Dr. Edward Westerheide is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and co-founding member of Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine. He provides comprehensive patient-centered orthopedic care with the goal of returning all of his patients to an active, healthy lifestyle. With over 23 years of experience, he is confident that he can properly diagnose and treat nearly any muscle, bone, or joint injury or arthritic condition that patients may suffer. Dr. Westerheide offers the most advanced, leading-edge surgery techniques available to give patients the exceptional orthopedic care they need. He is committed to seeing patients be their best.
Dr. Westerheide has extensive training and experience in performing knee, hip, and shoulder joint replacement. He has a subspecialty interest in performing arthroscopic minimally invasive shoulder surgeries including arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, instability repair, labral or SLAP tear repair, total shoulder replacement, and reverse total shoulder replacement. Dr. Westerheide also enjoys other aspects of general orthopedic surgery including sports medicine, knee arthroscopy, ACL reconstruction, hand surgery, foot surgery, and fracture care.
After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Dayton, Dr. Westerheide obtained his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Following medical school, he completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. While in Detroit, he had extensive training in the treatment of traumatic injuries and fractures as well as in the care of athletes. He participated in the care of athletes from numerous high school, college, and professional teams, including the Detroit Red Wings NHL hockey team and the Detroit Lions NFL football team.
Besides mentoring high school, college, and graduate school students, Dr. Westerheide also enjoys teaching orthopedics to others and frequently lectures at community education events.
When not working, Dr. Westerheide enjoys spending time with his family as well as traveling, hiking, sailing, snow skiing, and studying American history.
Procedures
Credentials
News
Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine’s Edward L. Westerheide, M.D., was recently featured in the special outpatient surgery edition of the magazine Hot Technology.
The article, “Total Knees Go High-Tech,” focuses on the advancement of technology used in knee replacement, including robotics, custom implants, and alignment tools.
Dr. Westerheide discusses the benefits of using customized implants and tools for knee replacement as well as the process of making them.
To read the full story, please click here.
Edward L. Westerheide, M.D., was recently featured in The Columbus Dispatch for performing a custom knee replacement on a patient nine weeks away from a trip to Africa.
His patient, Linda Bilardello, suffered from osteoarthritis and had been planning this trip to Africa for over a year and did not want to delay it.
Linda was not only able to take her trip to Africa with no delay, but she was also able to climb over 200 steps to a lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa with no problems.
The custom-made implant from Conformis that Dr. Westerheide used for Linda’s knee replacement procedure was designed to fit her unique anatomy using CT scans as well as a 3-D printer.
“The system can go back in time and give you the knee that God gave you prior to you developing arthritis,” said Dr. Westerheide.
To read the full story, click here.
Over the years, Diane H. lived with ever-increasing pain in her knees due to osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint condition. Even her joint structure was affected by the condition, leading to bowing in both of her knees. Last year, an acquaintance recommended joint replacement specialist Dr. Edward Westerheide and his use of the Conformis procedure to Diane.
“I met with Dr. Westerheide to make sure it was a good fit, that I was a good candidate for the surgeries, and that he and I connected on a patient-and-physician level,” recalled Diane. “We did, it was, and we then set things in motion based upon my work schedule.”
With Diane’s diagnosis and Dr. Westerheide’s specialized expertise, they moved forward with a treatment plan that included replacing both knees using the latest in customized knee replacement technology from Conformis.
“I was quite impressed with Dr. Westerheide’s explanation, and we both felt I had the greatest likelihood of success with the Conformis procedure. I appreciated that each implementation would be designed uniquely for each of my knees. It made more sense than pulling one of the hundreds available off the shelf and expecting my body to then acclimate itself to that hardware,” said Diane. “It seemed better for me—considering the design, implementation, the surgery itself, the recovery time, and long-term benefits—to go ahead and have the Conformis procedure.”
Diane was scheduled to have her first of two procedures in May, but when COVID-19 hit Ohio, plans had to be slightly altered.
“My surgery was postponed to June 23 as a same-day surgery. I was hesitant. Working in healthcare, knowing of people who had [traditional] knee surgery, I couldn’t imagine how this could be done outpatient, returning home the same day,” Diane explained. “However, with faith in Dr. Westerheide, I decided that if he recommends this is what’s best, then that’s what I need to do.”
After undergoing her first Conformis knee replacement for her right knee in June at Northpointe Surgical Suites in Zanesville, Diane was back home by 5:00 p.m. that day. After 17 days, she was able to drive again, and in less than three weeks, she was back working at the office. With her work-related responsibilities as a healthcare professional, Diane’s second Conformis knee replacement was scheduled for October.
“I was so pleased when I finished with my left knee surgery, scooted down off the bed in the recovery room, stood up, took a couple of steps, and realized my legs were the same length,” said Diane. “It was just joyous, it really was. I have not had any notable problems. I had physical therapy at home for a couple of weeks. Upon returning to work, I continued with outpatient therapy. I’d just leave my office, walk over to the therapy gym, and walk back. It was great.”
Eleven days after her second surgery, Diane was driving, and in less than three weeks, she was back in the office.
“My stamina has increased to where it was years ago because I’m not in pain. I’m not taking any pain medication whatsoever. Dr. Westerheide and Valerie, medical assistant, as well as the front office staff—have truly been so helpful. I was so pleased with the services that I received and certainly the outcome. It really was a phenomenal experience and remains so,” Diane said.
“Because of my healthcare background, I requested more information than some others would have wanted or needed,” Diane added. “They were very, very thorough. Questions were always responded to promptly. That speaks volumes as far as I’m concerned.”
Now, at 63, Diane can climb steps with ease, and she can carry heavier items that she’d needed a cart or other assistance with before her procedures. She’s happily looking forward to enjoying nights out and participating in more activities once COVID-19 passes.
“I have been able to walk more, and once we kick COVID to the rearview mirror, I would like to go white water rafting again and hot-air ballooning—do some of those things I had been able to do on vacation in the distant past,” said Diane.
If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain, Dr. Westerheide has the extensive experience and expertise to help you too. Call (740) 788-9220 or request an appointment online for a consultation with Dr. Westerheide and find out if you’re a good candidate for Conformis custom knee replacement surgery.
Active Reynoldsburg cyclist Steve M. is no stranger to shoulder injuries. In fact, after a biking accident six years ago, Steve sought treatment with Dr. Edward Westerheide when his daughter, a registered nurse, recommended him. After undergoing a repair procedure for his right shoulder, Steve had been back to biking and even skied all the slopes at Lake Tahoe last March. This fall, he had another accident on his bike, and his left shoulder was severely injured.
Steve was able to immediately visit Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine’s Orthopedic Urgent Care, skipping the ER. “I got right in, no problem,” said Steve. “They treated me really quickly. Then they set me up for an MRI. I have no complaints about them—I recommend them.
“I had the accident, and in about two and a half weeks, I went over the MRI with Dr. Westerheide, and then a week later, I had that surgery. So, it went really quick,” explained Steve, who was scheduled for urgent surgery at our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center, Northpointe Surgical Suites. There, he received specialized orthopedic care with top-notch anesthesia services to make his surgery as painless as possible.
“Dr. Westerheide’s really good. He knows his stuff, and that’s the main thing—get the right person to do it,” said Steve. “But you have to follow through with the exercises. You can do it if you work at it.”
Steve, now 72, is back to riding his bike again. He’s taken some time off to focus on his recovery, but he’s been working hard to be back in full blast at his finish carpentry business for the start of the new year. He hopes his story can help encourage others to stay determined, remain active, and keep doing what they love.
Abigayle Westerheide, PA-C, is a Granville native and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from Elon University. She continued her education at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio, obtaining certification as a Physician Assistant. At Orthopedic Specialists, Abigayle emphasizes a patient-centered approach, actively engaging with individuals to understand their unique needs.
Her background equips her with a strong foundation in sports medicine and general orthopedics, enabling her to provide comprehensive care for all patients. With a passion for athletics, Abigayle also works diligently to help young athletes overcome injuries, facilitating a safe return to the field of play.
Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Abigayle is deeply committed to the local community, delivering personalized and supportive care for all patients. In combining her educational background, clinical expertise, and passion for sports medicine, Abigayle plays a crucial role in contributing to the well-being and swift recovery of all patients within our community.
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