Operation Walk USA coming to Tift Regional Medical Center

TIFTON — Operation Walk USA will provide free joint replacements for patients across the country from 40 volunteer orthopedic surgeons at 25 hospitals nationwide next week.

This includes three patients at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton with procedures performed by Georgia Sports Medicine orthopedists, and Zimmer Biomet donating the joint replacement implants.

Officials with Tift Regional said Dr. David Banks with GSM brought the Operation Walk USA program to the hospital’s attention of a couple of years ago.

“While knee or hip surgery may be the answer, many patients may not be able to afford it and feel helpless in knowing where to turn or what possibilities may exist,” Banks said. “Operation Walk USA helps select patients who need surgery but may be economically-disadvantaged.”

Banks said 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.

“We are glad to be able to participate and help those in need, especially during the holiday season,” Banks said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 23 percent of adults, or 54 million people, suffer from arthritis. By 2040 that is expected to climb to 26 percent or 78 million people.

“Operation Walk USA is an annual tradition for us and a way for orthopedic surgeons, their staff, medical centers and hospitals to give back to those patients who need it most,” Dr. Adolph V. Lombardi Jr., orthopedic surgeon and president and co-founder of Operation Walk USA said. “The best gift we can give is a new lease on life and to help individuals return to mobility, range of motion and physical activity in all areas of their lives. 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 success of Operation Walk, an international volunteer medical service organization that has provided treatment for patients with arthritis and joint conditions in developing countries since 1996. To date, nearly 800 patients received help through Operation Walk USA and has provided knee and hip replacement surgeries valued at more than $20 million.

Device manufacturers DePuy Synthes, DJO, Smith and Nephew, Stryker, Total Joint Orthopedics are donating the hip and knee implants for the 2018 Operation Walk USA along with Zimmer Biomet.

A part of Tift Regional Physician Group, GSM is an orthopedic and sports medicine clinic based in Tifton. The orthopedists at GSM are Banks, Dr. James Scott, Dr. William Smith, Dr. Edward Hellman and Dr. Kyle Fleck. GSM participates in the Tift Regional Joint Replacement and Spine Care Center program.

“With a comprehensive educational program, this specialized inpatient unit is specifically dedicated to helping patients overcome pain and restore mobility,” Banks said. “The goal is to involve patients and family members in treatment every step of the way to ensure optimal recovery.”

Operation Walk USA 2018 will be held from Monday until Dec. 9. The 40 orthopedic surgeons will provide hip and joint replacements, free of charge, to about 40 patients nationwide. To learn more about the program, visit www.opwalkusa.com, or follow Operation Walk USA 2018 on Facebook and Twitter.

Tift Regional Medical Center, the flagship hospital for Tift Regional Health System, is a 181-bed regional referral center offering services in surgery, oncology, cardiovascular care, women’s health and more. The health system also comprises of TRMC West Campus, Cook Medical Center, Cook Senior Living Center along with clinics located throughout the region.

Jennifer Parks