back somewhat but the pain is nowhere near the level it was pre-ablation. I am both incredibly grateful to Dr. Bloom and dismayed that my original surgeon (not a TCO surgeon) did not refer me to someone who does this type of procedure, despite my repeated visits complaining of pain. Thank you!

My whole experience could not have been any better; from the reception staff at TCO Waconia to the surgery team and nursing staff at Two Twelve Surgery Center, and my two physical therapists (who are fabulous). And of course, thank you to Dr. Christopher Meyer. TCO is the only facility that I recommend for a knee replacement. Thanks to everyone at TCO!