Patient Resources
Dr. Joel R. Politi is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement and reconstruction. He received his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio. He completed his residency at the Akron General Medical Center in Akron, Ohio and a fellowship at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, focusing on adult reconstruction.
Dr. Politi is actively involved in clinical research and has numerous publications in leading orthopedic journals. He regularly presents on a local, regional and national level. A practicing surgeon and educator, Dr. Politi teaches at the undergraduate, medical school and residency levels; and leads courses for orthopedic surgeons on the latest surgical techniques. Dr. Politi was one of the first surgeons in central Ohio to perform outpatient or same-day total joint replacement.
In 2015 Dr. Politi was honored by the Arthritis Foundation with the “Pioneer in Medicine” award, for his leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. He is ranked among the top orthopedic surgeons in the country, being voted to the prestigious Best Doctors® and America’s Top Doctors® lists by his peers consistently since 2015. Dr. Politi has also been honored many times by his patients, and is a three time recipient of a Guardian Angel Award, an award given by the Mount Carmel Foundation on behalf of patients.
In 2003, Dr. Politi founded COSI’s Surgical Suite: Total Knee Arthroplasty program, which allows students in high schools throughout the country to watch a live surgery through interactive media. Since its founding, the program has reached more than 100,000 students.
He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Ohio Orthopaedic Society, Columbus Orthopaedic Association, and the American Medical Association.
Patient Testimonial Videos
Tammy Zimmerman, Bilateral Total Knee Replacement: Click here to hear her story
Eric Humphries, Outpatient Total Knee Replacement: Click here to hear his story
Is Outpatient Joint Replacement right for you? – Click here to listen to two patient success stories
John’s Journey – Click to see his story
Click here to watch Dr. Politi’s presentation on Rapid Recovery at Orthopedic ONE’s 2016 Arthritis CME.
Commonly Treated Conditions
- Hip Arthritis
- Hip Pain
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Knee / Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Hip / Osteoarthritis
Commonly Performed Procedures
Clinical Locations
Surgery Locations
Education
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Medical School:
Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine -
Orthopedic Residency:
Akron City Hospital - Summa Health System and Akron General Medical Center -
Fellowship:
Adult Reconstruction, New England Baptist Hospital -
Board Certification:
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Titles, Honors & Awards
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Title
Founder of COSI's Surgical Suite: Total Knee Arthroplasty Program -
Awards
Mount Carmel's Guardian Angel Award - 3 time recipient - Castle Connolly Top Doctors
- Becker's ASC Review 2020
- Best Doctors 2015-2020
- Arthritis Foundation's Norman O. Rothermich Pioneer in the Medicine Award 2015
Associations
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- American Association of the Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
- Ohio Orthopedic Society (OOS)
- Columbus Orthopedic Association (COA)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA)
Research & Teaching
-
Clinical Educator
Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Ohio University DO School -
Research
Presenter at top associations including OOS and Mid-America Orthopedic Association
Care Team
Alyssa Howden, PA-C
"The most rewarding part of my job is assisting patients to live their daily life without pain. "
Education / Training
- The Ohio State University, B.S. in Human Ecology & Nutrition
- The University of Toledo, M.S.B.S. in Physician Assistant Studies
Bio
Alyssa is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. She assists Dr. Politi in various clinical research projects with orthopedic interest to improve patient outcomes.
In her free time she enjoys staying active and experiencing life with family and friends. She resides in Upper Arlington with her husband (Brett), daughter (Elliott) and Weimaraner (Lennox).
How Do You Typically Interact with Patients?
I assist Dr. Politi clinically seeing patients in the office and surgically in the operating room on a weekly basis.
I have a special interest in conservative management of knee/hip arthritis and performing injections.
Why do you work at Orthopedic ONE?
Location(s)
Patient Reviews
Related Blog Articles
Ranked #1 in Ohio and Top 5 in the Nation for Orthopedics
Orthopedic ONE Physicians Named to Newsweek America’s Leading Doctors 2025 List
The Road to Recovery: Our Patient-First Approach to Hip & Knee Replacement
Sitting Pretty: Maintaining Hip Health as a Desk Worker
Orthopedic ONE Physicians Named Top Doctors®
From Head to Toe: Resolutions for Musculoskeletal Health
We’ve Moved! New Address in Gahanna
From Pain to Performance: How Orthopedic ONE Treats Knee Conditions
Orthopedic ONE named #1 in Ohio, and #3 in the Nation for Orthopedics
52 ORTHOPEDIC ONE PHYSICIANS NAMED TO COLUMBUS TOP DOCTORS® AND RISING STARS® LIST
ORTHOPEDIC ONE PHYSICIANS NAMED TO COLUMBUS TOP DOCTORS® LIST
Orthopedic ONE Physicians Featured in America’s Top Doctors® List
Dr. Feibel and Dr. Politi Receive Guardian Angel Awards
At Orthopedic ONE, we’re more than physicians…sometimes we’re patients, too!
Dr. Joel Politi Named to Becker’s ASC Review’s List of 65 Total Knee Replacement Surgeons to Know
Physicians Named to Columbus Monthly’s Top Doctors® List 2020
We’re more than physicians…Meet Dr. Joel Politi
Orthopedic ONE physicians named to both Top Doctors and Best Doctors® lists 2019
Orthopedic ONE physicians named to both Top Doctors and Best Doctors® lists 2018
Columbus Monthly goes inside Dr. Politi’s interactive OR
Drs. Backes and Politi Receive Guardian Angels Awards
Is Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Right for You?
Orthopedic ONE physicians voted 2017-18 Best Doctors in America®
Dr. Joel Politi Named Guardian Angel by the Mount Carmel Foundation
Orthopedic ONE physicians named 2017 Top Doctors list
Orthopedic ONE physicians named to Best Doctors® and America’s Top Doctors® lists
Orthopedic ONE physicians name to America’s Top Doctors® list 2016
Dr. Joel Politi featured in Bexley Living Magazine
Dr. Joel Politi Honored as Mount Carmel Guardian Angel
Dr. Michael McShane and Dr. Joel Politi Receive Pioneer in Medicine Award
Orthopedic ONE physicians named to Best Doctors® and America’s Top Doctors® lists 2015
Dr. Joel Politi talks with WOSU’s All Sides with Ann Fisher on surgery preparation
INSPIRATION TRAVELS FROM LIBERIA TO DR. JOEL POLITI
SURGICAL SUITE: TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT AT COSI
EVEN THE TOUGHEST TURN TO DR. POLITI: UFC PIONEER DISCUSSES RECENT HIP REPLACEMENT
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.
What is the difference between arthritis and a sports injury?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by cartilage breakdown. It can lead to chronic pain, swelling, stiffness and structural changes within a joint. Orthopedic ONE provides joint preservation treatments intended to relieve symptoms and slow joint deterioration.
Sports injuries are generally related to overuse, repetitive activity, collisions or falls. They may include strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations and tendon or ligament tears. These conditions are evaluated through Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine program.