Operation Walk USA provided an estimated 60 patients with free joint replacements from 40 volunteer orthopedic surgeons at 36 hospitals from Dec. 4 to Dec. 9, 2017. The program has been extended through February.
Here is what you need to know about Operation Walk USA:
1. The program provides surgery, hospitalization and preoperative and postoperative care at no cost to patients who may not qualify for government health coverage, have insurance or be able to afford surgery on their own.
2. Operation Walk USA started in 2010 following the success of Operation Walk, an international volunteer medical service organization that provides treatment for patients with arthritis and joint conditions in developing countries.
3. Since 2010, nearly 762 patients received help through Operation Walk USA, which is held annually one week in December. Operation Walk USA has provided knee and hip replacement surgeries valued at more than $20.5 million to patients with arthritis and joint conditions. Arthritic disease affects approximately 46 million Americans — more than 21 percent of the adult population — and is the most common cause of disability in the U.S.
4. Medical device manufacturers DePuy Synthes, DJO, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Total Joint Orthopedics and Zimmer Biomet donated the hip and knee implants for Operation Walk USA in 2017. Ortech Data donated technology for electronic medical record management.
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Orthopedic surgeon to know: Dr. Ned Amendola of Duke University