Patient Testimonials

I broke my ankle on the playground in fourth grade. Little did I know trajectory at that time. I competed in gymnastics in high school. I learned how to play handball and golf. Some 40 years later, my ankle started to hurt.

Eventually, I visited a noted sport medicine doctor and was told that the early injury brought about an early onset of arthritis. Nothing I could do; maybe wear a brace. Five years later, I visited other specialists, and they all told me I could have my ankle fused and I’ll know when. Another five years, and I was limping so much everyone asked if I hurt myself. I worried I was throwing everything in my body off kilter.

I decided “it’s time” and made an appointment with Dr. Chris Coetzee to get my ankle evaluated for a fusion. After his review, he said I was a candidate for either. I looked at him confused and he explained he could either fuse my ankle or replace the joint. I asked and he explained that everything I had heard about ankle replacements not going well was old news. He said I would be able to run, play handball and golf as much as I liked. I turned to my wife and we decided to go for it. I never looked back!

I used to walk around looking at the ground. We would go on trips and I could describe the sidewalks and streets but not the buildings or landscapes. I was terrified I would stumble and hurt myself. Now, I can walk anywhere without this fear.  Forward, backward, up hills and down hills. My first ankle was more than 10 years ago and my second almost three. I won both the single and doubles Minnesota State Handball Championships in my age division this year. Everyone says I am moving better and better all the time.

Dr. Coetzee and his team at TCO gave all of this back to me. If you are a candidate for an ankle joint replacement, you can’t do better than TCO.

Photo caption:

This summer, at the World Handball Championship held in Minneapolis, four of Dr. Coetzee’s patients gathered for a photo – there are seven replacement ankles on the four handball players (from left), Arnie W., Sheldon S., Scott S. and Larry L.

Handball became my competitive game of choice in the Marine Corps, but by age 60, my body started showing its age. I had both hips replaced in four years, so my handball game started showing its age as well.

When my left ankle started giving me trouble, I went back to TCO and was informed that the arthritis from multiple sprains from various sports had caught up with me and it would have to be fused or replaced.

When Dr. Chris Coetzee said the replacement would take 35 minutes, I asked how an ankle replacement could be done in half the time of a hip. The answer was that no muscles or tendons had to be cut. This convinced me because the gluteus had to be cut in the hip replacements and regaining that muscle memory took some time.

After surgery on the ankle, I asked Dr. Coetzee how long it took and he said 35 minutes, including tightening the outside ligament. As promised, I was back playing handball in three months. It went so well that I did not hesitate to replace my right ankle within 18 months, once it was obvious that it had arthritis as well.

The second replacement took 10 minutes longer because the outside ligament on the right ankle was in worse shape than the left.

I’m now 72 and moving better on the handball court than I have in 10 years. I have even started to run again, a bit slower than before, but there is no pain!

My husband is a retired anesthesiologist. He observed many foot and ankle surgeons in the OR. He says Dr. Den Hartog is by far the best foot and ankle surgeon he has ever seen. After he moved from our community, we drove 600 miles for surgery by him. He is kind, humble and brilliant. Hands are extremely skilled.

Dr. Tanner provided expert surgical repair of my broken ankle which occurred when my leg went out from under me in the yard. He clearly is an expert in repairing this injury and despite the 2.5 months of immobility which were very difficult, I am grateful to him that I can walk again without pain.

My dear Dr. Den Hartog,

As I said in my note to Chris, this is horrifically late, but that by no means dilutes the heartfelt message. I would also be verbally flagellated by one of my contemporaries for typing versus hand penning, but I really want to express the point and be assured you can read it versus seeking volumes to help decipher hieroglyphics! As I said to Chris, and reiterate here, I have been accused of being a physician.

Let this begin with an enormous apology for being somewhat surly and contentious on our first meeting. You stepped in on a moment’s notice to correct a rare aberration, and were met with the humor of an asp. Before I continue, I hope that you accept my very humble apology. I was still reeling over the X-ray that Larry showed, and the resultant powerful emotions or grief, anger, and resolution can sometimes create a noxious and somewhat venomous reaction.

The reconstruction that you did with such delicate artistry was not the only rebuild, and though it was the predominate goal, the concomitant result was even greater. Having to be nearly inactive for three weeks was inconceivable, and that created a collision of thoughts that had to be ameliorated into some sort of positivity. I will be forever grateful for the repair, but I am nearly at a loss to explain the enormous transformation of the mind, spirit, and soul. This entire experience presented one of the greatest offerings of life’s pedagogy that I have ever encountered.

Now that I have expostulated on the more serious matter, let me add that your precocious emanation of sheer joy is exorbitantly contagious! Though you stated that I wouldn’t recall our post-surgery dialogue, I not only remember all that was said, but more so still grin at the very clear vision in my mind’s recall: Every person there bubbling with laughter in response to your highly effervescent presence.

We all have memories of being with the occasional wonderful person, but there are few who receive the unexpected elation of having been sliced and diced by such a “euphoric!”

With all that said, you did not just put my ankle back together. You also reconstructed my fractured intensity, and my very shattered belief in myself. I hope you fully comprehend what an enormous life-changing journey this has been, and strangely enough, will continue to be.

Many blessings much gratitude, and as always, a HUGE amount of humor, Portia H.

So pleased that I had Dr. Tanner do my foot surgery. I was having a lot of problems with my foot after an injury. He was able to do the repairs needed on a complex surgery and he did such a fantastic job! I’ve been able to get back to being active again. He was very kind, caring and friendly, along with all staff involved. I would highly recommend Dr. Tanner as an excellent doctor.

Dr. John Tanner is a great foot surgeon. About a year ago I had bunion surgery and the foot realigned. It turned out wonderful. It looks beautiful! I am back to walking over a mile a day. Dr. Tanner explained everything in a way I could understand and was very patient with all my questions. He also has a great staff to support him. Next month I will be having my other foot done. I highly recommend Dr. Tanner to anyone who needs foot surgery.

If all I have to say is GREAT then that’s what Dr. Vargas is just GREAT on 10 topping over 9.9.

I just met Dr. Cammack. I had a foot injury that was not healing as fast as I would have liked. Dr. Cammack was extremely helpful in helping me understand what was going on with my foot and offered excellent advise and care. I found him to be patient and kind in his approach! Excellence!

I had foot surgery by Dr. Troy Vargas on March 29, 2018. I had a very positive experience & would highly recommend Dr. Vargas to anyone considering foot surgery. After hearing numerous negative comments regarding foot surgery outcomes I was quite apprehensive. Dr. Vargas explained my upcoming surgery in great detail and answered with patience all my questions and concerns. Following my surgery with each follow up appointment Dr. Vargas took the time to address any questions and concerns. He’s very personable & positive with a great sense of humor. He has an excellent support staff who you can count on to assist you in any way to make your experience a positive one. I’m in my third month of recovery and pleased with my progress while I’m in physical therapy. I look forward to a full recovery. Norma R.