Dr. Robert Brenner specializes in operative and non-operative care of spinal problems in patients of all ages, with extensive subspecialty training in spinal robotics, navigation, and minimally invasive surgery. Additionally, he has been involved in research on improvement in spinal alignment with non-fusion techniques, methods to maximize healing in spine fusion surgery, and quality improvement in spine surgery patient care. Dr. Brenner’s goal is to personalize a treatment plan that provides the greatest improvement in symptoms while minimizing the need for surgery. He works with a team of experts in the latest spinal diagnostic imaging techniques and non-surgical treatments such as alternative pain management, rehabilitation and physical therapy. Dr. Brenner is committed to delivering the highest level of spinal care, staying on the leading edge of innovation and technological advancement in the field to ensure that his patients have access to the very best.
Learn More About Dr. Brenner
Clinical Interest
Fracture care, including operative and non-operative care of extremity fractures
Spine and neck care, including spine decompression, spine fusion, disc degeneration/spondylosis, disc herniation, fracture management, myelopathy, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and discectomy
Education
Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Fellowship
Spine Surgery Fellowship, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
Residency
Orthopedic Surgery Residency, University of Minnesota
Medical Degree
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Hospital & Surgery Center Affiliations
M Health Fairview Southdale
Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center
Ridgeview Medical Center
Two Twelve Surgery Center
Professional Affiliations
PEC Spine Fellowship Co Chair, New York University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2019 – 2020)
PEC Co Chair, University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery (2015 – 2017)
Director of External Development, East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership, Mount Sinai
School of Medicine (2011 – 2012)
Fundraising Representative, East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership, Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2010 – 2011)
Curriculum Coordinator and Instructor, MedDocs, Center For Multicultural and Community Affairs, Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2008 – 2012)
Chair of Community Outreach, Student Council, Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2008 – 2011)
Achievements & Awards
Top Doctor Rising Star: Voted an Orthopedic Rising Star by his peers in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine (2024)
Resident Role Model Award, University of Minnesota (2019)
Orthopaedic Research Society Clinician Scholar Career Development Fellow (2019)
Gillette Cares Award, Gillette Childrens Hospital (2015)
Medical Student Research Fellow, Integrated Spine Research Program, Hospital for Special Surgery (2011)
Appointments
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (2020)
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Long Island School of Medicine (2020)
Staff
Katlyn S.
Care Coordinator
Patient Testimonials
June 14, 2024
Hunter P.
I was living with debilitating low back pain after an accident. I was referred to Dr. Brenner at TCO by my primary care physician after MRI imagining showed staggering herniation. I haven’t looked back since. At first, I was very hesitant due to my physically demanding job, but after a few appointments and a few non-invasive care options that didn’t quite do the trick, I ultimately decided to have Dr. Brenner do a minimally invasive spinal surgery. I have felt like a new person ever since. Dr. Brenner and his care team were outstanding, and the process couldn’t have been any smoother. Following the surgery, Dr. Brenner called me three different times to check in. I can confidently say I’ve only met a few other physicians as genuinely compassionate as him.
April 22, 2023
Dawn B.
In January 2022 I fell walking the dog and knew within hours that something wasn’t right. Every day the pain got worse and soon became intolerable nerve pain. From the very first day I met Dr. Brenner I knew I was in the very best of hands. He made me feel heard and showed compassion for what I was going through. He not only answered all the questions, but addressed some I didn’t know to ask. He thoroughly laid out all of my options and made suggestions of things to try to get relief before going right to the surgical option. After we tried them all, we made the informed decision to go with surgery. I was comfortable in that decision but just as important, he made my family comfortable as well.
The surgery was an amazing success for which I am so grateful and to be honest, with his knowledge and expertise it was what I hoped for and expected. The real story is what happened afterwards. I have never experienced the level of care and I received form Dr. Brenner and his team. He and his care coordinator, Katlyn, called me to check in often, in between follow up visits. I remember thinking ‘Who does that, how sweet is that?!’ Family yes, but your surgeon? It really made me feel like I was more than just a patient on a schedule, and that he truly cared about my health. I just had my one year final follow up and everything is fantastic, even better than expected. I will be forever grateful for the care I received by this team at TCO. I have my life back thanks to Dr. Brenner, Katlyn and the PT team!
April 15, 2023
Matt S.
I had neck pain and numbness, with pain down my arm and into my hand. Dr. Brenner walked me through options, explained everything and took time to educate along the way. He called me multiple times and went to every length necessary to be sure I had all the information I needed. This experience was absolutely the best I have ever had. I’m so glad I met him! Surgery was completed to replace the disk and he took all the time necessary to deal with getting it right. Recovery is going well, my arm pain is gone, and I could not be happier. What a fantastic individual.
September 27, 2022
Mark H.
I was referred to Dr. Robert Brenner at TCO, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his care. I was having intense pain that would shoot down my right leg and prevented me from sleeping while also making it difficult to walk. Dr. Brenner started with taking x-rays, an MRI, and a series of Epidurals, and encouraged some Physical Therapy sessions. I liked his approach of not having to jump right into surgery. I ended up needing surgery, after finding that I had herniated three discs and pinched my sciatic nerve to the point my right leg hardly functioned. A few weeks after surgery, I was able to hike mountains in Colorado, and I am now living a very normal life with continued Physical Therapy and using proper lifting techniques. My right leg is still recovering from the nerve damage, and I thank God daily for the care I received from Dr. Brenner. TCO and Dr. Brenner have been so amazingly kind and professional. Having operated a family business with over 50 employees, my expectations of professionalism are very high. Dr. Brenner and all the staff at TCO not only met my expectations but exceeded them abundantly. I highly recommend TCO!
September 15, 2022
Dawn
I had an injury to my neck and after several visits to various providers, I was referred to Dr. Brenner. The difference was night and day. He talked me through my options, both from an educator perspective and as a healthcare provider, giving me a wealth of information. He also welcomed my family to ask questions. The time from the first appointment through 5 months post-op has been amazing, including calls to check in, post-op appointments and a genuine care on his part. You could not have a better team on your side!
April 6, 2022
Judy
I had the opportunity to become a patient of Dr. Brenner for a stress fracture in my lower back. He has excellent bedside manner and is thorough with his examination, thus giving quality care.
