Patient Testimonials

For hip replacement, Dr. Knowlan exclusively uses the anterior (front) approach, which offers a faster recovery time than the posterior (rear) approach. A layman’s view is that the posterior approach involves cutting of muscle, while the anterior method allows the surgeon to push muscles aside. The anterior method requires more expertise on the part of the surgeon, because the view of the hip joint is more restricted.

My surgery went unbelievably well and I’m 83 years old. I barely had any pain and took just Tylenol for a few days. I went to a wedding 4 days after surgery (using a walker). Shortly after that I switched to a cane, which I ditched about 2-3 weeks after surgery. I was driving 3 weeks post-surgery, even though surgery was for my right hip.

I began pre-op exercises about a month before surgery and have been doing the post-op exercises (it is now 7 weeks since surgery). It is important to do these to strengthen key muscles since it reduces recovery time. Dr. Knowlan says I don’t have any restrictions for movement now and I can golf.

Dr. Knowlan’s team was wonderful. Also, everyone at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater was very caring. Even the food was excellent!

Dr. Steven Meisterling is an expert at hip replacements. He is intelligent, professional, kind, patient and a fantastic surgeon! He performed a total hip replacement 8 months ago and I am thrilled with the outcome. He and his dedicated team provided me with excellent care. I definitely give him my highest recommendation. I will return to him if I ever need the other hip done.

Dr. Saterbak is one of the best doctors I have seen. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a shoulder or knee replacement. She is very understanding and has time to talk and listen about your aches and pains. She comes up with a treatment plan and is very good at it. 5 stars all the way!

Dr. Ridley and his team are nothing short of amazing. He performed hip surgery on both of my daughters’ hips. Dr. Ridley is caring, professional and sees the treatment all the way through, from pre-op to the final day of physical therapy. The communication with his while team, including the physical therapist, was exceptional. We have loved our experience with TCO, Dr. Ridley, his team and Liz, the physical therapist. Thanks to them, my daughter is on her way to being her active self again and we cannot thank Dr. Ridley enough. He’s the BEST!

I was so impressed with the care I received from Dr. Szalapski and his team. From the educational booklet and seminar, to the hospital coordination and through recovery follow-up. I experienced great care from start to finish! I am sleeping without hip pain again and able to walk normally.

When I first saw Dr. Bircher, I was unable to walk without a walker. The pain was intense. I was scheduled for surgery within a month. The surgery went great. The day after surgery I was able to stand and walk without pain. I’m looking forward to Dr. Bircher doing a left knee replacement for me this fall. Dr. Bircher and his care team truly care about their patients.

I am one month out from a total hip replacement through the TCO EXCEL program. From the start of my visit at TCO Stillwater Orthopedic Urgent Care, to check-in at the High Pointe Surgical Center, and finally on to my ride down from the EXCEL Care Suites at the Omni Hotel at Viking Lakes, I found each step of the process nothing short of an incredible display of excellence. Every person I encountered from start to finish exhibited such passion for their work. At each stop, my physical and emotional needs were attended to with great care.

From the time Dr. Meisterling recommended surgery and told me my journey in the EXCEL program would be a successful one, I felt I was in the right place. Of course he was spot on! I felt more at ease undergoing this major surgery then I have with some dental work. I like to think that if you saw me now, you would not believe I am a hip replacement patient. Am I pleased? I AM. I feel blessed to have come upon TCO, Dr. Meisterling and the EXCEL program. Consider me delighted with the program, the people, the process and the success!

I was referred to Dr. Bircher for my hip joint infection. He was very compassionate about my situation and proceeded to fix the infection. It started with a spacer that included antibiotics and two different IV antibiotics for 6 weeks. We made sure infection was cleared up and then proceeded with my second total hip replacement. I am optimistic and feel good about this one. Thank you Dr. Bircher.

I had a fast recovery and only took over the counter pain meds after I went home following my anterior approach hip replacement with Dr. Arntson. After surgery, I was able to walk the same day and only needed a cane after one week. At five weeks, I could walk on my own.

15 years ago, I had a posterior hip replacement and recovery was much longer. Anterior approach is the way to go.

The EXCEL program rocks!

Last year, I had a hip replacement with Dr. Chris Meyer, and it was one of the best things I ever did. I had such a great experience with Dr. Meyer, his staff, and the EXCEL Program, so I decided to bite the bullet and have my left knee replaced since it was bothering me for some time.

One of my passions is golf so I needed to time the surgery and recovery before summer and a golf trip that was planned. The surgery went well, and I followed the doctor’s orders to a ‘T’.  I was ready to hit the links!  I cannot thank Dr. Meyer for the care I received. I highly recommend TCO. They are the best!