Long Branch, N.J.-based Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and Seaview Orthopaedics, a partner practice of RWJBarnabas Health, have provided free joint replacements to two patients through the Operation Walk initiative.
Operation Walk USA is a nationwide initiative that provides free joint replacements to uninsured patients, according to a Dec. 9 news release sent to Becker's.
Throughout the past 14 years, the organization has provided free joint replacements totaling more than $24 million to more than 900 patients.
The two patients undergoing surgeries at RWJBarnabas Health include retired school administrator and Nigerian native Elizabeth Alaribe and Miadea Esther Constance Ganda, who has now had both knees replaced thanks to Operation Walk.
The surgeries were performed by surgeons on staff at MMC and Seaview Orthopaedics, and patients will receive free physical therapy services in partnership with JAG Physical Therapy.
Zimmer Biomet donated the implants for the procedures, which were performed by David Chalnick, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Seaview Orthopaedics who serves as medical director of the joint replacement surgery program at MMC, and Joel Fechisin, MD an orthopedic surgeon with Seaview Orthopaedics and MMC.
RWJBarnabas Health is the only New Jersey-based partner of Operation Walk.