RiverView Health welcomes Brennen Smith, DO, to its Orthopaedics Team.
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Smith covers a wide range of general procedures and trauma, including scope, repair, and replacement of upper extremities, hips, and knees. 
Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery
In June, Dr. Smith will launch a Mako Robotic-Arm Joint Replacement Program for adults living with mid to late-stage osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. The Mako technology provides patients with a personalized surgical plan based on their unique anatomy, leading to better outcomes.
As a minimally invasive approach, some of the benefits of robotic-arm-assisted surgery include:
- Smaller incision
- Less scarring
- Reduced blood loss
- Minimal hospitalization
- Rapid recovery
“We are excited to bring these tools to our already strong joint program to improve outcomes and consistency of results for RiverView patients and the region,’’ said Carrie Michalski, RiverView president/CEO.
Regardless of which technology best suits a patient’s needs, Dr. Smith stresses the importance of getting help and living pain-free. He said one of the most common comments he gets from patients and their spouses about six months after surgery is that they wish they had gotten help sooner.
“People, especially in rural communities, will put off having things done, mainly because they’re tough,’’ he shared. “That’s kind of the community I’m used to, and that’s the community that I like to serve.’’
Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine to Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Smith grew up in Mitchellville, IA, a small town outside Des Moines. He practiced as a veterinarian before attending medical school at Des Moines University for his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH, and a fellowship in Spine Surgery at New Albany Surgical Hospital, New Albany, OH.
Now seeing patients in Crookston, East Grand Forks, and Thief River Falls, Dr. Smith said, “Being new to RiverView, what I’ve seen from being around the area is that RiverView has a good reputation. So I’m very happy to be here.’’
For more information on the services Dr. Smith provides or to make an appointment, call 281.9595.
