Docs Provide Free Implants in Kentucky

Three orthopedic surgeons at the Christ Hospital Health Network spent their Saturday, December 5, providing free hip and knee replacements to low income patients who did not have health insurance. According to the Northern Kentucky Tribune, their work was sponsored by Operation Walk USA. The surgeons were Patrick Kirk M.D., Edward V. A. Lim, M.D. and Michael Swank, M.D. The surgeries were performed at the Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center.

Operation Walk USA was originally founded as a mission trip for orthopedic surgeons to provide joint replacements in underdeveloped countries. Operation Walk USA is an independent organization that arranges donations from vendors to cover the cost of knee and hip replacement surgery along with post-operative care for low-income patients who lack insurance and can not afford the surgery on their own.

Operation Walk USA works with joint implant vendors, including DePuy Synthes Companies and Zimmer Biomet, who donate the implants for these procedures. The Christ Hospital donates all other charges and expenses associated with the surgeries.

In addition to the orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologist, radiologists, hospitalists, pathologists, cardiologists, and staff from across the Christ Hospital Health Network volunteered their time on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday December 5, 6 and 7, to assist with the surgery and post-operative care of the three recipients.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Operation Walk program, ” Kirk told the Tribune reporter. “Thanks to the overwhelming support of the many volunteers at Christ Hospital, these patients will be treated, their mobility will be restored, and their lives will be changed for the better.”