In a significant effort to reduce the backlog of joint replacement surgeries, the Orthopaedics Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) conducted a series of knee and hip replacement surgeries over the weekend. A total of 12 joint replacement procedures were successfully completed, including 8 knee replacements and 4 hip replacements, marking a notable increase in the department’s surgical output.
Typically, GPHC performs only emergency surgeries on weekends, with joint replacements limited to two per week due to shared operating theatre time among multiple departments. To address the growing list of patients awaiting care, the Orthopaedics Department has dedicated one weekend each quarter to perform additional surgeries.
Among the 12 procedures conducted this past weekend, four were same-day surgeries, where patients were admitted in the morning and discharged by evening—an initiative introduced in March 2025. This approach has proven successful, showcasing advanced surgical techniques and enhanced recovery protocols employed by the department’s skilled surgical team. The remaining eight patients were discharged within 24 hours, further demonstrating the commitment to improving patient outcomes and hospital efficiency through modern, minimally invasive practices.
To date, the Orthopaedics Department has completed a total of 79 joint replacement surgeries this year, reflecting the team’s dedication to meeting the needs of patients requiring life-changing procedures.
Why Joint Replacement Surgery May Be Needed
Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe joint pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, particularly in the knees or hips. These symptoms are often caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injury, or other degenerative joint diseases. When other treatments—like medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes—fail to provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be considered to restore mobility and alleviate pain.
How to Access Joint Replacement Surgery at GPHC
Individuals who believe they may need joint replacement surgery are encouraged to visit their nearest healthcare facility for an assessment by a medical practitioner. If non-surgical treatments are deemed ineffective, patients will be referred to the Surgical Outpatient Clinic at GPHC for further evaluation by a specialist team. It is important to note that surgery is only recommended after exhausting all other treatment options, and due to high demand, there is currently a waiting list.
The GPHC remains committed to enhancing access to critical surgical services and applauds the efforts of the Orthopaedics team, along with supporting departments, for their dedication to delivering care to those in need.
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