#31 Hip
#31 Knee

Dr. Shawn Brandenburg, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgery
66 procedures 3 hospitals Columbus, NE
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 18 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 48 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Shawn Brandenburg is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Nebraska. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Brandenburg has performed 48 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#31 in Nebraska) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 66 procedures.

In Nebraska, Dr. Brandenburg performs near average in knee (48 vs 53 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 39 avg).

Dr. Brandenburg's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (48 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).

Dr. Brandenburg is the only orthopedic surgeon in Columbus represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area. Dr. Brandenburg also maintains hospital privileges in IA and IL, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Nebraska.

Medicare records for Dr. Brandenburg extend back to 2019, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 66 in the most recent data, a 288% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Brandenburg's 48 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
48 verified cases
#31 in Nebraska
Hip Replacement
18 verified cases
#31 in Nebraska
Estimated total: 180 – 200 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
How is this estimated?

Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.

How Dr. Brandenburg Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Nebraska state average.

Hip Below Avg
18 Avg: 39
Knee Average
48 Avg: 53
Dr. Brandenburg Nebraska Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 402-562-4700
4508 38th Street, Suite 133
Columbus, NE 68601
NPI: 1164861449
Credentials: D.O.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
13 years of practice experience
Licensed D.O.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Brandenburg's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 288% from 17 procedures in 2019 to 66 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 5
2023 Volume 66
Peak Volume 96 (2022)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center
★★★★★
Dubuque, IA
Low case volume
H
Mercyone Dyersville Medical Center
Dyersville, IA
H
Midwest Medical Center
Galena, IL
Similar to national avg

Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Brandenburg

How does Dr. Brandenburg's procedure volume compare to other Nebraska surgeons?

Dr. Brandenburg has performed 66 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Nebraska average of 79 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Brandenburg ranks #36 out of 73 orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Brandenburg perform?

Dr. Brandenburg's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (48 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).

Where is Dr. Brandenburg's practice located?

Dr. Brandenburg practices in Columbus, Nebraska. The office is located at 4508 38th Street, Suite 133, Columbus, NE 68601. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Brandenburg for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Brandenburg represent?

The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Brandenburg's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 66 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Brandenburg's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Brandenburg's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2019 to 66 in the most recent data, a 288% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 96 procedures in 2022.

Does Dr. Brandenburg perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Brandenburg's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (48 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Brandenburg affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Brandenburg is affiliated with Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center, Mercyone Dyersville Medical Center, Midwest Medical Center. Dr. Brandenburg maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Brandenburg practices?

Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Midwest Medical Center (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Shawn Brandenburg, D.O. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ne/dr-shawn-brandenburg-columbus.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ne/dr-shawn-brandenburg-columbus.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.