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The ReplacementsEmployees with new joints pick up the paceMore than 7 million people in the United Stateshave undergone total joint replacements. Theseknee and hip surgeries give back mobility and an activelifestyle to those who have them, including a group ofNorton Healthcare employees who formed a walkinggroup called “The Replacements.”Sally Mastrolia, executive assistant, HumanResources, helped organize the team members andnamed the group after the movie “The Replacements,”which tells the story of a group of men who got a secondchance to play professional football.“I feel like we all have been given a second chance,”said Mastrolia, who had a partial left knee replacementat Norton Brownsboro Hospital in 2014. “In my case, Idon’t want to waste it.”Jennifer Hutchins, executive secretary,Kosair Children’s Hospital, got her second chanceafter undergoing a total hip replacement, also atNorton Brownsboro Hospital in 2014. Prior to hersurgery, Hutchins experienced constant hip pain thatradiated down her leg, creating problems with her kneeas well.“It was affecting my quality of life every day, and Ididn’t like it,” Hutchins said. “The difference from beforemy surgery and after is amazing. The way I see it, themore active you stay, the younger you feel and the moreenergy you have every day.”The Replacements also includes Deve Vetter, R.N.,system associate vice president and patient safety officer,and Helen Combs, director, Compensation. Vetterhad both knees replaced, in 2012 and 2013, at NortonHospital. She stressed the importance of keeping jointsmobile and improving range of motion, especially forthose with arthritis.“I’ve always been active and wanted to resume thatlevel of activity as soon as I could,” Vetter said. “I’ve gotgrandchildren to keep up with!” Vetter completed theKentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon in April.For Combs, who had both hips replaced at NortonBrownsboro Hospital in 2014, keeping active isimportant to her recovery.I feel like we allhave been given asecond chance“After physical therapy, it is important to keepactive to maintain the ability to use the joint and use itappropriately,” she said.All of the team members agree that getting movingand introducing some level of activity is the first step torecovery after a joint replacement.“Get up and keep moving,” Vetter said. “You don’thave to do a miniMarathon. Keep pushing that range ofmotion. I think I am still improving that even after18 months.”–Tracy KellerDeve Vetter, R.N., Sally Mastrolia and Jennifer Hutchinsenjoy a workout together.CONNECT • July/August 2015 5