Operation Walk USA: 11 Years of Alleviating Joint-Related Suffering

For the 11th December in a row, Operation Walk USA has provided no-cost joint replacements to patients suffering with hip and knee pain. This December, a total of 20 orthopedic surgeons at 18 hospitals around the country performed life-enhancing surgeries covering all aspects of treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, and pre-and post-operative care. Since 2010, Operation Walk has provided free total joint replacement to 802 patients and surgeries valued at more than $21.6 million.

Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., M.D., president and co-founder, Operation WALK USA, reflected on WALK USA’s growth and sustained commitment telling OTW, “We are grateful that this year, again, Operation Walk USA volunteers are able to help patients with end-stage arthritis and enable them to return to pain-free living. Once again, these deserving individuals will be able to do simple tasks many of us take for granted: walk their pets, play with their children or grandchildren, be able to get through a supermarket without relying on a wheelchair, climb stairs—and in some cases, return to being employed and being able to provide for their families.”

“Without restored mobility, none of these everyday activities would be possible. We thank our volunteers and their hospitals, other healthcare professionals and administrators, our industry donors, and everyone else who contributes annually to this program. This program is one of the finest examples of our profession giving back right here in our communities across the United States.”

“This is the best holiday gift I could ever receive from Operation Walk USA,” said Rodna Smiton, 54, of Clearwater, Florida, who had suffered from an orthopedic injury experienced in her youth. On December 4 she had a left hip replacement under the care of Brian T. Palumbo, M.D. and the collaborative efforts of the Pioneer Medical Foundation, AdventHealth Carrollwood, and Florida Orthopedic Institute. “I have dealt with pain for so many years and my leg has always been a compass for what I could or couldn’t do. I now look forward to regaining my mobility and I can’t wait to start doing again all the things I enjoy.”

The 2021 national program was conducted in memory of Lawrence D. Dorr, M.D. (1941-2020), founder of Operational Walk (International) and co-founder of Operation Walk USA. This year, DePuy Synthes, DJO, Medacta, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Total Joint Orthopedics, and Zimmer Biomet donated the hip and knee implants for Operation Walk USA.