Around the country people are lacing up for the 2nd annual Operation Walk USA…more than 109 orthopedic surgeons, at 49 hospitals in 29 states, will provide free joint replacements to 200 individuals on December 7, 2012. Operation Walk USA 2012 provides all aspects of treatment – surgery, hospitalization, and pre- and post-operative care – at no cost to participating patients.
It’s Here: Operation Walk 2012
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Operation Walk USA began in 2011, following in the footsteps of the tremendous success of Operation Walk, an international volunteer medical service organization that provides treatment for patients with arthritis and joint conditions in developing countries.
“I had constant pain for decades, ” said Richard Conroy, a 2011 Operation Walk USA participant from New York, in the November 29, 2012 news release. Since the surgery, “I look forward to going back to work, and golfing again – things that had been too painful for me to enjoy for many years.”
The large number of orthopedic surgeons and medical staff who volunteer their time and expertise each year, at participating hospitals throughout the U.S., “is really a testament to what a rewarding program this is, and what it does for everyone involved, ” said Lawrence D. Dorr, M.D., the founder of Operation Walk (international), and an Operation Walk USA participant. “The ultimate service is unconditional giving of knowledge and skills. This is why we all chose medicine.”
Adolph Lombardi Jr., M.D., FACS is an orthopedic surgeon with Joint Implant Surgeons, Inc. Dr. Lombardi, who is also president of The Hip Society, told OTW,
Unfortunately, there are a number of patients who simply cannot afford to have a hip or knee replacement. We as orthopaedic surgeons know the severe pain and limitations caused by degenerative joint disease of the hip and/or knee. This is our opportunity to share our talent and to restore these patients to a pain free lifestyle. There is no better reward than the smile on the faces of these patients. Their gratitude is beyond anyone’s expectations. Operation WALK USA tugs on the hearts of all those involved in the care of the patient. Team members feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for taking care of these suffering patients who would not have had the opportunity to receive a hip or knee replacement if it wasn’t for Operation WALK USA.
Richard Conroy told OTW,
It is outstanding to be able to have had these surgeries, especially since I don’t have health insurance. I am extremely grateful that I was able to participate in the [Operation Walk] program. While I was working part-time before the surgery, I have been able to go back to work full-time afterward. It has been a real blessing to be able to get to do that.
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Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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