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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Merry Zirpoli tried to live with rheumatoid arthritis. An avid gardener and shopper and former vice president of purchasing for a manufacturing firm, Merry wasn't ready to admit that she was no longer capable of doing the things she enjoyed.

"The things I loved became trials. I lost the joy of being able to do day-to-day things--the things we take for granted," she said. That's why Merry finally made the decision to seek treatment in November 2004. She was nervous about the prospect of surgery, though. To ease her fears, Merry wanted to go to a place that specialized in the care of orthopaedic patients, and she chose Thomas H. McCoy, M.D. of OrthoCarolina largely due to his association with Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital (POH).

Since 1976, POH has been solely dedicated to the treatment of orthopaedic injuries and diseases. The hospital will commemorate its 30th Anniversary this week to coincide with the observance of Orthopaedic Week October 30-November 4.

Throughout its history, POH has been a leader in the evolution of orthopaedic medicine. Thirty years ago, the average length of stay for patients was nine-14 days, a number that has since been reduced to four days. Early implants lasted about 10-15 years, and while current versions are more costly, they last about 20-25 years.

Even though POH has changed tremendously over time, one thing remains the same: it is still one of only a few hospitals in the country solely dedicated to orthopaedic injuries and diseases. Today, POH provides surgical services in reconstructive surgery, total joint replacement and sports medicine, as well as expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation services.

Additionally, in an effort to continuously bring innovative therapies to patients, POH has participated in clinical research studies since 1998. Current trials include the prevention of blood clots after total joint replacement and the use of bone graft materials in place of patients' bone during spinal surgery.

Two years, two knee surgeries and one hip surgery later, Merry Zirpoli feels lucky. Seeking treatment in a place where everyone is intimately attuned to the needs of orthopaedic patients was vital. "If you have a heart condition, you want to be in the best heart facility. Well, I needed my joints replaced, and I went to the best place for orthopaedic care."

Merry is scheduled to see Dr. McCoy again in December; she still has one more hip surgery to go. In the meantime, she volunteers in the physical therapy department at POH every other week. She watches patients experience the same concerns she used to have. Even though no one wants to have surgery, she tells them not to worry. "They're in good hands. I have three prosthetics, and I don't even remember that I have them." Merry doesn't look forward to her fourth and final surgery, but she's ready. "My son used to call me the white tornado," she said. "It wasn't fun becoming a gentle breeze, but now, thanks to POH, maybe I can be a windstorm."