Testimonials

I have worked in the health care profession for 33 years and worked alongside many physicians; I can honestly say that Dr. Heck is a compassionate doctor who truly cares for his patients.  I have severely progressive and degenerative scoliosis (idiopathic) and my Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Wilhelm referred me to Dr. Heck.

Five years ago I had my first surgery for the condition from another institution in the Birmingham area and the technique for my surgery was done using the traditional posterior approach.  My recovery was extremely long and painful.  Dr. Heck uses an anterior approach that did not involve any muscle dissection, which made my recovery much easier.  I went home in less than 24 hours and began my rehabilitation 6 weeks post-op from surgery.  It went great!

As a hobby I tap dance.  I was able to begin dancing within 2 months of my surgery.  Dr. Heck uses the most cutting-edge techniques available and offers a very thorough explanation of diagnosis, procedure and treatment plan.  I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone with spinal issues!

Erin Finch

I had been struggling with severe pain in my hip area and lower back and contacted Southlake Orthopaedics to make an appointment to see Dr. Michael Blum.  At my visit, Dr. Blum immediately recognized my pain was stemming from my lower back and referred me to his colleague, Dr. Chris Heck- who specializes in treating back/spine conditions.

Dr. Heck was very thorough during my examination.  He went in depth explaining I probably would not benefit from additional pain blocks. He explained and answered all of my questions concerning the procedure and helped me make the final decision, that surgery was necessary to relieve my pain.

I rated my pain level before surgery at a “10” and my mobility was limited to a walker.  After my surgery procedure, I continued to experience some discomfort; each day I saw a gradual improvement.  Seven weeks post-surgery, I am completely pain-free and back to doing what I enjoy the most-fishing and taking care of normal activities around my home such as mowing the lawn without discomfort.

Many thanks to Dr. Heck and his staff for the excellent work on my seventy years old back.  Let’s go fishing!

David Wilkinson

I had been dealing with a chronic ankle injury I incurred by all things, a sweet gum ball! Being a very active and busy retired individual, one afternoon I was showing family members my pray garden in the
backyard when I tripped and fell, breaking my left ankle. This was four and half years ago, post two previous surgeries. My local orthopaedic doctor recommended Dr. Kirchner.

Dr. Kirchner shared with me during my visit; I was a strong candidate for a new type of anklereplacement-the Total Talus procedure. This surgical procedure is different from past ankle replacement procedures in that it allows up and down and side to side movement of the ankle. Dr. Kirchner was very thorough in providing details for the total talus procedure and what to expect with myrehabilitation process. First six weeks post the surgery, Dr. Kirchner and staff ordered a motorize scooter I used for getting around, now eight weeks post surgery I am able to wear a shoe and continuing to work on my rehab process through home exercises.

I am doing very well and am so pleased with my progress! In my opinion, Dr. Kirchner has given me an opportunity to continue the normal activities I enjoy most-exercising, spending time with my friends and taking care of my 100 year old Mom who lives with me. I highly recommend Dr. Kirchner and Southlake Orthopaedics if you are dealing with any type of chronic ankle issue.

Annelle Lee

I have known Dr. Michael Blum since he repaired a Tibia/Fibula fracture over 20 years ago. When I got bucked off a horse this past September and broke both of my arms, Dr. Blum was my first phone call. He quickly put things into motion, contacting his colleagues, Dr. Michael Smith and Dr.Ekkehard Bonatz, to get me into their surgical schedules. For my procedure, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bonatz tag-teamed with Dr. Smith performing surgery on my right arm and Dr. Bonatz on my left. The surgery would have taken twice as long (it took a little over 4 hours) if Southlake Orthopaedics had not had two of the best hand surgeons. Working in concert they repaired two very complex fractures requiring two plates and nine screws in my right arm and one plate and five screws in my left arm.

Rehabilitation would have been much more difficult without the caring and compassionate assistance of Physical Therapist Nicki Harris. Nicki helped me through one of the hardest times of my life, giving me encouragement while challenging me to improve my strength and flexibility.

Although I am only 4 ½ months into my recovery, I have my life back and I am back flying the friendly skies again! I could not have done it without Southlake Orthopaedics–Thank you Dr. Blum, Dr. Bonatz, Dr. Smith and PT Nicki Harris–y’all are awesome! Lee Hamilton

Chief PilotUnit Commander, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Aviation

Southlake Orthopedics is amazing! They are spot on! Dr. Craig & the rest of the staff there are wonderful! They all go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable & to ease the check in process as well. I hardly had any wait time which is basically unheard of at this day & age!! If you need a great Ortho Dr, I HIGHLY recommend this group! Stacey Easter

From beginning to end my visit was very organized and professional. I was seen for a shoulder issue that turned out didnt require surgery (I was grateful) but was given a shot and Dr Blum was excellent in his delivery of that injection! They took different X-ray views in addition to those by my PCP to get different perspective of my shoulder, he examined me, reviewed my MRI report and explained my situation. Excellent doctor. Dr Booker also performed both of my husbands shoulder surgeries…Br Bonatz has worked on his hands. Great group of docs! Natalie Hadley

I can’t recommend this office enough! My surgeon and occupational therapist are constantly working together to find the best treatment and recovery plan to get my hand to a usable state! Such a caring, efficient, and knowledgeable staff!

I wouldn’t recommend falling on glass and cutting a nerve, but if that happens to you, PLEASE see Dr. Smith to do your surgery and Nicki to get you moving back to health! Katelyn Lane

I am so thankful for Dr. Smith and the rest of the staff at Southlake Orthopedics! From the moment I walked in the door, the staff has been so caring and kind. From the initial visit, to the surgery, to the splint fittings, Dr. Smith and my therapist have been excellent at explaining everything and making sure I have been as comfortable as possible. I feel that they and the rest of the staff consistently go the extra mile and I can’t imagine anything but a smooth recovery! Dana Larkin

Love Southlake Ortho, they are the BEST! Dr. Talbert has always taken great care of my knees, Dr. Booker took care of my torn rotator cuff, Dr. Kraus my feet and Dr. Craig takes great care of my back. I would recommend any of these fine doctors. Starting going in 2006, Dr. Talbert got me walking again(knee) and infection free from another doctors mistake. Dr. Craig has definitely got to be the best back doctor around!!! He believes surgery should be the last option, but if needed will send you to one of his colleagues. If it weren’t for Dr. Craig, I would never have found out I had rheumatoid arthritis and probably be in a wheelchair by now. He sent me to a great Rheumatologist and have been getting the help I need ever since.

Dr. Craig does the blocks on my back, orders PT when needed and spends quality time with me when I come in for my appointments.

Again, if you want the BEST group of doctors around, call Southlake Ortho.

Just want to say “thank you” to all my wonderful doctors!!

All the personnel are wonderful! From the front office, all the technicians, nurses, etc……won’t find any better! Judy Blagg

Dr. Ellerbusch is a phenomenal doctor and member of the Hoover High School Athletic Department. His dedication and commitment to the care of our student athletes is impeccable. He works endless hours with our athletes and we are grateful to have him as part of Hoover High School Family. Andy Urban

Athletic Director, Hoover High School

I have been seeing Dr. Talbert since 2009 when my back problems started,
Then I had to have surgery on my hand for carpel tunnel and he did that, then I had a problem with my neck and had to have surgery for that also and both surgeries went very well, got me out of my pain both times, and just went for an MRI yesterday and my mid back is in horrible shape he said, so if I have to have surgery on it, there is no one else I would have or trust more to do it than Dr.Talbert himself..All the workers are all very sweet and nice to you…Love Southlake Orthopedics Lisa Grooms

I was in a car accident a while back where my hand and wrist were broken. Even though I had surgery at the time, the injury left me with severe pain that ran from the tips of my fingers up my arm to my shoulder.

I didn’t want to go through another surgery, but my son-in-law is a friend of Dr. Bonatz. They were running together one day, and he told Dr. Bonatz about my situation. Eventually, after a lot of prayer, I agreed to go see Dr. Bonatz to see if there was anything that could be done to relieve the pain.

Dr. Bonatz examined me and reviewed my case. He noticed that there had been some changes in my hand and wrist in the seven years that had passed since the accident, and felt that a surgery could help. Dr. Bonatz even consulted with my previous surgeon, and together they recommended a wrist infusion to me.

The surgery took place in April 2012, and I followed up with Southlake Orthopaedics’ Occupational Therapist Kathy Dollar. The rehab process was outstanding, and the staff was very supportive. Dr. Bonatz made it clear that it could take up to a year post surgery to realize the full effects, but I am already experiencing less pain.

Today, I am back to doing things I haven’t been able to do in a long time. I have no regrets about my decision, even though having surgery was a difficult choice to make. I would definitely recommend Dr. Bonatz and Southlake Orthopaedics to others. Not only is he a terrific surgeon, he also has great taste in bow-ties! Donald Rule

I was struggling with severe pain in both knees as a result of three motorcycle accidents and air craft mishaps while serving in the military.  My Family Physician recommended that I see Dr. Dewey Jones IV. This was the best decision I ever made regarding my struggles with injured and worn out knees.  I initially tried a less invasive outpatient procedure suggested by Dr. Jones, which provided significant relief for six months, exactly as Dr. Jones indicated it would.  This gave me the time to consider the more permanent solution which was the total knee replacement.

Dr. Jones explained in great detail the surgical options (Total Knee replacement) and recommended that I attend a pre-surgery seminar at Grandview Medical Center.  This seminar helped me to further understand not only the surgery, but what to expect post-surgery with rehabilitation to make my procedure successful.

I have had both knees replaced by Dr. Jones (two years apart) and all went exceptionally well.  Dr. Jones and his staff were so helpful throughout the entire process. Dr. Jones was at my bedside following surgery and explained what the next steps would be during the recovery phase.

Therapy was at times tough, but the work certainly paid off as I am pain-free and totally mobile one year following my last surgery.

I ABSOLUTELY would recommend Dr. Jones, without hesitation, to anyone considering knee or any other orthopaedic related surgery.  If I ever require any other orthopaedic surgeries, Dr. Jones will be my first call. Donald Slee