William Hardy, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon — Lorain, Oberlin & Vermilion, Ohio
Hip · Knee · Shoulder · Fracture Surgery
A Surgeon Dedicated to Restoring Mobility
Dr. William Hardy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Mercy Health in Lorain and Oberlin, Ohio, with specialized fellowship training in adult reconstructive surgery from the University of Kentucky. His practice is built around one goal: helping patients recover faster, with less pain, and return to the activities they love.
Dr. Hardy is particularly known for his expertise in the muscle-sparing direct anterior approach to hip replacement — a technique that accesses the hip joint from the front of the body rather than cutting through major muscle groups. This approach reduces post-operative pain, lowers the risk of dislocation, and allows a majority of his patients to go home the same day as surgery.
In addition to hip and knee replacement, Dr. Hardy offers primary and complex revision joint surgery, rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, and fracture surgery throughout the body. He sees patients across all age groups — from teenagers to geriatric patients — and accepts most major insurance plans.
Surgical Services Offered
Dr. Hardy offers a comprehensive range of orthopedic procedures — from minimally invasive joint replacement to complex fracture reconstruction and revision surgery.
Why Fellowship Training Matters for Your Surgery
Not all orthopedic surgeons have the same training. Adult reconstructive fellowship training is a competitive, subspecialty year of advanced joint replacement education completed after residency. Multiple large database studies — each involving hundreds of thousands of patients — consistently show that fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons deliver better outcomes across every category that matters to patients. Dr. Hardy completed his fellowship at the University of Kentucky, one of the country's premier adult reconstructive programs.
- ↓Lower rates of infection, blood clots, and dislocation
- ↓Fewer implant revisions at 5 years
- ↓Lower overall complication rates — confirmed across studies of hundreds of thousands of patients
- ↓Lower rates of surgical site infection and joint infection
- ↓Lower risk of implant loosening and the need for manipulation
- ↓Significantly lower odds of needing revision surgery within 2 years
- ↓Lower dislocation rates after revision hip replacement
- ↓Fewer re-revisions — the advantage is most pronounced in the most complex cases
- ↓Better outcomes for infection cases requiring implant exchange
- ↓Shorter operative times and shorter hospital stays
- ↓Less perioperative opioid use
- ↑Higher rates of going directly home rather than to a rehab facility
The bottom line: When it comes to joint replacement, who performs your surgery matters. Fellowship training in adult reconstructive orthopaedics is one of the strongest predictors of a successful outcome — and Dr. Hardy brings that training to every patient he treats.
Schedule a ConsultationBased on peer-reviewed literature examining fellowship training outcomes in joint arthroplasty. Findings reflect population-level data and may not represent individual patient results.
Among the Highest-Volume Joint Replacement Surgeons in Northern Ohio
Surgical volume is one of the most well-studied predictors of joint replacement outcomes. Research consistently shows that higher-volume surgeons achieve lower complication rates, fewer revisions, shorter operative times, and better patient-reported outcomes — independent of fellowship training.
Dr. Hardy is among the highest-volume joint replacement surgeons in northern Ohio, performing primary and revision hip and knee replacements at Mercy Health Lorain and Oberlin at a rate that places him well above the thresholds associated with optimal outcomes in the literature.
Surgical volume data based on peer-reviewed orthopaedic literature. Individual outcomes vary.
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Joint Replacement
Dr. Hardy performs Mako robotic-arm assisted hip and knee replacement at Mercy Health in Oberlin, Ohio. The Mako system allows for a level of surgical precision that is difficult to achieve with conventional techniques alone — enabling Dr. Hardy to create a personalized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy before ever entering the operating room.
Mako Hip Replacement
Mako robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty consistently demonstrates superior acetabular cup placement accuracy and better restoration of the native hip center of rotation compared to conventional techniques. This enhanced precision translates to improved prediction of component sizing, fewer periarticular soft tissue injuries, and lower early complication and revision rates.
Patients undergoing Mako-assisted hip replacement have demonstrated early functional improvements in both Forgotten Joint Scores and Oxford Hip Scores — meaning patients report feeling less aware of their artificial joint during daily activities.
Mako Knee Replacement
Mako robotic-arm assisted total knee arthroplasty offers a broad range of demonstrated clinical benefits. Studies consistently show reduced early postoperative pain and opioid consumption, along with lower rates of blood transfusion, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and DVT compared to conventional techniques.
Implant alignment is consistently more accurate with fewer mechanical axis outliers, and mid-term patient-reported outcomes — including Oxford Knee Scores, EQ-5D, and patient satisfaction — favor the robotic approach. Dissatisfaction rates are as low as 3% with Mako versus 9% for conventional techniques. The AAOS clinical practice guideline acknowledges accumulating evidence supporting benefits in pain, function, length of stay, and aseptic revision rates.
Is Surgery Right for You?
Many patients wonder whether their pain is "bad enough" to see a surgeon. The honest answer is: if pain or limited mobility is affecting your daily life, it's worth having a conversation. Here are common signs that patients who benefit most from Dr. Hardy's care typically share.
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- ✓Hip pain with activity, walking, or prolonged standing
- ✓Pain that persists at rest or wakes you at night
- ✓Stiffness that limits your ability to bend, walk, or climb stairs
- ✓Pain that hasn't improved with physical therapy, injections, or medication
- ✓X-rays showing significant joint space narrowing or bone-on-bone arthritis
- ✓Difficulty with daily activities like putting on shoes or getting in/out of a car
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- ✓Persistent knee pain during or after activity, or at rest
- ✓Knee swelling or stiffness that doesn't resolve with rest
- ✓Bowing of the leg (varus or valgus deformity)
- ✓Pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair
- ✓No significant relief from conservative treatments like injections or therapy
You may benefit from preservation if you:
- ✓Are younger or more active and want to preserve your natural joint
- ✓Have been told you have a labral tear or FAI (femoroacetabular impingement)
- ✓Feel catching, clicking, or locking in the hip joint
- ✓Have been diagnosed with avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) of the hip
- ✓Want to preserve your natural joint before considering replacement
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- ✓Shoulder pain with overhead activity, reaching, or lifting
- ✓Night pain that disrupts sleep, especially lying on the affected shoulder
- ✓Weakness in the shoulder or difficulty raising your arm
- ✓An MRI or ultrasound showing a partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear
- ✓Shoulder pain that hasn't improved with physical therapy or injections
- ✓Catching, popping, or instability in the shoulder joint
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- ✓Severe shoulder arthritis causing persistent pain and loss of motion
- ✓Pain at rest or at night that significantly limits daily function
- ✓Significant loss of range of motion — difficulty reaching, dressing, or grooming
- ✓X-rays showing bone-on-bone arthritis or severe joint destruction
- ✓An irreparable rotator cuff tear causing weakness and loss of function (may indicate reverse shoulder replacement)
- ✓Failed conservative management including injections, therapy, and medication
Not sure where to start? Dr. Hardy welcomes patients who are simply looking for answers. Many patients come in unsure whether they need surgery at all — and that's completely fine. Dr. Hardy will review your imaging, explain your options honestly, and help you make the decision that's right for you. Schedule a consultation →
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Every patient recovers differently, but here's a general timeline for what to expect after hip, knee, or shoulder replacement with Dr. Hardy. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they're moving.
Remember: Every patient's recovery is unique and depends on age, overall health, activity level, and the specific procedure performed. Dr. Hardy and his team will provide you with a personalized recovery plan at your pre-operative appointment. Schedule a consultation →
Your Patient Journey
From your first call to returning to daily life, here's how care with Dr. Hardy typically unfolds.
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Hardy to review your symptoms, discuss imaging and X-rays, and explore all treatment options — surgical and non-surgical.
Pre-Procedure Planning
Pre-operative testing, anesthesia consultation, and personalized preparation instructions to help you get ready for surgery and recovery.
Surgery & Recovery
Most joint replacement patients go home the same day. Dr. Hardy's muscle-sparing techniques and Mako robotic-arm assisted technology are designed to maximize precision and minimize post-operative pain and hospital time.
Follow-Up Care
Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing, manage recovery milestones, and ensure you're progressing back to full function and the activities you love.
What Sets This Practice Apart
Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make. Here's what Dr. Hardy brings to every patient encounter.
Muscle-Sparing Techniques
Both the direct anterior hip approach and the quadriceps-sparing subvastus knee approach preserve surrounding muscles and soft tissue — resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and better early function compared to conventional techniques.
State-of-the-Art Technology & Implants
Dr. Hardy uses the Mako robotic-arm assisted system for hip and knee replacement at Mercy Health Oberlin, combining personalized CT-based surgical planning with real-time precision that consistently outperforms conventional techniques in alignment and outcomes.
Same-Day Joint Replacement
The majority of Dr. Hardy's joint replacement patients are discharged the same day as surgery — avoiding prolonged hospital stays and recovering in the comfort of their own homes.
Hip Preservation Surgery
For younger and more active patients, Dr. Hardy offers hip preservation procedures — including labral repair, FAI correction, and core decompression — aimed at restoring function and delaying or avoiding the need for joint replacement.
Complex Revision Surgery Expertise
Revision joint surgery requires a higher level of skill and planning than primary replacement. Dr. Hardy's fellowship training specifically prepared him for the most complex revision hip and knee cases.
Adult Reconstructive Fellowship Training
Following residency at SUNY Upstate, Dr. Hardy completed a competitive fellowship in adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery at the University of Kentucky — one of the most respected programs in the country for joint replacement training.
4.9-Star Rating — Majority 5 Stars
Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 221 verified patient reviews, with the majority awarding a perfect 5 stars. Patients consistently highlight Dr. Hardy's thoroughness, clear communication, and genuine investment in their outcomes.
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care
Hip, knee, shoulder, and fracture — all under one surgeon. Dr. Hardy offers a full spectrum of orthopedic surgical care with the same standard of excellence across every procedure and every patient.
William Hardy, MD
Dr. William Hardy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with comprehensive training in adult reconstructive surgery, joint replacement, fracture care, and shoulder surgery. He practices at Mercy Health in Lorain, Oberlin, and Vermilion, Ohio, where he provides advanced surgical care to patients across the greater northern Ohio region.
Dr. Hardy completed his medical degree at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), where he was inducted as a junior-year member of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) — the national medical honor society, recognizing graduates in the top of their class. He then completed an orthopedic surgery residency at SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York. He then pursued subspecialty fellowship training in adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery at the University of Kentucky (UK Healthcare) — a program recognized nationally for training surgeons in complex joint replacement and reconstruction.
Through his fellowship training, Dr. Hardy gained extensive experience in primary and revision hip replacement, total and revision knee replacement, and the full spectrum of complex reconstructive challenges. He has built particular expertise in the direct anterior approach to hip replacement — a muscle-sparing technique that eliminates the need to detach major muscles from the femur, allowing patients to recover with significantly less pain and often go home the same day as surgery.
Dr. Hardy's commitment to his patients extends beyond the operating room. He is known for taking time to thoroughly explain diagnoses, walk patients through X-rays and imaging, and collaboratively develop individualized treatment plans — a hallmark reflected in his consistent 4.9-star patient satisfaction rating — with the majority of reviews awarding a perfect 5 stars — across more than 221 verified reviews.
In addition to his hip and knee practice, Dr. Hardy provides hip preservation surgery for younger and more active patients — including labral repair, FAI correction, and core decompression. He performs Mako robotic-arm assisted joint replacement at Mercy Health in Oberlin, and provides comprehensive shoulder surgery — including rotator cuff repair and both total and reverse shoulder replacement — as well as fracture surgery throughout the body, managing everything from common orthopedic fractures to high-energy and complex injuries.
| Year | Degree / Training | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) |
| 2016 | Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society — Junior Year Inductee | Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) |
| 2021 | Residency – Orthopaedic Surgery | SUNY Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, NY |
| 2022 | Fellowship – Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery | UK Healthcare, Lexington, KY |
| Current | ABOS Board Certification – Orthopaedic Surgery | American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery |
What Patients Say About Dr. Hardy
Dr. Hardy consistently receives outstanding feedback across all age groups and procedure types, with the majority of patients awarding a perfect 5-star rating. His scores reflect a standard of care built on expertise, transparency, and genuine concern for patient outcomes.
Ratings are collected through Mercy Health's independent patient satisfaction survey program and represent verified post-visit responses only.
"For the first time meeting Dr. Hardy, I felt comfortable and very included in the plan he put together for me. He was very thorough showing me the X-rays of my knees and showed me how a knee replacement works. I would recommend him to other people."
"Dr. Hardy was outstanding. Answered all questions thoroughly and made me feel completely confident going forward with surgery. His staff is professional and caring."
"Young, educated, and experienced. Dr. Hardy was very informative and gave me confidence in my treatment plan. I appreciated how clearly he explained everything."
Reviews sourced from Mercy Health's verified patient satisfaction program. View all reviews on Mercy Health →
Accepted Insurance Plans
Dr. Hardy accepts a broad range of insurance plans. Always verify with your carrier before your visit, as insurance information is subject to change.
Insurance participation is subject to change. Call 440-222-4970 to confirm your plan is accepted and to schedule an appointment.
Common Patient Questions
Serving Patients Across Northern Ohio
Dr. Hardy sees patients from throughout northern Ohio at his three Mercy Health locations in Lorain, Oberlin, and Vermilion. His practice draws patients from across Lorain County — including Elyria, Avon, Avon Lake, Amherst, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Lake, Vermilion, Wellington, and Grafton — as well as from the western communities of Cuyahoga County, including Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, North Olmsted, Berea, and Strongsville.
Patients from Erie County — including Sandusky, Huron, and Milan — and from Huron County communities such as Norwalk, Bellevue, and Willard regularly travel to Mercy Health Allen in Oberlin for their orthopedic care. Dr. Hardy also sees patients from Medina County, including Medina, Brunswick, and Wadsworth.
If you're unsure whether Dr. Hardy serves your area, call 440-222-4970 or request an appointment online. Most new patients can be seen within a few days.
Ready to Get Back to Moving?
Dr. Hardy is accepting new patients at Mercy Health in Lorain, Oberlin, and Vermilion, Ohio. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to schedule surgery, we're here to help you take the next step.
Lorain, OH 44053
Oberlin, OH 44074
Vermilion, OH 44089