Volunteer Docs and Companies Provide Free Joint Replacements

Surgeons performed more than one million hip and knee replacements in 2013, but an additional 230 will be added to that total between December 2 and December 7. That’s when 130 volunteer orthopedic surgeons and 70 participating hospitals will provide free joint replacement surgeries to patients who otherwise could not afford them. The physicians and hospitals are participating in a program called “Operation Walk USA 2013.”

“Helping someone to walk again, and to return to a life without pain, is indeed a cause worth celebrating, ” said New Albany, Ohio orthopedic surgeon Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., M.D., president of Operation Walk USA. “Operation Walk USA is now in its third year of providing total hip and knee replacements to underserved patients. This year we have expanded the official dates of Operation Walk to help more patients in need.”

The program provides all aspects of treatment: the surgery, hospitalization, and pre- and post-operative care-at no cost to participating patients who may not qualify for government assistance, have insurance or can’t afford surgery on their own.

Operation Walk began as an international volunteer medical service organization to provide treatment for patients with arthritis and joint problems in developing countries. More than 6, 000 patients have received new knees and hips through the international Operation Walk. The U.S. program began in 2011 and has now installed nearly 300 joints through Operation Walk USA 2011 and 2012.

Device manufacturers Biomet, DePuy, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Total Joint Orthopedics Inc. and Zimmer are donating the hip and knee implants for Operation Walk 2013. To find a list of participating orthopedic surgeons and cities, visit www.opwalkusa.com, or follow Operation Walk USA 2013 on Facebook.