Operation Walk- Women Orthopaedist Global Outreach

The wogo surgeons travel to the mission city for a pre-trip session where they meet with local surgeons and healthcare professionals to coordinate logistical details. They work with local medical professionals to screen, evaluate and take x-rays of potential surgical candidates. The surgeons and the support team spend about a week in the mission city. All surgeries are performed during the first few days of the trip to ensure that the wogo team is on hand to monitor outcomes and treat any complications. The goal is to perform as many joint reconstruction surgeries, as time and donations allow. For patients, the surgical procedure involves pre and post operative patient education and a two-to- four day stay in the hospital. Rehabilitation is the focus of the latter part of the week. Physical therapists conduct classes for patients and their families teaching and demonstrating safe techniques. Local physical therapists are trained to continue the healing process for these patients after the wogo team returns to the united states. The surgeons and team members participate in an Outreach activity towards the end of each trip after surguries are complete. This is usually with the assistance of another non-profit and its staff, souls4soles, distributing shoes and clothing to those in need. In 2022, a trip was taken to guatemala where 40 full knee replacement surgeries took place. Shoes were distributed to every patient as well as to 500 children in the antigua area.