Eric Tannenbaum, MD

Orthopedic Surgery · Columbus & Greensburg, Indiana

Dr. Eric Tannenbaum, MD Board-certified, sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in total hip, total knee and total shoulder replacement, as well as minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures

Top-ranked training, right here in southern Indiana. Dr. Tannenbaum trained at the University of Michigan, one of the top medical schools in the nation, and brings that same level of care to Columbus and Greensburg, using muscle-sparing techniques and the latest surgical technology to get patients back to the life they want.

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Dr. Eric Tannenbaum, MD, orthopedic surgeon
Training
University of Michigan: undergraduate, medical school & orthopedic residency#12 medical school in the nationAdmit.org 2026
Fellowship
Sports Medicine, Southern California Orthopedic Institute
Leadership
Orthopedic Director, Decatur County Memorial Hospital
Medical Director, Real American Freestyle
Practice
Southern Indiana Orthopedics, Managing Partner

Why patients choose Dr. Tannenbaum

Specialist training. Modern technology. An athlete's perspective.

Muscle-sparing anterior hip

Anterior total hip replacement works between muscles instead of cutting through them, supporting a faster, more comfortable recovery.

Precision technology

OrthoGrid navigation for hips and custom 3D-printed guides for shoulders help place implants accurately and balance leg lengths.

University of Michigan trained

Medical school and orthopedic residency at the University of Michigan, ranked the #12 medical school in the nation. The kind of training patients usually travel to a big-city academic center to find.

Fellowship in sports medicine

Advanced training in arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, cartilage repair and biologic treatments.

Regional firsts

First InSpace balloon procedure in Columbus and the first hip arthroscopy at Decatur County Memorial Hospital.

A former elite athlete

A four-time All-American wrestler who understands what it takes to get back to competing, working and living fully.

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Patient stories

What patients say

Read our Google reviewsLeave a review

"He uses an anterior approach that allowed me to have a faster recovery with minimal pain. Would highly recommend him to anyone!"

John, hip replacement patient · Healthgrades

"After surgery, I had no pain; I was amazed."

Robin C. · Southern Indiana Orthopedics

"He was very personable and had excellent bedside manners."

Charity W. · Southern Indiana Orthopedics

"He explained what could happen down the road and how he would help me manage my pain until I schedule my surgery."

Jennie M. · Southern Indiana Orthopedics

"Prompt care and diagnosis. Would recommend Dr. Eric Tannenbaum to friends and family."

Patient review · Southern Indiana Orthopedics

"The staff was friendly and seemed to care about my well being."

Trena M. · Southern Indiana Orthopedics

Procedures

Hip, knee and shoulder surgery

From minimally invasive arthroscopy that repairs and preserves your joint to advanced joint replacement, each surgery is planned around your anatomy, your goals and your activity level.

Hip

Anterior Total Hip Replacement

Through a front-of-the-hip approach, Dr. Tannenbaum replaces the joint without detaching the major muscles of the hip.

  • Muscle-sparing technique
  • OrthoGrid intraoperative guidance
  • Zimmer Biomet hip implants
  • Focus on accurate leg length
Who is it for?

Adults with hip arthritis whose pain limits walking, sleep or daily activity despite medication, injections or therapy.

What is recovery like?

Most patients walk the same day with assistance and progress through a guided rehab plan. Dr. Tannenbaum will review your expected timeline at your visit.

Knee

Total Knee Replacement

For advanced knee arthritis, a total knee replacement resurfaces the worn joint to relieve pain and restore function.

  • Zimmer Biomet knee implants
  • Individualized alignment and balancing
  • Structured post-operative rehab plan
Who is it for?

Patients with advanced knee arthritis whose pain or stiffness persists after non-surgical treatments.

What is recovery like?

Walking begins right away, with physical therapy focused on motion and strength. Many patients return to daily activities within weeks.

Shoulder

Total Shoulder Replacement

Anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement for arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency, planned in 3D before surgery.

  • Tornier shoulder implants
  • Custom 3D-printed patient-specific guides
  • Pre-operative CT-based planning
Anatomic or reverse?

An anatomic replacement suits arthritis with a healthy rotator cuff. A reverse replacement is designed for shoulders with large rotator cuff tears or cuff arthropathy.

What is recovery like?

The arm rests in a sling at first, followed by a staged therapy program to restore motion and then strength.

Advanced technology

The tools behind the results

OrthoGrid for anterior hips

Real-time imaging overlay in the operating room helps confirm implant angles and leg length while surgery is underway.

3D-printed shoulder guides

Your CT scan becomes a 3D model of your shoulder, and a custom guide is printed to match it, so the Tornier implant goes exactly where it was planned.

Zimmer Biomet implants

Hip and knee implants from one of the most established names in joint replacement. Patient guides: hip replacement · Persona knee

First in the region

Bringing new procedures to southern Indiana

1st

InSpace balloon procedure in Columbus

Dr. Tannenbaum performed the first InSpace balloon procedure in Columbus, a minimally invasive option for rotator cuff tears.

1st

Hip arthroscopy at Decatur County Memorial Hospital

As medical director of orthopedics, he completed the hospital's first hip arthroscopy, one of few surgeons in Indiana trained in the procedure.

In the news

Bringing modern hip preservation to Columbus

The Republic profiled the newer, post-free hip arthroscopy Dr. Tannenbaum brought to Columbus after a year of hip preservation training in Los Angeles. He remains the only surgeon in the Columbus area performing this procedure.

1st

OrthoGrid Hip AI, a regional first

Dr. Tannenbaum performed the region's first anterior hip replacement using OrthoGrid Hip AI at Decatur County Memorial Hospital, with real-time guidance on implant placement. That first patient finished physical therapy in just 8 visits over about two and a half weeks, well ahead of the typical 12 to 15.

Sports medicine

Big Ten sideline experience, close to home

During training, Dr. Tannenbaum provided team coverage for University of Michigan football. Today he treats athletes of every level, from high school competitors to weekend warriors, with the same standard of care.

Treatment always starts with the least invasive option that will work, including bracing, therapy, injections and PRP, with surgery when it offers the best path back.

Common injuries · tap to learn more

ACL tear Knee

Signs: a pop with a pivot or landing, rapid swelling, the knee giving way.

Treatment: bracing and therapy for some patients; arthroscopic ACL reconstruction for athletes and active adults.

Meniscus tear Knee

Signs: pain along the joint line, catching or locking, swelling after twisting.

Treatment: therapy and injections, or arthroscopic repair to preserve the meniscus when possible.

Cartilage injury Knee

Signs: aching with activity, swelling, a grinding sensation.

Treatment: biologic treatments such as PRP, and cartilage repair procedures.

Rotator cuff tear Shoulder

Signs: night pain, weakness lifting the arm, pain reaching overhead.

Treatment: therapy and injections, arthroscopic repair, or the InSpace balloon for selected massive tears.

Shoulder instability Shoulder

Signs: a dislocation or the feeling the shoulder slips out.

Treatment: a strengthening program, or arthroscopic stabilization for repeat instability.

Hip labral tear / impingement Hip

Signs: groin pain, clicking, pain with sitting or deep bending.

Treatment: therapy and injections, or hip arthroscopy.

Tennis & golfer's elbow Elbow

Signs: pain on the outside or inside of the elbow with gripping.

Treatment: activity changes, bracing, therapy and PRP injections.

Ankle sprain & Achilles tendinitis Ankle

Signs: swelling, instability, heel-cord pain with running.

Treatment: bracing, therapy and PRP; surgery for chronic instability or rupture.

Care team

Megan Vanderbur, PA-C

Physician Assistant to Dr. Tannenbaum

Megan Vanderbur, PA-C, physician assistant

Megan works directly with Dr. Tannenbaum in clinic and serves as his first assistant in surgery, so patients see a familiar face from the first visit through recovery. With a background in exercise science and a former college athlete's understanding of injury and return to sport, she takes the time to explain every step of care in plain language, so patients leave each visit knowing exactly what comes next.

Physician Assistant training
Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Findlay
Undergraduate
B.A. in Exercise Science, magna cum laude, Bellarmine University; Dean's List every semester
College athletics
College volleyball player at Bellarmine University; four-time All-Academic Great Lakes Valley Conference
Honors
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; Treasurer, Physician Assistant Student Society
Clinical training
Rotations in general surgery, emergency medicine, family medicine and pain management
Service
Two medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic, providing care in underserved communities

Leadership & athletics

Medical leadership on and off the mat

Dr. Tannenbaum with RAF co-founder Izzy Martinez and RAF champions at a Real American Freestyle event
Dr. Tannenbaum (far right) with RAF co-founder Izzy Martinez and RAF champions after a Real American Freestyle event
Wrestling

Medical Director, Real American Freestyle Wrestling

Dr. Tannenbaum leads medical care for Real American Freestyle, setting coverage standards and overseeing athlete safety at events. As a former elite wrestler himself, he knows the sport's injuries from both sides of the mat.

Real American Freestyle is a professional wrestling league that brings together Olympic medalists, world champions and NCAA champions, with events across the country and internationally.

The same standard of care trusted by professional athletes is available to every patient in Columbus and Greensburg, from high school wrestlers to weekend warriors.

Hospital

Orthopedic Director, Decatur County Memorial Hospital

He directs orthopedic services at Decatur County Memorial Hospital in Greensburg, bringing advanced procedures to patients without a long drive.

Competitive wrestling record

176–1High school record, Naperville North
3×Illinois state champion, plus state runner-up
4×NCAA All-American, University of Michigan
2×Big Ten champion
NCAANational runner-up, senior year
2×World team appearances
Capt.Michigan wrestling team captain
3×Academic honors at Michigan

SIO Physical Therapy & MRI

Therapy and imaging under one roof

Southern Indiana Orthopedics owns a dedicated building for physical therapy and advanced imaging, so diagnosis and recovery happen close to your surgeon, with no hospital wait.

Imaging

State-of-the-art MRI

High-resolution MRI on site for fast, detailed images of joints, ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Results go straight to Dr. Tannenbaum's team, which speeds up diagnosis and treatment planning.

Therapy

SIO Physical Therapy

Therapists work alongside the surgeons and follow Dr. Tannenbaum's rehab protocols closely, from pre-surgery strengthening to return-to-sport training.

Visit

745 Schnier Street
Columbus, IN 47201

Appointments: (812) 376-9353

Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Surgical privileges

Where Dr. Tannenbaum operates

Surgery close to home, at four hospitals and surgery centers across southern and central Indiana. Your team will help choose the right setting for your procedure.

Outpatient surgery center

Columbus Specialty Surgery Center

2425 Northpark Dr, Suite 20
Columbus, IN 47203

Get directions → Hospital

Columbus Regional Hospital

2400 E 17th Street
Columbus, IN 47201

Get directions → Hospital · Orthopedic Director

Decatur County Memorial Hospital

720 N Lincoln Street
Greensburg, IN 47240

Get directions → Hospital

Community Hospital South

1402 E County Line Road
Indianapolis, IN 46227

Get directions →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Am I a candidate for anterior hip replacement?

Most patients who need a hip replacement can have it done through the anterior approach. It is usually considered when hip arthritis causes pain that limits walking, sleep or daily life despite medication, injections or therapy. Dr. Tannenbaum will review your X-rays, health history and goals at your visit to decide which approach is best for you.

What are the advantages of the anterior approach?

The anterior approach reaches the hip from the front, working between muscles instead of detaching them. Many patients find this means less pain early on and an easier first few weeks. Dr. Tannenbaum also uses OrthoGrid imaging during surgery to help position the implant and match leg lengths.

How soon will I walk after a hip or knee replacement?

Most patients stand and walk with a walker the same day or the day after surgery, and begin physical therapy right away. Recovery varies from person to person, and your care team will give you a plan for your situation.

When can I drive after surgery?

You should not drive until at least your first post-op visit, while wearing a sling, splint or cast, or while taking narcotic pain medication. When you are cleared, practice braking and accelerating in an empty parking lot first. Your post-op instructions list the details for your procedure.

When can I go back to work?

It depends on your procedure and your job. Desk work is often possible within a few weeks, while physical jobs take longer. Dr. Tannenbaum and Megan will discuss work restrictions at your follow-up visits and can provide work notes as you recover.

Do I need a referral?

Many patients can schedule directly, but some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care provider. Call (812) 376-9353 and our team will check for you.

Do you accept my insurance?

Southern Indiana Orthopedics participates in most major insurance plans. Please verify your eligibility for services with your insurance company before your appointment. If you have questions about your coverage, call your insurance provider (the number is on the back of your insurance card), or call us at (812) 376-9353 and we will help verify your coverage before your visit.

Where is surgery performed?

Dr. Tannenbaum operates at Columbus Specialty Surgery Center, Columbus Regional Hospital, Decatur County Memorial Hospital and Community Hospital South. See locations.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of your medications, and any recent X-rays or MRI reports. If your imaging was done elsewhere, bring the disc or ask that facility to send it to our office before your appointment.

Appointments

Schedule a visit with Dr. Tannenbaum

Appointment line (812) 376-9353 · Fax (812) 376-3757. New patients welcome.

Columbus office4665 N US Highway 31
Columbus, IN 47201
Greensburg office902 North Lincoln Street, Suite 1B
Greensburg, IN 47240
Office hoursMonday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
PT & MRI745 Schnier Street
Columbus, IN 47201
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Request an appointment

Leave your contact details and our office will call you within one business day. For your privacy, please don't share any medical information here. We'll discuss your concerns by phone.

Workers' compensation & medicolegal

For case managers, adjusters and attorneys

Dr. Tannenbaum provides clear, objective orthopedic opinions and treats injured workers with a focus on safe, timely return to work. Imaging and therapy on site keep cases moving.

IME

Independent Medical Exams

Thorough, unbiased evaluations addressing diagnosis, causation, treatment necessity, work restrictions and maximum medical improvement.

PPI

Impairment Ratings

Permanent partial impairment ratings for the upper extremity, lower extremity and spine-related orthopedic claims, documented to the applicable AMA Guides.

Review

Medical Record Reviews

Detailed record reviews with written opinions on causation, appropriateness of care and future medical needs.

Expert

Expert Medical Witness

Expert opinions, depositions and testimony for workers' compensation and personal injury matters.

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Sports medicine fellowship-trained Prompt, well-documented reports Return-to-work focused care On-site MRI & physical therapy Columbus & Greensburg locations
  1. ReferCall or fax the referral with claim details.
  2. RecordsSend available records and imaging.
  3. EvaluateExam or review scheduled promptly.
  4. ReportClear written opinion returned to you.
Refer a case: (812) 376-9353

Fax referrals: (812) 376-3757

Send a referral request

Case managers, adjusters and attorneys: share your contact details and Dr. Tannenbaum will respond within one business day. To protect privacy, please don't include claimant names, claim numbers or medical details. We'll follow up to arrange secure transfer of records.

Patient education

Video library

Short explainers and trusted physical therapy videos. Video links will point to vetted YouTube content.

PRP and common treatments

What is PRP?

How platelet-rich plasma is prepared and used (Arthrex)

Hip replacement

Animation of how a hip replacement works (Zimmer Biomet)

Hip Impingement (FAI)

FAI hip

Reverse total shoulder replacement

How the reverse shoulder works

Physical therapy for common injuries

Home exercises from Dr. Jo, a licensed physical therapist. Always follow your own therapy plan first.

Rotator cuff strengthening

Shoulder

Knee arthritis exercises

Knee

Ankle sprain rehab

Ankle

After knee replacement

Knee

Patient resources

Rehab protocols & post-op instructions

Download Dr. Tannenbaum's physical therapy protocols and post-operative instructions. Bring your protocol to your first therapy visit, and always follow any specific instructions from your care team.

CallRequest appointment