To The Editor:
The number of total joint replacement surgeries performed across the United States is increasing at a staggering rate. In the year 2000, approximately 600,000 total hip and knee replacements were done in the U.S. Last year, the number was 800,000. It is projected that in the year 2020, with aging of the “Baby Boomer” generation, 6,000,000 patients will undergo a joint replacement procedure.
In response to the clearly increasing demand, orthopedic surgeons specializing in joint replacement surgery have sensed the need, in fact the obligation, to help create a comprehensive, efficient system that can provide the best quality care for our patients. This has prompted many of us to take a critical look at the current systems and procedures that have previously been effective for many years but which lack the capacity to cope with the burgeoning surgical volume.
With this in mind, joint replacement institutes (JRI) have been developed across the country. Typically, these have been the result of collaboration between surgeons and a major hospital institution. One of several core principles of a successful JRI is that the staff and personnel, from housekeeping to the physicians, dedicate their services exclusively to the joint replacement patient. The result is a substantially coordinated, patient-centered experience.
The opportunity to develop this JRI was not available at Hartford Hospital but is currently in the development phase at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
With regard to comments made in the recent article in HBJ (April 2, “St. Francis Snags Top Ortho Docs”), correction is also necessary. The JRI under development at Saint Francis Hospital was initiated by the physicians. At no point was there ever an attempt to “recruit” surgeons who were practicing at Hartford Hospital.
Finally, this project is a collegial effort amongst 10 orthopedic surgeons who share an intense passion for treatment of patients with arthritis and for joint replacement surgery…more are welcome.
John Grady-Benson, M.D.
Robert Green, M.D.
Michael Joyce, M.D.
Courtland Lewis, M.D.
Todd Mailly, M.D.
Robert McAllister, M.D.
Paul Murray, M.D.
John J. O’Brien, M.D.
Steven F. Schutzer, M.D.
Gordon Zimmermann, M.D.
The writers are all involved in creating a new joint replacement institute at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford.
