Patient Resources
Alex C. DiBartola, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, with a focus on outpatient care, minimally invasive techniques, and muscle-sparing anterior hip surgery. He has an interest in uni-compartmental knee replacement. He also has expertise in robotic-assisted joint replacement, helping patients recover faster and get back to the activities they love.
Dr. DiBartola earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from The Ohio State University, where he also completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Wexner Medical Center. He pursued advanced fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, with an emphasis on spine, hip, and sports-related injuries. He then completed a second fellowship in adult hip and knee replacement at Joint Implant Surgeons (JIS) in New Albany, Ohio.
During his training, Dr. DiBartola received numerous awards for his research in knee cartilage and meniscus surgery, including honors from the Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Orthopedic Association, and the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society. He has also received multiple research grants and was recognized with the John B. Roberts MD Award for Excellence in Orthopaedics.
A dedicated contributor to the orthopedic field, Dr. DiBartola serves as a peer reviewer and editorial board member for journals including Arthroscopy and the American Journal of Sports Medicine. He has authored over 100 scientific publications, abstracts, and book chapters.
Originally from Worthington, Ohio, Dr. DiBartola enjoys spending time outdoors with his two sons. He’s an avid bass fisherman, a fan of live music, and a passionate distance runner. He has completed numerous road races, including an Ironman, the 2013 and 2023 Boston Marathons, and several Nationwide Children’s Columbus Marathons
Commonly Treated Conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Hip / Osteoarthritis
- Hip Arthritis
- Avascular Necrosis / Osteonecrosis
- Hip Inflammatory Arthritis
- Hip Pain
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Knee / Osteoarthritis
- Knee Pain
- Periprosthetic Fractures
Commonly Performed Procedures
- Total Hip Replacement
- Same Day Outpatient Total Hip Replacement
- Anterior Hip Replacement – Total Hip Anterior Approach
- Robotic Assisted Hip Replacement Surgery
- Revision Hip Surgery
- Total Knee Replacement
- Same Day Outpatient Total Knee Replacement
- Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
- Partial Knee Replacement/Unicompartment Arthroplasty
- Revision Knee Surgery
- Joint Injections
Clinic Location
Surgery Locations
Education
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UNDERGRADUATE:
The Ohio State University -
MEDICAL SCHOOL:
The Ohio State University College of Medicine -
ORTHOPEDIC RESIDENCY:
The Ohio State University, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency -
FELLOWSHIP:
Joint Implant Surgeons (JIS), Adult Hip & Knee Replacement -
FELLOWSHIP:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship
Titles, Honors & Awards
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Awards
Outstanding Resident Research Award - AANA Travel Scholarship Award
Research & Teaching
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Research
Editorial Board, Arthroscopy - Reviewer, Arthroscopy
- Reviewer, American Journal of Sports Medicine
Patient Reviews
Related Blog Articles
Ranked #1 in Ohio and Top 5 in the Nation for Orthopedics
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopedic specialist?
Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist when pain persists, limits your movement or interferes with daily activities. A specialist can identify the cause and discuss surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Traumatic bone or joint injuries caused by an accident or fall may require immediate orthopedic trauma and fracture care.
What is the difference between an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine physician?
An orthopedic surgeon treats conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons and can perform surgery when necessary. Sports medicine focuses on preventing and rehabilitating activity-related injuries.
Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine program includes primary care sports medicine physicians, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers and physical therapists. The right provider depends on the condition and whether surgical expertise may be needed.
What causes knee pain when going up or down stairs?
Pain while using stairs may need an individual evaluation because several knee conditions can cause similar symptoms. Orthopedic ONE’s knee specialists diagnose and treat conditions associated with overuse, patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar tendinitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains, arthritis and cartilage injuries.
Can a torn meniscus heal without surgery?
Not every meniscus tear automatically requires surgery. Orthopedic ONE offers both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for meniscus tears. A knee specialist can evaluate the location and nature of the injury and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Learn more about the conditions treated by Orthopedic ONE’s knee specialists.
What are the treatment options for knee arthritis?
Nonsurgical treatment options may include personalized exercise, weight management, physical therapy, activity modification, corticosteroid injections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Depending on the extent of joint damage, other options may include biologic therapies, cartilage restoration, osteotomy, partial knee replacement or total knee replacement. Orthopedic ONE’s joint preservation specialists work to preserve the natural joint and delay replacement whenever appropriate.
When is a hip replacement recommended?
Hip replacement may be considered when advanced arthritis or significant joint deterioration causes ongoing pain and reduced function. Younger or active patients with early-stage arthritis, labral tears or structural hip conditions may be candidates for treatments designed to preserve the natural joint.
An orthopedic hip specialist can assess the condition and determine whether joint preservation or hip replacement should be considered.
How long does recovery take after a knee replacement?
Recovery varies according to the patient and treatment plan. The Orthopedic ONE patient education library provides a Step-by-Step Guide to Total Knee Replacement and Recovery, preoperative education and home-exercise resources. Your physician and care team will provide instructions based on your procedure and individual needs.
Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is often a first-line treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. A treatment plan may include therapeutic exercise, manual treatment, pain-relief techniques, activity changes and injury-prevention education.
For some patients with osteoarthritis, physical therapy and other conservative treatments may help delay or avoid joint-replacement surgery. Learn more about Orthopedic ONE’s approach to joint preservation.