About
Mark R. Merrell, MD, is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedics Surgeons. He specializes in surgical and non-surgical treatment of the hip, knee and shoulder (including joint replacement).
Dr. Merrell grew up working in the potato fields of eastern Idaho but developed an early interest in the medical field. After sustaining several injuries himself, he became interested in how the body works and heals. He wanted to be an orthopaedic surgeon from the time he was 12 years old.
After practicing in the Tri-Cities for over 25 years, one of his greatest satisfactions is seeing his patients’ improvement after treatment (whether that be surgical or non-surgical).
Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist
Dr. Merrell specializes in the following orthopaedic procedures and treatments:
- Computer Assisted Surgery
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Replacement
- Arthroscopic Knee and Shoulder Surgery
- Fracture Care
Mark R. Merrell, MD Background & Accolades
Education
- Undergraduate: Associate’s Degree, Premedicine, Ricks College, Rexburg, ID
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree, Microbiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
- Medical: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Training
- General Surgery Internship: Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
- Orthopaedic Surgery Residency: Phoenix Integrated Orthopaedic Residency Program, Phoenix, AZ
Professional Affiliations
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Member, Western Orthopaedic Association
- Member, Washington State Medical Association
- Member, Benton-Franklin County Medical Society
Certifications
- Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners
- Diplomate, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
I had hoped to get rid or mask some of the pain in my knee but the prescription was not a successful Dr Merrell was kind and listen to my experiences
Quickly identified the source of pain; provided clear list of treatment options; answered all of my questions in a way that was easy to understand.
He is always very professional and to the point. I appreciate that.
Everyone from the reception desk to the nurses to the x-ray techs, to the doctors are awesome. Thank you so much for helping with my knee replacement surgery.
I was called in on time , Dr. Merrill knew instantly what my problem was and PA Eric Lowe knew how to take care of the problem. They are like a well oiled machine. I have been treated by them for at least a decade and they will continue to be the only orthopedics in this area as far as I am concerned. I highly recommend them.
I personally have experienced nothing but the highest level of professionalism from Dr. Merrill. He has an amazing team that works hard for each of his patients.
Thank you Doctor Merrell to you and your staff for caring for me and my family through the years in a professional and caring way. All of our needs are met from diagnosing, treatment, physical therapy and surgery if needed. The professionalism and caring is there throughout. Congratulations for being the best
Dr Merrell is great he listens to his patients and explains everything very well. The staff are very kind patient and caring. The receptionists are very friendly and helpful. Overall the entire office is caring and helpful to their clients.
Dr. Mark Merrell did an excellent job for me doing a full right knee replacement. I now have full range of motion and strength to do the things I enjoy without pain including hiking, golfing, swimming, and working out. I highly recommend him!
Dr Merrell was great. He described my treatment plan in detail. Very satisfied with every visit.
I've been living with knee pain for more than two years. It has been a year of work to get prepared for replacement. The entire staff at TCO has been very good at making sure I understood the work involved after the replacement. Two weeks out from surgery and I couldn't be happier.
The staff is very efficient. Dr. Merrell was very thorough in his explanation of my options for care. I highly recommend Dr. Merrell and TCO
Dr. Merrill is great. In fact all the staff is great. Everyone is attentive and patient. I've never been treated so well in a doctor's office before. I highly reccommend this office for any orthopedic needs. Their therapy department is also really professional and helpful.
Dr. Merrill is very kind. He has great attention to detail.
I had Mark Merrill perform a total knee replacement of my left knee on November 21, 2025. I am very pleased with the way that the surgery went and with the care that I received and continue to receive from Dr. Merrill, his office staff and their physical therapy facilty at Tri-City Orthopedics. I am looking forward to having Dr. Merrill perform the same surgery on my right knee.
Dr. Merrell was professional, knowledgeable and personable. Glad I chose him.
I have had knee problems since 2016. Dr Merrill has been there for me giving me the best care!
Great Staff, P.A. and Doctor. Excellent communication from staff before and after surgery. This is my 2nd surgery from Dr Merrell. Knee replacement before and now Shoulder replacement. I would Highly Recommend Dr Merrell and his Staff.
Dr. Merrill thank you for taking the time yesterday to see me. I appreciate You and your team looking into the second hip and seeing that it’s just as bad as the the right hip. Look forward to getting one replaced and then hopefully the other shortly thereafter in 2026.
xrays showed both left hip and knee were not bone to bone. which was good as replacement of knee or hip not needed at this time. I was Offered an injection or therapy and was not sure which to select, and Dr Merrell then suggested trying therapy so I decide to do that. I got an appointment for 11/10/2025 for first therapy visit at TCO. Overall I was very satisfied with the appointment with Dr Merrell, hoping therapy helps with hip and knee pain.
Dr. Merrill was very thoughtful and detailed about my condition. A great experience!
Dr. Merrell listened to my concerns and responded appropriately with my needs first and foremost.
I retired in May of 2025. While working for Costco I had a full knee replacement surgery done in 2013. Before retirement I wanted to have a scar tissue removal procedure performed to improve my range of motion. Unfortunately, after that procedure I lost range of motion. Before surgery I was 0° extension and 80° flexion. After surgery I was 20° extension and 70° flexion. I tried several weeks of physical therapy with no success. So without 0° extension I was walking with a severe limp. I sought out two additional opinions from NW orthopedic surgeons only to be told by both surgeon’s that my chances to regain my extension were slim to none. I was feeling down and desperate. Thank the lord that I have a very supportive wife. I also thank the lord for Dr. Mark Merrell and Dr. Eric Lowe. Through their teamwork and successful knee revision I have regained my knee extension. I am still recovering today, but 2 weeks after surgery I have better knee movement than I ever have. I appreciate my medical team and staff.
Dr. Merrell is an excellent surgeon. Networking well with other medical providers and locations, he replaced my hip with minimal downtime and excellent follow up care. As a Veteran and retired law enforcement, I strongly recommend him.
I had a great experience, Dr Merrell was very kind and listened to me and asked all the right questions and was very thorough.
Thank you for your help. Extracting the fluid from my knee has returned it to normal and greatly relieved the pain!
Dr. Merrell did a wonderful job on my knee both before and after surgery. He had prepared me by answering my questions laying out the procedure ahead of time.
Dr Merrill did a fabulous job couldn't ask for any better surgeon to take care of you
Excellent, caring, thorough analysis and explanation, very timely! Thank you!
I appreciate the staff getting me in to see Dr Merrell quickly…Dr Merrell is great!
Dr. Merrell knows his business! He explained what the knee x-ray showed and explained what he was going to do to fix it! I was referred to him and am very happy to get that referral! Thanks Dr, Merrell and staff!!!
I understood the problem, the solution and what I needed to do to accomplish my goal. A very helpful relaxing professional visit. Thank you.
Dr Merrell is thorough with complete regard to every detail. I recommend him to my family and you.
This is a fine clinic & physical therapy clinic. The staff are very professional & have a smile for everyone! Very pleased with my treatment.
Dr. Merrell has been so easy to work with!! He listens and then answers so that his explanation is understandable to someone without medical knowledge. I feel comfortable with his team, and am receiving great care!!