George, 60, spends his entire day on his feet as a Cable TV technician. His job requires constant mobility and agility while climbing up
and down ladders. For the past four years George has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis which eventually progressed to osteoarthritis. In fact,
his arthritis was so severe it broke down all the cartilage in his ankle. George could no longer walk without pain. His ankle had swollen to
the point that not even his arthritis medication could ease his pain.
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After 3 years of suffering, George could no longer bare to have arthritis take over his life. He consulted Dr. Steve Brigido at Coordinated
Health to discuss his options. Dr. Brigido informed George that, due to the severity of his arthritis, he had no other option but to fuse or
replace his damaged ankle. At this point, ankle implants were relatively new technology and lacked a proven track record. This left George with
only the option of ankle fusion. George was not ready to make such a drastic decision so he continued to suffer through another year of pain. After
a year had passed and George’s pain had further increased, he knew it was time to make a decision. It was when he returned to Dr. Brigido to further
discuss an ankle fusion that Dr. Brigido informed George of a new implant known as the INBONE® Total Ankle. According to Dr. Brigido,
the INBONE® Total Ankle had reduced the survivorship risks associated with the previous implants. George took Dr. Brigido’s advice and
decided on the INBONE® Total Ankle. George received his implant on May 20, 2008.
After ankle replacement surgery, George was back to work full time in just over eight weeks. Before his surgery, George anticipated his return to
work to be a struggle. Knowing that he would be on his feet all day, he wasn’t sure how his new ankle would hold up. Since being back to work, he has
not had any issues carrying on his daily activities. “Compared to the state my foot was in before my surgery, it’s as if I have an entirely new foot!”
George exclaims. He now enjoys all family activities without ankle pain.
George 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® 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® 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.