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  • Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery-Hand Surgery, Hand Surgery
  • 41 years of experience
  • University Orthopedic Surgeons 1926 Alcoa Hwy Ste 210, Knoxville, TN 37920
  • (865) 293-4911

Brief Intro

Dr. Richard S. Smith is a fellowship trained hand surgeon practicing in Knoxville Tennessee. Dr. Smith has over 25 years of experience treating both common and complex problems of the hand, wrist and elbow. Dr. Smith was born in Chattanooga and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduating in 1980. He then attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis and graduated in 1984. Dr. Smith then did a one year general surgery internship and a four year orthopedic residency at the University of Florida Health Sciences program in Jacksonville, Florida. He also did a one year fellowship in Hand Surgery at Baylor University in Houston, Texas. He joined what is now University Orthopedic Surgeons in 1990 and has practiced in Knoxville since then. Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of orthopedic surgery and holds a certificate of added qualifications in hand surgery. Dr. Smith is consistently recognized as one of Knoxville's \"Top Docs\" by City View magazine. Dr. Smith treats all of the common problems of the hand wrist and elbow such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and tennis elbow as well as caring for many complication hand and upper extremity traumatic injures. He has a special interest in less invasive procedures and was the first practitioner in Tennessee to use injectable collagenase in the treatment of Dupuytren's disease. He also performs the FAST procedure, a minimally invasive treatment for tennis elbow. Along with his Nurse Practitioner, Sydney Sherrill, FNP, Dr. Smith is open for new appointments and consultations. Dr. Smith's personal hobbies include playing music, running, golf and reading. He has written a number of gospel songs which were recorded and sold to raise money for local charities. Dr. Smith has been married to his wife Ruth since 1986 and they have two daughters. Casey is a medical student at the UTHSC in Memphis planning to graduate in 2017 and Barbara has been accepted into the UTHSC medical school class of 2020.

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Education Background

RESIDENCY

Jacksonville Health Ed Prog

MEDICAL SCHOOL

University Of Tennessee Health Science Center College Of Medicine - 1984

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Location & Hours

  • University Orthopedic Surgeons
  • 1926 Alcoa Hwy Ste 210, Knoxville, TN 37920
  • Mon:8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Tue:8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Wed:8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Thu:8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Fri:8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Sat:Closed
    Sun:Closed

Specialties Treated

  • Hand Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Plastic Surgery-Hand Surgery
  • Plastic Surgery
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Conditions Addressed

  • Rotator cuff syndrome
  • Lateral Epicondylitis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fractures, Dislocations, Derangement, and Sprains
  • Internal Derangement of Knee
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Procedures Performed

  • Carpal Tunnel Decompression
  • Lower Arm/Elbow/Wrist Fractures and Dislocations
  • Carpal Tunnel Decompression

Insurance Accepted

* Insurance information may change frequently. Please verify directly with the provider (doctor/clinic).

  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Tricare
  • Medicare
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
  • Humana
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
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  • Cancer 18
  • Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery 19
  • Orthopedics 29
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery 25
  • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery 27
  • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery 28
  • Diabetes & Endocrinology 12
  • Children's Hospital 6
  • Urology 27
  • Psychiatry 39
  • Geriatrics 20
  • Rehabilitation 27
  • Obsterics & Gynecology 9
  • Ophthalmology 1
  • Ear, Nose & Throat 4
  • Rheumatology 1
  • Long Term Care 7
  • Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) 10