LEWISBURG — The Joint Replacement Center recently celebrated a milestone achievement — they have replaced more than 1,000 hips and knees.

Evangelical Community Hospital’s center made the announcement during a June 23 open house for employees and center residents. At that time 10 patients were in residence. Pam Harpster, center team leader, said T-shirts were made for everyone that said “I love this joint.”

The residents and their families were given a catered dinner and the whole center was decorated with balloons. A cake was provided that read “1,000 people have walked through this joint.”

“I think it somewhat shocked a lot of people that since just opening in October 2005 we have done 1,000 patients,” Harpster said.

She attributes that success to the fact that this is the only true joint center in the area.

“We promote the well environment,” she said. “People are up starting the day after surgery in their own clothes. They are in a chair, out of bed. They get so much excellent physical and occupational therapy.”

The Joint Replacement Center receives patients from a wide area of the state, from Duncannon and Dauphin to Hazleton, Mansfield and State College, Harpster said.

Among upcoming events, the center is planning a presentation by Dr. Thomas F. Dominick at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the hospital.

For more information, visit www.ilovethisjoint.com or call 1-888-HIPNKNEE.