Melody, 55, has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and osteodiabetes for many years. As a result, she became very familiar with the
pain and tripping caused by weakened bones in her legs and feet. It became such a part of her life that - when her ankles started
hurting - she ignored the discomfort and lived for more than seven years with a severely restricted quality of life.
When she went to a routine check up with her physician, she finally mentioned the pain. After x-raying Melody’s ankle, her physician
referred her to an orthopedic surgeon, who explained that this type of ankle pain is not uncommon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
and could be corrected. He went on to explain several surgical options to Melody, including a procedure called INBONE®
Total Ankle replacement.
Melody was “shocked that there was [a procedure] out there that could do something about the pain.” After doing some research online,
Melody decided within days to schedule the surgery. Three weeks later, at the Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, New Jersey, Melody
underwent an INBONE® Total Ankle replacement procedure. She felt minimal pain during and after the total ankle replacement
surgery and was even able to “hobble around” afterwards. She initially recovered in a wheelchair because crutches would irritate the
arthritis in her arms, but she progressed to a walker only two months after the surgery.
A skier before her ankle problems, Melody was forced to eliminate the hobby because she could not stand for a long period of time. Now,
thanks to the surgery, she can stand up much longer and is considering taking up new hobbies.
Thanks to the success of her first operation, Melody underwent a second INBONE® Total Ankle replacement procedure – this
time on her other ankle. She is looking forward to the amazing recovery she experienced as a result of the first procedure. Melody has
recommended the INBONE® Total Ankle replacement procedure to several friends and has received overwhelmingly positive responses.
Melody 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 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
on the highly polished metal surface of the talar component, to allow for a 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.