Patient Stories

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Olsen and his team. From the very first appointment, he was patient, kind, sympathetic, and truly understanding. He took the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed about my procedures. His caring nature made a world of difference throughout the entire process.

I had both of my hips replaced using the SuperPath technique in 2024, and the experience exceeded my expectations. Dr. Olsen's expertise and attentiveness made me feel confident and well cared for every step of the way.

His support staff is equally incredible—they helped me navigate the complicated world of insurance with ease and were always available to answer my questions. The level of care and professionalism from the entire team was outstanding.

If you're looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Olsen. He and his team truly go above and beyond for their patients!

Tara W. · Both hips, SuperPATH, 2024

I had 3 surgeries on the right hip, a traditional hip replacement and 2 revisions along with 12 dislocation.

I had my left hip done by Dean Olsen for a Superpath procedure. It definitely was a much smoother and beneficial operation and I would recommend it. I was up to speed so quickly, had very little pain and discomfort and feel I healed better and faster than the opposite side.

Brenda P. · SuperPATH after a traditional replacement on the other side

The constant nagging pain and limited abilities due to my hip/groin pain really took a toll on my lifestyle and mental health. I thought I was too young and did not want to be laid up for months and months, so I put off hip replacement and dealt with the pain - nothing helped. I started to search the internet to find some ideas for pain relief and I found Dr. Olsen and the SuperPATH hip replacement procedure. I was on his schedule within 6 months. I had the procedure, and this changed my life! I was running around 2 days after my replacement telling people about this AMAZING experience, I could not believe how great I felt. I was walking pain free and sleeping through the night! I made sure to follow all post therapy instructions and 2 years later I am still pain FREE! Within a month of replacement I had more energy, able to do all of the things I enjoy! I was kayaking, hiking, yoga, walking my big dog you name it. Get it done! DO NOT wait - your quality of life is important, and Dr. Olsen and his Team are beyond AMAZING! I am so grateful and blessed! Thank You Dr. Olsen and Team - I am a better person thanks to you all!

Tanya P. · SuperPATH hip replacement

I am SO glad I found the superpath procedure, I was putting off my replacement for years hoping for a more advanced procedure. Very fortunate to have located someone local, I was ready to travel out of state for this! Just amazing this can be done as outpatient! I have had zero problems since the surgery and zero pain! I only had to have 6 PT visits after and was in the pool doing water aerobics after 8 weeks! I have recommended Dr. Olsen and will continue to sing his praises! Thank you thank you thank you

Jean W. · SuperPATH hip replacement, outpatient

I have had two hip replacements, one in 2016 and one in 2019. You would never know it. And I almost forget myself as I have very small scars, no limp and no pain! My hips feel as good as they did when I was a young 20-something, and I’m now 64 years old.

I give all the credit to Dr. K. Dean Olsen. He used the SuperPATH method and was trained by its creator, Dr. Jimmy Chow. I was walking in the hospital with a walker the same day as the surgery (both times). I returned home the next day and only needed a cane to get around in the first few weeks (both times). I took no prescription painkillers from the first day I returned home (as I don’t like their side effects) and yet the pain after the operation was quite manageable and less than it was the day prior to surgery (both times)!

Dr Olsen’s experience is impressive. In addition, he is smart, competent, straightforward and I trust him completely. I don’t want him to ever retire because with my arthritis, I expect I’ll need a knee replacement or two in the future and only want Dr. Olsen to perform the surgery.

I unconditionally and wholeheartedly recommend him as an exceptional orthopedic surgeon.

Trish · Two SuperPATH hip replacements, 2016 and 2019

You could not have scripted a better experience than what I had with my SuperPATH hip replacement done by Dr Dean Olsen. From my initial appointment all the way though the completion of my 6 week follow up, everything was laid out by Doctor Olsen and his staff. Scheduled appointments, visual aids, and book of instructions before and after surgery were also included. I arrived at the hospital at 9:30 AM and was home eating by 7 PM that night. I was off pain medication in one day and my bandages from my small incisions were removed by his nurse one week later. I started physical therapy, twice a week, and completed that in 3 weeks walking and riding an exercise bike with some exercises to strengthen my muscles. I would describe my procedure as from severe pain and minimum mobility before surgery to almost 100% mobility and very little muscle soreness in a little over a month. The exercise continues daily with pleasure.

Tom R. · SuperPATH hip replacement, home the same day

I had been working with the local orthopedic surgeon here in New Ulm, who is an excellent doctor. He told me that my left hip needed to be replaced and that I was looking at a 3 day hospital stay and approximately 6 months of rehab. I heard about the Superpath technique and Dr. Olsen, from a colleague, decided to give Dr. Olsen's office a call. I was set up with an appointment and after he looked at the x-rays, Dr. Olsen confirmed what our local ortho surgeon said. The hip must be replaced. I am an active NCAA Division III athletic director and it was going to be an interruption in my job to get this hip fixed. Dr. Olsen explained the procedure and we got it scheduled. I was told that it would be out-patient surgery and I would be fine in about a week - that's how long it takes the incision to heal - No rehab! I was in surgery at 5:00pm on Thursday, March 4 and by 9:00pm I walked out to my truck and my wife drove home. The next day, I experienced very little pain and was able to walk without help and a limp. I was back at school on Monday and literally was a new man. When I had my follow-up visit in a week, Dr. Olsen gave me the green light, and I began walking (2.5 miles per day) again and being active doing my job. I would recommend this type of hip replacement to anyone and Dr. Olsen does a great job!

Jim · SuperPATH hip replacement, outpatient

64 year-old Kay of Rosemount, MN has run a daycare for more than 40 years. Taking long walks and playing with children is part of her everyday routine, but when she began to experience pain in her hips, Kay worried that she would have to make some unwanted changes to her lifestyle.

The pain started in September 2011. “I exercise every morning and over time I started feeling some tightness in my hip. I thought it was a pulled muscle so I tried to be more careful when I was on the treadmill,” Kay explained. The pain progressively got worse over time and Kay reached her tipping point in January 2012, when she was unable to go up a set of stairs at a friend’s house. She knew that something needed to be done.

An MRI revealed that Kay had arthritis in both hips. She received cortisone shots but experienced only temporary relief. On the advice of her primary care physician, Kay scheduled a consultation with Dr. Dean Olsen, an orthopedic surgeon at Saint Francis Hospital in nearby Shakopee.

Dr. Olsen explained to Kay that her right hip was deteriorating at a rapid rate and she would be a good candidate for the SuperPath® Total Hip Replacement technique by MicroPort, a method whereby the implant is built inside the body, so the hip is not dislocated or twisted into unnatural positions during surgery, which is a common element to many other hip procedures. Dr. Olsen indicated that this approach often results in a fast hospital recovery and, because it spares all hip muscles from being cut, causes minimal postoperative pain.

In June 2012, Kay received her new hip via the SuperPath® technique. Just four hours after the surgery, she was walking around the halls of the hospital. “I had no pain at all when I woke up,” Kay recalled. Two days later, she was discharged from the hospital.

The first week at home, Kay occasionally used a walker for extra support while getting around and then transitioned to a cane. Within two weeks of surgery, Kay was walking with no assistance.

After completing five weeks of physical therapy, Kay was told by her therapist that by the Fall, she would be able to resume her normal daily activities. However, by the end of July, just over one month after her surgery, Kay set out on her first daily walk in months. She walked two miles that day, and every day since!

“I feel amazing,” Kay said. “Before the SuperPath® procedure, I wasn’t able to bend down to pick up the kids’ toys, let alone walk my dog and now I’m back to doing everything! It’s incredible, this has changed my life.”

Kay · SuperPATH hip replacement, June 2012

70 year old Bev of Lakeville, Minn. enjoyed an active lifestyle. Whether it was walking with friends, gardening, or spending time at the lake near her home, Bev could frequently be found outdoors in her free time. However, when she began to experience discomfort and pain in her right hip in 2010, Bev became concerned.

The pain in Bev’s hip started out dull but progressively worsened to the point where she was no longer able to accompany her friends on their daily walk as she would often fall behind and felt bad for slowing the crew down.

Bev consulted an orthopedic doctor, received a cortisone shot and started taking vitamins in hopes that it would strengthen her muscles. However, she was in so much agony that it impacted virtually every aspect of her life. When she was unable to walk without wincing, she knew that something else needed to be done.

After seeing a flyer in her daily newspaper, Bev attended a seminar on hip replacement surgery and met Dr. Dean Olsen of St. Francis Regional Medical Center in nearby Shakopee. Dr. Olsen introduced the group to the SuperPath® Total Hip Replacement technique by MicroPort, a method whereby the implant is built inside the body, so the hip is not dislocated or twisted into unnatural positions during surgery, which is a common element to many other hip procedures. Dr. Olsen indicated that this approach avoids cutting muscles so that it often results in minimal post-operative pain and lends to a fast hospital recovery. Within a week, Bev made an appointment for a consultation.

Dr. Olsen felt that she was a good candidate for the SuperPath® technique and in June 2012, Bev received a new right hip. That evening she was walking around and the next day, she returned home.

“I was a little apprehensive at first, because it seemed almost too good to be true,” said Bev. “I’ve seen other people who had traditional hip replacement surgery struggle through a long and painful rehabilitation. However, I haven’t had any pain since I came out of surgery. I’m amazed that just a few weeks after receiving a new hip, I’m almost ready to rejoin my friends on our walks!”

Watch Bev’s story on YouTube ›

Bev · SuperPATH hip replacement, June 2012

Dick isn’t your average 77 year old. While many people his age may start to slow down, Dick’s recreational calendar is still full, as the Owatonna resident golfs and bowls regularly. A typical weekend may include an outing to the golf course or bowling alley, attending one of his grandchildren’s games and enjoying a dinner with family and friends. However, the many years of activity have taken their toll on his body and resulted in the replacement of both knees and his right hip. When Dick started to feel that familiar arthritic pain in his left hip in late 2004, he knew it too would eventually need to be replaced.

At first, the pain wasn’t enough to hold Dick back from his activities. As time passed, however, the discomfort became more intense. For a while, over-the-counter medications managed the pain and kept him active, but five years after the onset of symptoms, Dick was in agony. He couldn’t golf and wasn’t able to sit in the stands at his grandchildren’s games. It was time for another hip replacement and Dick began to mentally prepare for one more surgery along with the grueling physical therapy needed to fully recover. He made an appointment with Dr. Dean Olsen of the Owatonna Clinic and was soon amazed at the technological advances in orthopedics since his first hip replacement more than 14 years prior.

Dr. Olsen recommended using the SuperPath® Total Hip Replacement technique by MicroPort. Dr. Olsen explained to Dick that he should experience less post-operative pain because the hip isn’t dislocated during the procedure and that his recovery time would likely be reduced.

In October 2010, Dick was implanted with his new hip. He awoke from surgery without feeling the throbbing arthritic pain that had been with him for the better part of five years. Just a few hours after major surgery, he was moving around the hospital floor with only the assistance of a walker. A week later, Dick was walking largely unassisted, surprised at how quickly he was able to get up and around after the operation.

Dick committed himself to the physical therapy needed to regain his strength and fully recover. In fact, he recently placed first at a bowling tournament with more than 30 competitors. Today, having resumed his active lifestyle, Dick said, “At first I dreaded the thought of undergoing another hip replacement. However, after learning about the SuperPath® technique I felt at ease, and the results have certainly confirmed that feeling!”

Watch Dick’s story on YouTube ›

Dick · SuperPATH hip replacement, October 2010