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“Dr Tarlow performed bilateral total knee replacements on me in April, 2008 (three days apart). I cannot tell you the difference it has made in my life! My knee pain had consumed my waking (and sometimes my sleeping)hours, and my entire life was centered around my tolerance for activities due to knee pain.

As an R.N. I was impressed with Dr Tarlow's friendly manner, the "team" approach (he & I), his patience in answering my questions, his genuine concern for my recovery and return to

work. (I was back to work at my desk job in 5 weeks!) I have referred several people to Dr. Tarlow and will continue to do so because I think he is simply the best!”

“Dr. Tarlow

I would like to thank you for giving me a normal life once gain. I would like to say to others, do not put this surgery off any longer. I must admit the first few days after surgery were a little rough, but I do wish I would have found you earlier. I am ready to go back to work and looking forward to catching up all the activities I have been unable to do over the last couple of years.

I would be glad to recommend you to anyone and feel free to have them contact me. I know most people just live with the constant knee pain, all I can say is, just get it fixed!

Thank you

Captain Scott Lillard

US Airways”

“I am writing on the four month anniversary of the total knee replacement of my left knee performed by Dr. Stefan Tarlow. The original injury occurred forty years ago and, after two surgeries to repair the knee, one in 1976 and one in 2004, I finally could not stand the pain any longer. Because I waited so long to commit to total knee replacement, the deterioration of my left knee was extremely advanced. I had become bow-legged and hobbled around like man well beyond my sixty years. Thanks to Dr. Tarlow and OSR Physical Therapy, I am enjoying a normal life again. Golf, swimming, and even a little low intensity racquetball are once again parts of my life. Walking around at an art fair is no longer a chore to be tolerated, it is an experience to be enjoyed. It is an epiphany to walk up and down stairs alternating steps instead of taking one step at a time. I highly recommend Dr. Tarlow and his staff. Dr. Tarlow took care of the art and science of total knee replacement in a straight forward manner and even threw in a little humor along the way. His staff helped me to prepare for the surgery and to navigate the bureaucracy of medical insurance. It has been a life changing experience. I graciously thank you.”

“I had lived with bad knees since an injury when I was 16 years old, I am now 55. I had numerous knee surgeries over the years but was always limited to the things I could do and always had pain. I was finally referred to Dr. Tarlow by my another orthopedice doctor, that was the best day of my life! In 2007 Dr. Tarlow preformed partial knee replacements on both of my knees, one in April and the other in November. I now ask my self why did I wait so long to do this! Dr. Tarlow virtually gave my life back to me! The surgery was not bad, I only had to stay one night in the hospital. I started therapy on Monday morning and went back to work the next week on both surgeries. Between the support from the physical therapists and Dr. Tarlow I bounced back quickly. I can now do all of the things I have always enjoyed, I can even get down on my knees and then get back up again! I have resumed walking, hiking, bike riding, gardening, dancing, and even running!

For those of you with reservations about having this surgery, don't! It was the best decision I ever made and wish I would have done it sooner!

Dr. Tarlow is the best!!!! I am very fortunate to have found him and would never want anyone else to touch my knees! I refer him to all of my friends and family.

Thank you Dr. Tarlow for giving me back my life, without you I would still be living in pain!”

“Dr. Tarlow,

THANK YOU! I am 8 weeks post op and my knee problem has been solved. I had constant pain for 20+ years and found myself almost not able to walk without having my knee "go out" on me 5-10 times a day. That meant constant ice and medications. After 6 days, my crutches were no longer necessary. 5 weeks after the knee replacement I walked the National Mall in D.C. and 2 Smithsonian museums in 1 day. I am now back to work full time, travel nationally, and even golfing. You gave me back the 1 thing that I had been hoping for - to be able to walk and hold my wife's hand without worrying about any knee pain. Your team was great and you all gave me my life back.”

“I live in Portland Oregon, and was a patient of Dr. Tarlow in the 1990s. I appreciated his honest and direct approach, and felt confident in his abilities as a surgeon. When he moved to Arizona, ignoring my sensible advice, I interviewed three other Portland area surgeons about my deteriorating right knee. Although each was experienced, and recommended by other physicians, I was a bit uncomfortable in the fact that most did not do the minimally invasive TNR with computer alignment. The impression I got was that they did not want to adopt the latest technology and were satisfied with doing the surgery the way they'd done it for several years.

Yes, this new approach requires additional training and special surgical instruments, but most were content with the status quo. Being an avid hiker and snowshoer, I wanted the most advanced technology and the quickest recovery.

Dr Tarlow showed the most interest in keeping current with up-to-date technology,exhibited much self assurance, gave excellent explanations and information, and continued to win my confidence. As a result, I traveled to Arizona in the middle of August (god-awful timing)for a total knee replacement.

Everything was methodically arranged by his office. I arrived Sunday night, did the surgery Monday, was in PT by Wednesday, did a quarter mile walk on Friday, and flew home on the following Sunday. I was religious with my physical therapy, and within 90 days did a 3 1/2 mile hike, gaining 1000'in elevation, with my son. In January I was back on the mountain for snowshoeing, with trips up to 5 1/2 miles with elevation gains up to 1000' by March. Yes, I was pushing it a little, but experienced very little discomfort.

All through the period, pre-operation and post operation, Dr. Tarlow was instantly accessible for questions and concerns I had (and there were many). Despite the distance, I felt him more available than any other doctor I have ever had. I've recommended him to several friends struggling with arthritis of the knees, even though it would require travel to see him. I feel the extra time and expense is well worth the results.

If you are considering TKR, you have found the right surgeon. The only advice I may offer is for you to be patient with your recovery. Improvement does not come daily, but weekly. It's a much more serious surgery than a arthroscopic treatment (of which I've had four)

so be prepared for some pain and frustration.

It's well worth it, however, to get your life back!

Best of luck

Pat Ahern

Portland Oregon

patandzoe@msn.com”

“Thanks to Dr. Tarlow I am playing golf five weeks after my medial unicompartmental knee replacement. Can you tell which knee it was ? (right knee). I was riding my bike 3 weeks after surgery. I am now pain free and back to normal.”

“9 weeks post op golf swing.”

“In the mid 1950's, as a pedestrian, I was hit by pickup truck directly on my left knee and fell to the pavement directly on my right knee. Fortunately I suffered no broken bones but my physician advised me "these knee injuries may come back to haunt you someday". And this prophecy certainly came true - although it took awhile. Nearly 50 years passed and one day while walking at a trade show my left knee felt like it just "snapped" followed by a great deal of pain. I knew some of Dr. Tarlow's family members personally and they urged me to see him for prognosis. I live in Portland, Oregon as the good doctor did at that time. From my first appointment it was apparent that Dr. Tarlow was extremely knowledgeable in his field and was also very sympathetic and understanding. My knee soon deteriorated to the point where I could hardly walk and I knew the time had come to act upon the doctor's advise for total knee replacement.

I had heard some horror stories about this surgery but none that had been performed by Dr. Tarlow. I was naturally somewhat anxious on the day of surgery and even asked him: "How do I know both my legs will be the same length afterwards and I won't walk with a limp?" Dr. Tarlow smiled and said "I've been trained to take really good measurements so you just leave that worry with me."

The surgery was very successful and while I left the hospital with a walker for assistance I put it aside in a matter of days. The physical therapy regime and follow-up is absolutely necessary. Within a month I was walking normally - climbing stairs, etc. with no pain at all. But my story doesn't end there.

Six years later, in 2007, my right knee 'gave way' and I experienced pain with every step. Without a moments hesitation I flew to Arizona for an appointment with Dr. Tarlow. After MRI and xrays indicated the same deterioration experienced previously with my left knee I didn't hesitate to schedule an appointment for the total knee replacement of my right knee. As I told my family and friends, who questioned why I felt this had to be performed so far from home, "no-one touches my knees but Dr. Tarlow." His office made the appointments and arrangements for me. The surgery was performed on a Tuesday and I was amazed at the speed of my recovery. After experiencing this once before, and knew of that success, this was even more phenomenal. Today the surgery is much less invasive, much less painful, and even the incision is reduced by more than half the size of the previous one. The fourth day after surgery I went to the movies without even a cane for assistance. That was 18 months ago and I feel wonderful - no matter how far I walk - or how long I dance. It's given me a new lease on life. People continually tell me "I can't believe you really have TWO metal knees." Well, yes I REALLY DO.

I strongly urge anyone who suffers with knee pain to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stefan D. Tarlow. I call him "Doctor Miracle". And while he is very professional, he is also truly a wonderful, nice man. Simply said he is THE VERY BEST!”

“On April 18, 2006 Dr. Tarlow gave me back my life.

I had suffered a severe knee injury in a downhill skiing accident in college.

After numerous "repairs" I was left with almost no range of motion in my left knee. The pain was awful and needless to say my quality of life was suffering. Having spent my life hiking, skiing, horseback riding and running I was miserable.

When I met Dr. Tarlow he asked if I was ready for a new knee I was skeptical until he reviewed the procedure with me and I spoke to people who had it done.

My surgery was April 18, 2006 after a short stay in hospital I came home and drove myself to my physical therapy session that afternoon (1 1/2 days post surgery). I was riding my horses 1 month post surgery.

Today, I can barrel race, hike and ride my mountain bike again, oh yes, and wear heels.

I am pain free, have full range of motion and minimum scarring.

I have my life back!!!

God bless Dr. Tarlow and his staff for this miracle!!”

“About 40 years ago I sustained serious trauma to my right knee. At that time my mother took me to see an orthopedic surgeon. He told me to open surgery might not be the best option at that time. His prescription included no football or skiing. It was 1968. The knee bothered me off and on since. I was able to remain active with hiking and martial arts.

Over the years I had two arthroscopies for a torn medial meniscus. I was left sans cartilage and bone on bone arthritis set it. Not wanting to get too aggressive too early, I tried synvisc injections and a medial unloader arthritis brace. The unloader brace worked well, but I could not wear it on the aikido mat. I did no aikido at all for four months.

I tried to workout anyway. I iced after classes. But daily pain and swelling took its toll. I took regular Motrin and later Celebrex, another NSAID.

The search was on for a surgeon and a procedure that could help. Four months of research led me to Dr Tarlow. I asked everyone I knew for referrals. Most helpful to me were Physical Therapists who told me that his patients recover quickly and without complications. His patients, they told me started PT early and get well quickly and completely.

With trepidation I made an appointment. We discussed my options and after a bone scan we settled on the medial unicompartmental knee replacement, minimally invasive technique.

Four days after my procedure I went to Foothills Sports Medicine to begin my rehab. They were surprised to see someone come in so quickly after surgery (knee incision staples still in place). My whole leg was bruised and swollen. Two weeks after the operation I rode my bicycle to my first post-op appointment. I asked Doctor Tarlow about renewing my prescription for Celebrex when it expires. Right after that appointment I went for a 14-mile bike ride. Things were starting to look up for me.

It has now been nearly nine weeks. I am back at full contact aikido, hiking and skipping down stairs like a kid. I won't be asking for that Celebrex prescription.

I have no more pain or swelling and am truly better off than I was three months ago (or even a year ago). I am truly thankful for the gift of painless movement given to me by Dr. Tarlow and by Suzie, my Physical Therapist at Foothills Sports Medicine.”

“We recently moved here from Florida after living there for over 25 years after having a sad experience of arthoscopic procedure leaving me with a crooked left leg I was so very fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Tarlow. I am now on the road to recovery. Dr. Tarlow is so very understanding and takes whatever time is necessary to explain, and is so personable and warm he makes one feel like one has known him forever.

Joanne”

“I was amazed that I went from walking with a cane, and severe knee pain on a Tuesday, to no cane and no pain the next Monday. Thank you Dr. Tarlow.(Jim had arthroscopic medial menisectomy on a Tuesday for an injury that occurred when he sustained a twisting injury to his knee in August)”

“I am sixty four years young I have lived with knee problems all my life after a Patella Tendon Transfer on both legs at the age of sixteen,arthritis developed in both knees slowly over the years.

Today after surgery by Dr Tarlow I am back at work after only six weeks, Dr Tarlow has given me my life back, August 2008 Doctor Tarlow performed (MIS) minimally invasive surgery (TKA) total knee replacement on my left knee; August this year 2009 Doctor Tarlow replaced my right knee. I put off surgery for many years getting cortisone shots, wearing a leg brace, medications, now I am free from all of it.

If you are living with knee pain visit Doctor Tarlow. My only caution to you is Doctor Tarlow performs the surgery but you have to be prepared to do the work, be at your best weight before surgery, work hard in physical therapy, have a positive attitude and understand to keep you and your knees happy set time out for yourself to stretch and walk every day.

I will be thanking Doctor Tarlow every day for as long as I live.”

“it has been 1 year since my partial knee replacement.

I just returned from 5 weeks of hunting in Arizona and New Mexico, walking many, many miles of various mountain and

desert landscape. I also walk 2-3 miles per day at my job as an auctioneer. NO PAIN . I spent 5 plus years in pain until I had the surgery. Just keep the therapy up and force yourself to fight thru the first few months of discomfort.Then Bingo, you can out walk your grandkids again!

Thanks so much.

Bill Cole”