Christ Hospital orthopedic surgeons participate in Operation Walk, provide free hip, knee replacements


Orthopaedic surgeons at The Christ Hospital Health Network will provide free hip and knee replacements to three low-income patients without medical insurance this Saturday, Dec. 5, as part of Operation Walk USA.

Dr. Patrick Kirk, Dr. Edward V. A. Lim, and Dr. Michael Swank will perform the surgeries Saturday morning at The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center.

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“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Operation Walk program,” Dr. Kirk said. “Thanks to the overwhelming support of the many volunteers at Christ Hospital, these patients will be treated, their mobility will be restored, and their lives will be changed for the better.”

Originally founded as a mission trip for orthopaedic surgeons to provide joint replacements in underdeveloped countries, Operation Walk USA is an independent organization that arranges donations from vendors to cover the cost of knee and hip replacement surgery and post-operative care for low-income patients who lack insurance and can’t afford the surgery on their own.

Mary Garrett is one of the recipients of this year’s Operation Walk program. Garrett, 57, has osteoarthritis in her left hip. She didn’t have the funds or insurance to pay for a hip replacement. She found the Operation Walk program through an internet search.

“There are so many things I haven’t been able to do so I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” said Garrett. “I feel like it’s a miracle for me.”

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To Garrett, another part of the miracle is reuniting with the same Christ Hospital physician who replaced her first hip. Several years ago, Garrett was employed and able to get her right hip replaced. The surgery was performed by Dr. Kirk, who will now also replace her left hip.

“I’m really excited that he will do this hip as well,” said Garrett. “I feel like it’s meant to be.”

In addition to the orthopaedic surgeons, a number of anesthesiologist, radiologists, hospitalists, pathologists, cardiologists, and staff from across The Christ Hospital Health Network have volunteered their time on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to assist with the surgery and post-operative care of the three recipients.

Several community partners have also graciously donated resources to this effort, including BioScrip Infusion Partners, Kempf Surgical Appliances Inc., Halyard Health, TCH Home Care and Kroger Pharmacy. Au Bon Pain will provide breakfast to the patients’ families Saturday morning.

Operation Walk USA works with national joint implant vendors, including DePuy Synthes Companies and Zimmer Biomet, who will donate the implants for these procedures. The Christ Hospital also will donate all other charges and expenses associated with the surgeries. The national average of a non-complicated knee or hip surgery is about $30,000 per patient.


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