THE Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program at Sutherland Hospital has saved the taxpayer almost $500,000 by reducing the need for costly knee replacements.
It was introduced in 2011 to help people manage their condition with the help of specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dieticians.
A total of 19 people no longer required a knee replacement after participating in the program; a further 26 postponed surgery.
Galina Metlina, 67, of Caringbah, enrolled in the program 15 months ago and can now jump on a trampoline with her grandchildren.
Program co-ordinators Cathy Brand and Belinda Tavares said it was likely that Ms Metlina would have required surgery had she not joined the program.
About 300 people take part each year and it attracts about 30 new recruits each month.
The co-ordinators said that the average age of a person requiring a knee replacement was 72, and in most cases obesity had exacerbated the condition.
The hospital conducts about 400 hip and knee replacements each year.
A knee replacement costs about $25,000.
