Many know that hip and knee replacement affords its recipients astounding improvements in quality of life upon recovery. What is lesser
known is that, now, total ankle replacement is transforming the lives of ankle pain sufferers across the country. One local recovery story
is that of Columbia, South Carolina resident, Elizabeth Lucas.
In 1976, Elizabeth took a bicycle ride that would change her life forever. Making her way up a steep hill, Elizabeth’s bike hit a rock.
To cushion the fall, Elizabeth pushed all of her weight on to her ankle. However, once she hit the ground, she was unable to move. Luckily,
a neighbor caught a glimpse of Elizabeth and brought her home. Only skin and soft tissue kept her foot together. Hours later, Elizabeth went
to the hospital, where the attending physician had to hold her ankle with both hands to prevent it from breaking further. Elizabeth was in
excruciating pain; her ankle joint had broken in nine different places.
The following day, Elizabeth underwent a surgical procedure where the surgeon placed a screw inside her ankle to stabilize it. However,
Elizabeth continued on with her life in pain, unable to lay her foot flat on the ground and to participate in the daily activities such as
cooking and grocery shopping that brought her the most joy.
Thirty years passed before Elizabeth saw a new surgeon, who chose to remove the screw in Elizabeth’s ankle, hoping it would alleviate pain.
Unfortunately, it made no difference. At her daughter’s wedding three years ago, when Elizabeth could only dance with her husband for two songs,
she became convinced that further medical inaction would increase the likelihood of being limited to crutches or a wheelchair in the near future.
She sought advice from Dr. Robert Santrock and Dr. William James with the Midland Orthopedic Group of Blythewood, South Carolina.
Drs. Santrock and James agreed that Elizabeth’s best option was an ankle replacement. Having been unaware that such an option existed, on July 14,
2008, Elizabeth underwent ankle surgery using the INBONE® Total Ankle System. The system offers a unique prosthesis which allows
recipients to experience movement of the ankle upon recovery.
Six months after her surgery, Elizabeth no longer depended on railings and countertops for stabilization and is able to stand with her foot flat
on the ground. She happily returned to activities she had been unable to participate in for years. Elizabeth recalls when she would depend on other
shoppers to help her reach items she wanted to buy. Now, Elizabeth joyfully assists those that need help when she is at the grocery store, knowing
what it feels like to be unable to partake. She gloats, “Thirty-two years is a long time to have to wait for an ankle replacement and to have it be
a success. Dr. Santrock promised to give me my life back and he is a man of his word!”
Elizabeth 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 nd 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.