Adolph Lombardi Receives AAHKS Humanitarian Award

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) has honored Adolph V. Lombardi Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S., for his humanitarian work.

The organization awarded Lombardi its Humanitarian Award at its 25th Annual Meeting earlier this month. Lombardi is the co‐founder and president of the Executive Committee of Operation Walk USA. He also is president of Joint Implant Surgeons Inc. where he actively practices joint replacement surgery in New Albany, Ohio.

Operation Walk USA, entering its sixth year next month, has already helped nearly 600 patients regain mobility and quality of life. It provides all aspects of treatment ─ surgery, hospitalization, and pre‐and post‐operative care ─ at no cost to participating patients who may not qualify for government health coverage, have insurance or afford surgery on their own. Since its inception, Operation Walk USA knee and hip replacement surgeries and related care are valued at more than $15.5 million.

“We help those patients who are suffering from crippling arthritis of the hip and knee and who need a surgical procedure to relieve their pain and help them become gainfully employed. There are no words that can describe the joy you feel as orthopaedic surgeon, when after hours in the operating room you have given a patient a new lease on life. I am so honored to be recognized by AAHKS for these contributions and the work that so many of us do to improve quality of life,” Lombardi in prepared remarks.

In 2010, Lombardi co‐founded Operation Walk USA after participating in mission trips through Operation Walk, an international volunteer medical service organization that provides treatment for patients with arthritis and joint conditions in developing countries.

The AAHKS Humanitarian Award recognizes AAHKS members who have distinguished themselves by providing humanitarian medical services and programs with a significant focus on musculoskeletal diseases and trauma including the hip and knee in the United States or abroad. Lombardi is the second AAHKS member to receive the award, and he will receive a $5,000 donation to benefit Operation Walk USA.