Most people are aware of the technology that exists to replace arthritic hips and knees, but patients suffering from ankle osteoarthritis
didn’t have many options until recently. Recent technological advancements are changing the way severe ankle osteoarthritis is treated. Andrew
is a patient who has benefited from the advancements in total ankle replacement technology.
You will need Adobe's Flash Player to view this video. Please click on the link below to download the Adobe Flash Player.
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Andrew was living the retirement he always dreamed. He was traveling with his wife, playing ball with his grandchildren and volunteering with
local charities. In fact, he had never been happier. Retirement was everything he hoped it would be. All of that changed in November 2007 when
Andrew fell out of a bucket truck while volunteering with the American Legion. He fell nearly 11 feet and broke his ankle upon impact. After doctors
fitted him with a cast and set his ankle, Andrew thought he would be climbing ladders again within a few months. However, severe arthritis set in
nearly immediately leading to a year of agony.
Each night Andrew woke up multiple times with sharp, shooting arthritic pains in his ankle. Every step he took caused him agonizing pain, and
even simple activities such as walking to the mailbox or going to the grocery story were enormously difficult. He ended each day by icing and elevating
his ankle for over an hour. Painkillers didn’t offer him even temporary relief, and his retirement was becoming isolated and depressing. When he sought
the help of a local physician, Andrew was devastated when he was told he had no other options other than to live with the pain.
Frustrated by his inability to live his life and the months of chronic, debilitating pain, Andrew began researching the latest treatments for severe
ankle osteoarthritis and discovered Dr. Craig Radnay at Long Island Jewish Hospital, who was known for his use of cutting-edge technology to help his patients.
After examining his ankle, Dr. Radnay suggested that Andrew consider an INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement. Andrew was thrilled to learn about an
option that would allow him to return to the active and full retirement he enjoyed prior to his accident. Andrew scheduled his surgery right away, and he received
his INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement on December 30, 2008. The results have been amazing.
Andrew woke from the operation without the nagging, throbbing pain he experienced for an entire year. As he says, “I had forgotten what my life was like without
pain in my ankle. It was truly wonderful to wake up without it” Within weeks of surgery, Andrew was doing physical therapy and walking with the assistance of an aide.
Four months post- surgery, he was walking unassisted and without pain for the first time in more than a year. Andrew and his family are amazed at the significant
difference the INBONE® Total Ankle has made in his life.
Today he spends his days helping his children with their home repairs, and he is still actively volunteering with the American Legion. His four grandchildren are
thrilled he is once again able to play baseball with them and attend their little league games. Andrew’s wife is also delighted that they have been able to resume
traveling and their active lifestyle. Andrew states, “I would encourage everyone I know to seek out alternative options. I am so happy that my search for a treatment
option led me to Dr. Radnay and the INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement.”
Andrew was treated with an INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement. Until recently, there were limited options for ankle replacement in the U.S.
The INBONE® Total Ankle began as a leading foot and ankle surgeon’s quest to provide a viable surgical solution to ankle arthritis patients
for pain reduction and restored mobility. The INBONE® ankle team carefully studied previous ankle designs to determine the causes of implant failure.
With that knowledge in hand, and using design elements already proven successful in hip and knee implants, INBONE® ankle engineers designed a total ankle
replacement intended to stand the test of time.
The prosthesis consists of two main pieces: a tibial component and a talar component. The tibial component features a high strength polyethylene piece secured within a titanium holder. A long titanium stem securely anchors this half of the implant within the tibia. The talar component is an anatomically shaped, highly polished cobalt chrome piece which also features a stem. The talar stem is inserted into the talus (ankle bone) to securely anchor this half of the implant. Once installed, the smooth plastic surface of the tibial component rotates effortlessly on the highly polished metal surface of the talar component, resulting in smooth, fluid movement.
These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery. Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.