Advanced joint replacement procedures, routinely performed in the United States, are typically not available to residents of developing countries. Due to the efforts of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush surgeon Dr. Craig Della Valle and others, residents of Nicaragua are today receiving much needed joint replacements.

Dr. Della Valle was part of a team of 6 orthopaedic surgeons and 40 other clinicians who recently traveled to Nicaragua to perform advanced joint replacement procedures. Local physicians screened potential patients, reviewing X-rays to determine those cases in greatest need of joint replacement. Over the course of three-and-a-half days, the surgical team performed 72 hip and knee replacement surgeries in 95 degree heat and less than ideal clinical conditions. The team also educated local surgeons on surgical techniques, helping these physicians work towards developing their own joint replacement programs.

"These patients were suffering from severe joint disease," says Dr. Della Valle. "The surgical procedures were very complex, extremely challenging for even the most skilled orthopaedic physicians."

The event was organized by Operation Walk, a not-for-profit volunteer medical services organization. Operation Walk provides free surgical treatment for patients in developing countries that have no access to life-improving care for arthritis or other debilitating bone and joint conditions. Operation Walk also educates in-country orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists and other health care professionals on the most advanced treatments and surgical techniques for diseases of the hip and knee joints. This is done in conjunction with surgeries to help create a lasting contribution to patient care in developing countries.

"It was a tremendous honor to be asked to be associated with Operation Walk and to contribute to the mission," says Dr. Della Valle. "Believe me—I took away as much as I gave."

For more information about Dr. Della Valle and Operation Walk, visit www.operationwalk.org.

For more information about the physicians of MOR, contact us by calling 877 MD BONES.