About Operation Walk

Operation Walk Utah is a private, not-for-profit volunteer medical service chapter of the national organization, Operation Walk USA. All chapters of Operation Walk USA provide free surgical treatment to patients with debilitating arthritis or other bone and joint conditions in developing countries and the United States.

Altogether there have been 5 successful trips to El Salvador, since 2007.

Giving the gift of mobility

When Dr. Aaron Hofmann started the Utah chapter of Operation Walk in 2007, he imagined doing free surgeries in third-world countries with a team of volunteers. That hope became a reality when in just three days in May, Dr. Hofmann performed 44 joint surgeries on disadvantaged patients in San Salvador, El Salvador. He was assisted by 42 volunteer surgeons, nurses and scrub technicians from the United States.

What we do during Operation Walk

Operation Walk educates in-country orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals about advanced treatments and surgical techniques for diseases of the hip and knee joints.

100% of medical supplies and equipment are provided through donations.

Individually, Dr. Hofmann and his medical volunteers pay more than $200,000 in cash out-of-pocket expenses and time for each trip overseas.

All supplies–from the joint implants, sterilization and radiology equipment, antibiotics, drugs, and dressings–are donated, and Operation Walk professionals offer their services and skills.