On May 11, 2008, Marilyn was in her garden enjoying a beautiful day when she tripped on a hose and broke her
right ankle. Her family immediately took her to the emergency room where a doctor suggested surgery was needed
to repair the break.
Several months later, Marilyn was out of her cast and ready to resume her daily activities. However, something
was not right - she found herself in constant pain, simple household chores such as cooking and cleaning were tedious
and slow. Eventually, her ankle pain started impacting her profession as a realtor. Marilyn’s job required her to
be on her feet most of the day and she often had to leave work in the middle of the day to go home and elevate her leg.
Discouraged, Marilyn went back to the hospital in October 2008 for a second surgery. In an attempt to avoid ankle fusion
surgery, the joint was cleaned out arthroscopically and two tightropes inserted to try to stabilize the joint. However,
the joint continued to deteriorate and it seemed as if ankle fusion would be her only option.
In early 2009, Marilyn’s friend, an orthopedic product distributor, referred her to Dr. Chad Brady at the New Mexico
Foot & Ankle Institute. At the time, Dr. Brady was familiarizing himself with the INBONE® Total Ankle
Replacement from Wright. Dr. Brady believed Marilyn would be a great candidate for this new treatment option and in
June performed his first INBONE® procedure on Marilyn with complete success. Just a few days after the
operation, she was out of bed walking around with the aid of a walker.
According to Marilyn, “I have been nothing but pleased with the outcome of my surgery. I honestly thought I was going
to have to wear a brace on my ankle forever. You would never know there any been anything wrong, it’s truly amazing!”
As an active 71 year old, Marilyn hated the thought of having to lie around most of the day. Now, thanks to her new
artificial ankle, she is able to resume her normal routine without anything slowing her down. This fall Marilyn was back
to maintaining her vegetable garden, picking flowers and some fruit for her homemade jam. Marilyn was also able to resume
a normal work schedule.
“I was so discouraged before I had this surgery and had even considered an ankle fusion,” said Marilyn. “I can’t
speak more highly of my new ankle and would recommend it to anyone.”
Marilyn 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, 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.