Janis’ Story: Walking Again, Thanks to ChristianaCare

This month, Janis Riley of Newark, Delaware, got her wish to walk again. She received the gift of a new knee at ChristianaCare as part of Operation Walk USA 2024.

“I am elated that this day has come,” Riley said, as she arrived for her knee joint replacement surgery on Dec. 2.

Riley had been struggling with walking and everyday tasks for a decade, she said.

Like Riley, patients assisted through Operation Walk USA have end-stage arthritic disease, which limits the abilities of 54 million Americans and is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, call 800-693-2273.

As a humanitarian effort, Operation Walk USA and participating health systems provide 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 be able to afford surgery on their own.

“Participating in Operation Walk USA is another way we improve the quality of life for our neighbors,” said Matthew Rubino, M.D., MBA, FACS, chair of the Department of Surgery.

“Through the expert care of our Center for Advanced Joint Replacement, our surgeons and their teams, people are able to walk again, to move again, and to participate more fully in life, in work and in what brings them happiness.”

ChristianaCare’s Center for Advanced Joint Replacement is among the most advanced, comprehensive programs for hip and knee replacement in the country.

The center performs more than 2,200 total hip and knee replacements annually, using the latest minimally invasive techniques, with clinical outcomes that are among the best in the nation.

For Riley, her hope for her knee replacement was summed up in one word: “Walk.”

First State Orthpaedics surgeon Eric Johnson, M.D., who is chief of ChristianaCare’s Orthopaedic Division, performed Riley’s knee replacement.

“This is a partnership about health, service, community and access to care,” Johnson said. “We are proud to be part of Operation Walk USA, restoring mobility and quality of life for Ms. Riley and patients around the country.”

Riley was discharged 24 hours after her knee replacement, standing, walking and navigating stairs with the help of a walker.

Her next wish? “I love dancing.”

To date, more than 900 patients received knee and hip replacements through Operation Walk USA, valued at more than $26.4 million since the program’s inception in 2011.

To find an orthopedic surgeon near you, call 800-693-2273.