Most people are aware that technology exists to replace arthritic hips and knees, but, until recently, patients
suffering from ankle osteoarthritis had limited options. However, technological advancements are helping people
like Jack get back on their feet.
Jack has always been active—he played 17 years of competitive baseball, along with football. He also coached
his sons’ baseball and football teams for 10 years and played tennis, golf and water skiing for more than 25 years.
When he reached retirement, he was thrilled to devote more of his time to traveling with his wife and enjoying his
favorite hobbies. Jack said, “The first eight years of my retirement were incredible. I was always playing tennis,
golf and traveling. It was a dream come true.” However, in 2005, he developed an initial ankle pain while playing
tennis. The pain became increasingly worse, and by 2007 Jack required quarterly cortisone shots.
Jack’s misery affected every aspect of his life. Playing tennis and walking the golf course were no longer
options. Jack and his wife were forced to postpone trips because he couldn’t walk more than 25 yards at a time.
Jack had to ice his ankle every evening to alleviate the pain. What was once a dream retirement turned into a
nightmare. In early 2007, Jack began researching his surgical options.
Several doctors suggested ankle fusion, a procedure where the ankle bones are literally fused together. While
this may alleviate pain, it often requires patients learn a new walking approach and limits range of motion.
Although Jack momentarily considered it, he didn’t want to undergo a procedure that would limit his quality-of-life.
A short time later, his research led him to Dr. Benjamin Overley, a podiatric surgeon in Pottstown, Pennsylvania who
has performed dozens of total ankle replacements. Intrigued by this option, Jack immediately made an appointment with
Dr. Overley.
Dr. Overley, as well as Dr. James DeOrio of Duke Medicine, concluded that an INBONE® Total Ankle
Replacement, from Wright, would allow Jack to resume his dream retirement. After consulting with his wife and family,
Jack received his new ankle on August 21, 2009.
After seven weeks in a cast, Jack started wearing tennis shoes while taking short walks. In November, he resumed
normal activity without the unbearable, ever-present pain that he had been used to and returned to the golf course
to began chipping and putting. On December 1, 2009, he took his first full golf swing. According to Jack, ankle
replacement surgery is “a life changing experience.” “My new ankle allowed me to reclaim my life. I can walk the
golf course – up and down hills and in and out of bunkers—and am able to chase down the ball that occasionally
finds its way to the bunker.”
Jack 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 is designed to rotate effortlessly on the highly polished metal
surface of the talar component, allowing for 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.