Jack W. Wylie, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon; and Jon C. Cook, D.P.T., doctor of physical therapy; of Verde Valley Medical Center’s Joint Replacement Program, presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Western Orthopaedic Association (WOA) in Maui, Hawaii, July 23-27, at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. This is the second year in a row they have been asked to speak at this national conference. The WOA works to promote research and patient care in the area of orthopaedics, and includes more than 1,700 members consisting primarily of orthopaedic surgeons.

Drs. Wylie and Cook presented results of their research into the high success rate of the VVMC Joint Replacement Program which has been shown to decrease length of hospital stay, decrease complication rate, increase speed of rehabilitation, and improve range of motion. Patients involved in the program also have shown improvement in walking distance and decrease in pain in as little as six weeks after surgery.

Knee and hip replacement surgery as treatment for different types of arthritis is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgeries in the world today. Due to the high volume of people requiring this surgery in the Verde Valley, VVMC started its Joint Replacement Program six years ago. Since then, it has gained national recognition as a center of excellence for its high success rate. The program is wellness-oriented, for otherwise healthy individuals who need hip or knee surgery. It focuses on preoperative education, state of the art surgical techniques, skilled nursing care, and focused pain management strategies. Advanced physical therapy includes a focus on restoring independence as soon as possible.

For more information about the Joint Replacement Program at VVMC call Dr. Wylie at 634-1112 or Cook at 639-6383.