Clifford Weeless, M.D.

Practice: Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina

Specialty: Orthopedics: Revisions of the Shoulder, Knee, and Hip, Complex Joint Infections

Office locations: Raleigh, Henderson

Most recent review: 3 days ago New

3.3K Ratings

1.4K Comments

Dr. Clifford Wheeless enjoys and performs all types of orthopedic surgery, but is renowned for his expertise in shoulder, hip, and knee replacements, shoulder, hip, and knee revisions, as well as complex joint infections.

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3.3K Ratings

1.4K Comments

Visit Website

Bio Page

The reviews listed below were collected independently of Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.

That’s my man. Dr. Wheeless is an excellent Dr. I appreciate his med

(3 days ago) Oct-2026

He is very thorough, but consistently running 30+ minutes behind schedule.

(4 days ago) Oct-2026

very thorough and professional takes time with you listening to your concerns. keeps on top of up to date procedures

(4 days ago) Oct-2026

Always a positive experience at Ortho NC, Dr. Wheeless is great

(1 week ago) Oct-2026

The G.O.A.T. orthopedic surgeons! 2 months out of total reverse arthroplasty and have almost total range of movement and pain free. Dr. Wheeless III makes it seem simple; but it isn't.

(1 week ago) Oct-2026

He really cares about his patience

(2 weeks ago) Sep-2026

Dr Wheeless is the best. He did my full hip replacement surgery last Friday morning and I am already amazed how little pain I have and how much better my mobility is. I was in so much pain beforehand and the staff and a facilities here at OrthoNC are top notch. This was my first post op visit and I very happy with the results so far.

(2 weeks ago) Sep-2026

Precise diagnosis not seeking a knee surgery Happy with the results

(3 weeks ago) Sep-2026

Dr Wheeless is a fantastic doctor. Would recommend him to everyone

(3 weeks ago) Sep-2026

Dr. Hey was right! Dr. Wheeless is an exceptional physician and person who put the pieces of my daughter’s chronic health problems together and gave us a clear path forward. We are so grateful to have found him!

(3 weeks ago) Sep-2026

Originally from Baltimore, Dr. Clifford Wheeless completed his undergraduate degree at Princeton University in 1988 and attended medical school at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Upon graduation in 1992, he began residency training at Duke University Medical Center where, for his honors thesis, he began work on 'Wheeless' Online Textbook of Orthopaedics,' a publication widely accepted today as the "best illustrated, cross-referenced and organized" online resource for orthopedic information (quote from the "Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery"). Dr. Wheeless donated the rights to the over 11,000-page book, described as "excellent" and given five stars by the American Academy of Orthopaedics, to Duke University in 2004. He remains Chief Editor of the site which is updated daily. The most comprehensive and dynamic site of its kind, it attracts over half a million visitors a month and can be viewed at www.wheelessonline.com.

Well suited to write the most referenced text on Orthopedics, Dr. Wheeless scored within the top three percent in the nation on his medical board exams. He continues to stay informed and involved in the daily advancements made in his field as well as those concerning all areas of medicine. Most recently he has become a recognized leader and expert on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a virulent infection of concern to all surgeons and potential surgical patients. His lecture on the topic, presented at the request of Health Management Associates (HMA- a medical corporation that owns and operates over 40 health care facilities in the Southeast) is available for viewing online at www.wheelessonline.com.

Dr. Wheeless enjoys and performs all types of orthopedic surgery but is renowned for his expertise in shoulder, hip, and knee replacements, shoulder, hip, and knee revisions, as well as complex joint infections. He founded Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina in 2001 and is affiliated at Granville Medical Center and Duke Raleigh Hospital.

Outside of his practice, textbook editing, publishing, and lecturing, Dr. Wheeless relishes spending time at home with his wife Carol and their two sons on their horse farm. With help, the family raises a variety of animals in addition to horses including cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and guinea hens.

Education
Princeton University

Medical School
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Residency
Duke University Medical Center

Specialty
Shoulder, Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder, Hip and Knee Revisions, Complex Joint Infections

Board Certifications
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery & American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Hospital Affiliations
Duke Raleigh
Granville Medical Center