At 75 years old, Remo Mezzetta has the energy and outlook of someone 15 years younger. But not long ago, chronic pain and limited mobility were interfering with his work as a contractor and his ability to enjoy everyday life.
Remo’s journey with Central Indiana Orthopedics (CIO) began in early 2023, when shoulder pain led him to seek care from shoulder specialist Dr. Brian Badman at CIO Fishers. Based on his positive experience, he returned just a couple of months later – this time to see foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Adam Lyon – to address ongoing ankle pain.
That appointment ultimately led to a treatment plan that included ankle surgery in August 2023, giving Remo his first taste of recovery with the CIO team. Around the same time, Remo saw CIO hip and knee surgeon Dr. Jamie Kay to evaluate a partial left knee replacement he had undergone back in 2008 at another orthopedic practice. Dr. Kay later performed a total left knee replacement in February 2025, giving Remo more long-term relief and improved function.
In the meantime, Remo moved forward with additional procedures that were necessary for his overall mobility and quality of life. He underwent a left total shoulder replacement in January 2024, followed by a right reverse total shoulder replacement in November 2024, both performed by Dr. Badman.
To help with ongoing spinal pain, Remo also received spinal injections from physiatrist Dr. Bill Hall in May and June 2025, rounding out a comprehensive, multi-specialist approach to getting him back on his feet.
Throughout each step in his journey, Remo says the difference was clear. “I healed very quickly from each procedure,” he recalls. “I had my shoulder operated on and was back to work in a week. With my knee, I was walking in three days and starting therapy. I had heard horror stories of months-long recoveries, but my experience was the complete opposite.”
That smooth recovery, Remo says, is a result of the combination of advanced technology and compassionate care he received at CIO. “The care here is different because of both the technology and the attitude of the people – from the doctors to the nurses to the front desk,” he explains. “Everyone is pleasing, client-driven and the technology is fantastic. Each operation I’ve had here has used technology that’s truly over the top.”
But what stood out even more than the clinical care was the personal attention. “I got follow-up calls to see how I was doing. After one operation, I even got a personal call from Dr. Badman. That kind of attention makes you feel less like a patient and more like part of the family.”
The results speak for themselves. “I’m walking better, my stability is back and I feel 60 years old again,” Remo said. “I can play golf, ride my bike, run and even lift weights three times a week. Each procedure gave me back activities I thought I might have lost forever.”
As a contractor, returning to work was a huge priority for Remo. Before surgery, pain and limited mobility made it hard to walk job sites or climb stairs. After his procedures, he returned to full strength. “I was able to get back out on job sites, walking and climbing stairs like before. It gave me back not only my health but also my confidence.”
That confidence, built with each successful surgery, is what kept him coming back. “After my first surgery, I felt so confident in the care I received that it made it easy to move forward with the other operations I needed. Each doctor – Dr. Badman, Dr. Lyon, Dr. Kay, Dr. Hall – walked me through the process step by step, explaining everything with compassion.”
For Remo, a good doctor offers more than expertise – they offer empathy, clear communication, and genuine care for the patient as a person. He found all of that, and more, at CIO.
“When friends ask me where to go for orthopedic care, I don’t hesitate. I recommend CIO to everyone. They’re completely driven to satisfy the patient, with professionalism, compassion and expertise. My recoveries here have been shorter than anything I’ve experienced before. I tell people all the time – go to Central Indiana Orthopedics.”
Remo’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when advanced orthopedic care, true compassion and comprehensive services come together under one roof. Explore our full range of services and learn how we can support your orthopedic needs at ciocenter.com/services.