Patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the ankle have had very few options until recently. Technological
advancements have relieved the pain of those suffering from arthritic ankles. James, a 72 year old San Antonio,
Florida resident, is a patient who has benefited from the advancements in ankle replacement technology.
For many years, James worked on the assembly line at Ford in Cleveland, walking on hard concrete floors and
standing on the production line. At age 30, James shattered his left ankle in a car accident. Although this
accelerated the onset of ankle osteoarthritis and caused him to walk with a slight limp, he was able to maintain
his job and excel at hobbies such as golfing and bowling with family and friends.
In 1985, he retired and moved to Florida. For 23 years, he enjoyed the good weather and his hobbies, but in
2008 his ankle pain started getting progressively worse. Nothing James did – elevating it and icing it each
night, taking over-the-counter medication and receiving cortisone shots – generated any relief. After nearly
two years of an unwanted sedentary lifestyle, James put on 30 pounds.
Finally, James grew tired of the many limitations placed on him by his arthritic ankle. He wanted the freedom
to travel with his wife, visit his kids around the country, golf with his friends and get back to the bowling he
once enjoyed so much. After seeing several doctors, he met Dr. Nathan Penney, of the Total Foot and Ankle of
Tampa Bay, who quickly concluded that his ankle osteoarthritis had significantly deteriorated the bone . Dr.
Penney suggested James consider replacing his ankle. He suggested the INBONE® Total Ankle
Replacement, from Wright.
James received his new ankle on February 5, 2010 and his recovery went well. After surgery he committed
himself to his physical therapy exercises and each day he felt better. Just three months later, he no longer
experiences a constant throbbing pain in his ankle. Also, when he and his wife go somewhere, she is not waiting
for him to catch up to her. Recently, he returned to the golf course, and he is looking forward to rejoining a
bowling league. As he says, “I am looking forward to all of the trips I can take and the golf games I can play.
More importantly, I am finally able to enjoy life. I wish I met Dr. Penney sooner!”
James 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 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 (shin bone) component and a talar
(ankle bone) component. The tibial component features a polyethylene (plastic) piece secured within a titanium
(metal) 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 metal 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 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.