November 26, 2019, San Antonio, TX – With the holiday spirit officially here, we are all planning ahead to make this a special time of year. While many of us may be moving at record pace to organize plans, wrap gifts, decorate our homes and fill stockings with care, there are millions of Americans experiencing excruciating hip and knee pain that affect quality of life and mobility. Getting into a car, walking through the mall or down the street or even shopping for that special
someone can be overwhelming and exhausting. That’s where Operation Walk USA 2019 can make a difference and dramatically improve quality of life.
From December 2-7, 2019, an estimated 60 patients will benefit from free joint replacements from 35 volunteer orthopaedic surgeons at 23 hospitals.
Now in its tenth year, Operation Walk USA takes place each December as a humanitarian effort and allows for greater hospital, surgeon and medical staff participation. The program provides every element of treatment ─ surgery, hospitalization, and pre-and post-operative care ─ at no cost to patients who may not qualify for government health coverage, have insurance or afford surgery on
their own. According to the Centers for Disease Control , nearly 23 percent of adults – or more than 54 million people suffer from arthritis. By 2040 that is expected to climb to 26 percent or 78 million of us.
Arthritic disease is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., with the debilitating end stages of hip or knee degenerative disease making any movement or activity exceedingly difficult and near impossible.
“Operation Walk USA is an annual tradition for us and a way for orthopaedic surgeons, their staff, and hospitals to give back to those patients who need it most,” stated Dr. Amanda Marshall- Rodriguez. “The best gift we can give is a new lease on life by providing the gift of mobility. This is a true collaborative effort and we are indebted to all those who volunteer their services.”
Operation Walk USA began in 2010 following the tremendous success of Operation Walk, an international volunteer medical service organization that provides treatment for patients with arthritis and joint conditions in developing countries. To date, 802 patients received help through Operation Walk USA, held in the month of December, annually since 2010. Since its inception, Operation Walk USA has provided knee and hip replacement surgeries valued at more than $21.6
million. Device manufacturers DePuy Synthes, DJO, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Total Joint Orthopedics, and Zimmer Biomet are donating the hip and knee implants for the 2019 Operation Walk USA.
Operation Walk USA 2019 facts:
- Operation Walk USA 2019 will be held at 30 hospitals throughout the country, December 2- 7.
- An estimated 35 orthopaedic surgeons will provide hip and joint replacements, free of charge, to 60 patients nationwide.
- Operation Walk USA 2019 is based on the successful experiences of Operation Walk, which has provided hip and knee replacements to thousands of patients throughout the world since 1996.
- This is the tenth year for Operation Walk USA, which has provided free total joint replacement to 802 patients to date and surgeries valued at more than $21.6 million.
- The program’s average annual impact includes work in 21 states with 33 hospitals, 55 orthopaedic surgeons and 82 patients.
- To find a list of participating orthopaedic surgeons and cities, visit www.opwalkusa.com , or follow Operation Walk USA 2018 on Facebook and Twitte r.
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If you’d like to learn more about joint replacement, or how to better take care of your joints, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) hosts an informative and interactive patient education site at www.orthoinfo.org . Orthopaedic surgeons restore mobility and reduce pain; they
help people get back to work and to lead independent, productive lives.
Visit ANationInMotion.org to read successful orthopaedic stories.
About South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital
Surgery Partners has partnered with local physicians to establish South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital. In this partnership, the physicians assist in management of the hospital, resulting in a hospital solely run for the benefit of the patient. This innovative approach creates an integrated and holistic approach to healthcare. As a nationally recognized center for spine and joint care excellence, STSSH takes pride in providing the highest quality clinical care in a one-on-one, warm and caring
environment. For additional information, please visit www.southtexassurgical.com, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or like us on Facebook.