Wheeling Man Receives Free Knee Surgery at West Virginia University
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A Wheeling man is one of two people who are receiving the gift of mobility this holiday season.
Richard Thompson of Wheeling and Cynthia Lawrence of Lost Creek, W.Va., underwent free total knee and hip replacements, respectively, at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown through Operation Walk USA.
Operation Walk USA takes place each December in an annual tradition of giving back. The program provides all aspects of treatment -- surgery, hospitalization and pre- and post-operative care -- at no cost to participating patients who may not qualify for government health coverage, have insurance or be able to afford surgery on their own.
Last week, an estimated 60 patients received free joint replacements from 40 volunteer orthopedic surgeons at 36 hospitals.
Lawrence and Thompson had their surgeries Thursday. In addition to the surgery, Thompson, whose surgery was performed by Dr. Matthew Dietz, also will receive free physical therapy from Country Roads Physical Therapy in Wheeling. Dr. Brock Lindsey performed Lawrence's surgery.
"We are very committed to this program. It has become an annual tradition and a way we can all give patients a new lease on life," said Dr. Benjamin Frye, orthopedic surgeon and director of the Operation Walk USA program at WVU Medicine. "These individuals will start the new year with mobility and renewed hope and spirit. This is a real collaborative effort, and we appreciate the support of our local volunteers, primary care physicians and their staff, and the donors and supporters for their generous time and expertise."
Operation Walk USA began in 2010 after 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, 702 patients received help through Operation Walk USA. Since inception, Operation Walk USA provided knee and hip replacement surgeries valued at more than $18.9 million.
Arthritic disease is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., affecting approximately 46 million Americans, or more than 21 percent of the adult population. The debilitating end stages of hip or knee degenerative disease often makes working or completing even the simplest of daily tasks -- lifting a child, getting into the car, running errands or traveling on business -- exceedingly difficult and challenging.
"While knee or hip surgery may be the answer, many patients may not be able to afford it, are not sure where to turn, or know what options may be available to them," Frye said.