Operation Walk Providing Free Joint Replacements

From December 3-9, 2018, roughly 30 patients received free joint replacements from 40 volunteer orthopaedic surgeons at 25 hospitals as part of Operation Walk USA.

Lawrence Dorr, M.D., the visionary founder of Operation Walk, co-founder of Operation Walk USA, and professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, described his motivation in starting Operation Walk to OTW, “Imagine if you had hip pain that kept you awake at night, did not let you walk one block, you could not put on your shoe and sock, and your self-esteem was gone because you are so crippled. You have no insurance, can’t work because of your arthritic hip, and have no way to pay the doctor when you ask about care. You are frustrated and angry. And then the doctor’s office calls you back and tells you there is a program available for you that will pay for operating your hip. It is named Operation Walk.”

“That story is the story of Operation Walk USA. In 2001 the Los Angeles chapter of Operation Walk began to operate each year on local citizens without insurance. In 2009, Jeri Ward R.N., coordinator, asked other hospitals to join us. And nine doctors in nine cities enthusiastically did so. The following year, Adolph Lombardi Jr., M.D., chose Operation Walk as his project as president of the Hip Society, and Olga Foley became the executive director as it became connected to AAOS [American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons].”

“Operation Walk USA has the same effect on the participants as does an international trip. Clinically the nurses, therapists, operating room technicians, physician assistants, physical therapists and doctors benefit as much as the patients.”

Kevin Fricka, M.D., co-president of Operation Walk Virginia and orthopedic hip and knee surgeon at the Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic, Alexandria, Virginia, talked about his program to OTW.“The program has been around for several years and the rewarding part is helping patients locally who would not have access to joint replacement surgery—local surgeons helping local patients alleviate the pain and disability associated with arthritis by providing them with a brand-new joint replacement.”

“Operation Walk USA provides a glimpse of hope for our local patients that they might have access to care they would not otherwise be able to afford. Our patients return to the community as success stories and over the years they have returned to us to show off their progress and gratitude. As a surgeon seeing your local patients helped by this charitable program and the relief it provides them is truly rewarding.”

“The clinically interesting part is how our hospital team pulls together to help each Operation Walk USA patient and treat them just like my non-charitable cases. The stories of each patient are different and unique; my team enjoys hearing each patient’s story and pulling resources together to help that individual patient.”

Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., M.D., co-founder and president, Operation Walk USA and New Albany (Ohio) orthopedic surgeon with Joint Implant Surgeons described his enthusiasm for this excellent program to OTW.“Operation Walk USA brings Operation Walk International right home to our own backyards. There are many people in the United States who simply cannot afford to have an operative intervention. These patients suffer with severe disabling arthritis, which limits their basic activities of daily living.”

“Each patient has a slightly different story, but what we hear on a routine basis is that they simply do not have the finances to pay for appropriate insurance and have learned to suffer through the pain and discomfort. When they learn of the program, it gives them great hope and optimism that indeed they may be able to receive a joint replacement and return to some quality of life. It is truly rewarding to know that you will be making a difference in the patient’s life and that you will be giving them a new lease on life.”

“The other part of this program that is clinically interesting is how everyone around you gets excited and is very positive about taking care of these patients [for] Operation Walk USA, not only helps the patients and their families, it is also a team-building concept for all of the personnel engaged in the care and treatment of these patients.”