The Zimmer Mobile Learning Center, a traveling education vehicle that provides
information about joint replacement surgery and an up close look at technology
used in those procedures, will be visiting West Plains on Oct. 2. The
center will be parked at the West Plains Civic Center from 11 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. on that day and will be open to the public and available for
those attending the West Plains Chamber of Commerce Meeting that day to
tour before or after the meeting.
The Zimmer center is a 45-foot, 18-wheel expandable vehicle that travels
the United States offering free educational sessions on new advancements
in joint replacement.
The visit is hosted by Ozarks Medical Center Orthopaedic Clinic.
"We are so pleased that OMC has been chosen to take part in this unique
educational opportunity," said Valarie Williams, OMC Director of
Clinics. "Joint replacement surgeries are on the rise and learning
more can help prepare patients and their families and ease their anxiety
about the procedure and the recovery process."
The visit also corresponds to the welcome of Board Certified Orthopaedic
Surgeon James L. Rushford, DO, who recently joined David Denenny, MD,
at the OMC Orthopaedic Clinic, located at 1609 Porter Wagoner Boulevard.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the number of
joint replacements is skyrocketing. Currently, more than 645,000 U.S.
residents undergo knee replacements annually, with the number expected
to reach 3.4 million per year by 2030. In addition, the academy estimates
that the number of annual hip replacements, currently at more than 300,000,
is expected to nearly double by 2030.
"People are healthier and living longer, more active lives. However,
painful aching joints can cause some to suffer with pain," said OMC
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. David Denenny. "Joint replacement surgeries
are positively impacting patients' quality of life. Progress in medicine
and implants are enabling seniors to lead more active, mobile lifestyles
well into their retirement years."
For more information about the mobile learning center, call 417-257-6735.
To reach the OMC Orthopaedic Clinic, call 417-256-1745.
Contact: Shandi Brinkman
September 23, 2014