Hip and Knee Specialist Mark McElroy, MD, Joins University Hospitals

Innovations in Orthopaedics | Winter 2024

Mark McElroy, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacements and complex revisions. He is an Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and has published over 20 research articles in leading orthopedic journals. He joined the University Hospitals Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in October 2023.

Mark McElroy, MD

“Dr. McElroy comes from an engineering background, which has equipped him to take care of some of the most challenging joint replacement problems,” says James Voos, MD, Chair of the UH Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. “We are excited to have him join us as one of our two new joint replacement surgeons who have trained at top programs in the country.”

From Engineering to Surgery

Dr. McElroy began his career as an engineer. He earned an undergraduate degree from Penn State with a minor in leadership and a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins, graduating tied for first academic rank at both institutions.

He then attended Harvard Medical School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the student-run medical journal and achieved the highest score in Healthcare Policy. He completed residency at the University of Pittsburgh and a year of complex hip and knee replacement fellowship training at Mayo Clinic.

Training at Mayo Clinic

During his fellowship at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Dr. McElroy focused on all aspects of hip and knee replacements. He developed expertise in direct anterior hip replacements, noting that he “had a great experience with this muscle-sparing approach and decided to focus on it in my own practice.” He performs both total and partial knee replacements. “For the correct patient, partial knee replacement can offer a faster recovery and a more natural-feeling knee,” he says. Lastly, he gained experience in revision surgeries. “In addition to correcting failing implants, revision surgeries provide insight into ways to improve primary surgeries,” says Dr. McElroy. 

Robotics and Advanced Software

Drawing on his engineering background, Dr. McElroy utilizes leading-edge robotics and software, performing computer-assisted hip and knee replacements with streamlined recovery protocols. “The technology helps characterize the anatomy and place the implant exactly where it will work best,” he says. 

A History of Community Service

Dr. McElroy has a long history of giving back and was on the Community Service Executive Board of his engineering company. He has been involved with food bank distributions, inner city IV drug use prevention, activity hours for children at Ronald McDonald House and events with the American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

He was recognized as one of “Baltimore’s 35 Under 35” for his leadership and devotion to those less fortunate.

A Growing Program

Dr. McElroy is joining the UH Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at a time of record growth. Over the past year, expansion has included six new robotic systems, 20 additional operating rooms, 50 additional exam rooms and the opening of the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute. “The department leadership is very forward-thinking,” he says. “They recognized the importance of adding robotics and advanced surgical equipment. I cannot imagine a better environment for delivering the best care to our patients.”

For more information, contact Dr. McElroy’s office at 216-286-0210.

Contributing Experts:  
Mark McElroy, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center 

Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

James Voos, MD 
Chair
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 
Jack and Mary Herrick Distinguished Chair
Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine  
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center 

Charles H. Herndon Professor and Chair of Orthopaedics
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 

Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns 
Medical Director, Cleveland Ballet