IN a significant move to reduce the growing 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.

According to a press release, a total of 12 joint replacement procedures were successfully completed: eight knee replacements and four hip replacements, marking a notable boost in the department’s surgical output.
Typically, only emergency surgeries are performed on weekends at GPHC, and joint replacement surgeries are limited to two per week, as operating theatre time is shared among multiple departments.

However, to address the long list of patients awaiting care, the Orthopaedics Department has been dedicating one weekend each quarter to perform additional surgeries.
Among the 12 procedures done this past weekend, four were same-day surgeries, where patients were admitted on the morning of the operation and discharged by evening.
This is a relatively new initiative at GPHC, with the first same-day joint replacement having been completed in March 2025.

The success of this approach is a testament to the advanced surgical techniques and enhanced recovery protocols now being implemented by the department’s skilled surgical team.
The remaining eight patients were discharged within 24 hours, further demonstrating the team’s 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 for the year, reflecting the dedication and ongoing efforts of the team to meet the needs of patients awaiting life-changing procedures.

WHY JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY MAY BE NEEDED
Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe joint pain, stiffness, or mobility issues—most commonly in the knees or hips—that significantly affect their quality of life. These symptoms are often caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injury, or other degenerative joint diseases.
When other forms of treatment such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications no longer provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be considered as a last resort to restore mobility and reduce 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, where they will be assessed by a medical practitioner.
If it is determined that the condition cannot be effectively treated with medication or other non-surgical methods, the patient will be referred to the Surgical Outpatient Clinic at GPHC for further evaluation and management by a specialist team.

It is important to note that surgery is only recommended when all other treatment options have been exhausted, and due to the high demand for joint replacement procedures, there is currently a waiting list, GPHC said.

The hospital administration said it remains committed to enhancing access to critical surgical services and applauds the efforts of the Orthopaedics team along with the other supporting departments for going above and beyond in delivering care to those in need.