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Dr. Robert Wetzel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in Adult Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery. He specializes in total and partial knee replacements, direct anterior hip replacement, and revision of previous hip and knee replacements. Dr. Wetzel follows a rapid recovery approach to joint replacement, with the goal of getting his patients back home and to their normal routine.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, Dr. Wetzel earned his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine graduating top 5 in his class. Following his residency at Mount Carmel Health System, he completed a prestigious fellowship at the Florida Orthopedic Institute where he underwent extensive training on primary and revision knee replacement as well as robotic and computer navigation techniques.

Dedicated to his community, Dr. Wetzel has volunteered for medical mission trips and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Ohio Orthopedic Society, American Medical Association, and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

In his free time, Dr. Wetzel prioritizes spending time with his wife and two sons. He also enjoys golfing, and Ohio State Football. A native of Cleveland, Dr. Wetzel Is excited to practice in the state he grew up in.

Education
  • Undergraduate:
    The Ohio State University
  • Medical School:
    University of Toledo College of Medicine
  • Orthopedic Residency:
    Mount Carmel Health System
  • Orthopedic Fellowship:
    Adult Reconstruction and Arthritis Surgery, Florida Orthopedic Institute
Titles, Honors & Awards
  • Chief Resident
    Mount Carmel Orthopaedic Residency
  • Awards
    Castle Connolly Rising Star 2025
Associations
  • American Academy Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Ohio Orthopedic Society (OOS)
  • American Medical Association (AMA)
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
Research & Teaching
  • Orthopaedic Resident Representative on the Quality and Safety Council,
    Mount Carmel Health System

Patient Reviews

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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.