Most people are aware that the technology exists to replace arthritic hips and knees, but patients suffering from ankle
osteoarthritis didn’t have many options until recently. Technological advancements are changing the way severe ankle osteoarthritis
is treated and sufferers like Dr. Richard Pressley, a retired neurosurgeon from North Carolina have benefitted greatly.
Dr. Pressley was an extremely active person, but between medical school and family life, he didn’t always have time to pursue
his hobbies. When he got the opportunity to go skiing toward the end of his residency in 1971, he didn’t hesitate to accept. In
what turned out to be a life-changing trip, Dr. Pressley broke his leg and, subsequently, developed a deformed ankle. (Because he
was in the middle of his residency, he was unable to stay off his feet and, as a result, his ankle did not heal properly.) He
spent years in pain, but was forced to keep moving—literally!
During his career, Dr. Pressley spent hours standing performing delicate surgeries and conducting the follow up care that was
needed for his patients. Every time he felt pain, he kept moving forward. Although the pain was significant at times, his dedication
to his patients and to his family carried him through the early stages of ankle osteoarthritis. However, in 2005, more than three
decades of agony finally caught up with him.
Each morning Dr. Pressley felt a sharp pain that would start at his throbbing ankle and shoot up his leg. He ended each day by
icing and elevating his ankle and when he tried to sleep, any slight movement would cause sharp shooting pains that kept him awake
for hours. Over-the-counter and prescription medication failed to offer any type of relief.
Frustrated by his inability to live life, he began researching options. One surgeon suggested that Dr. Pressley undergo an ankle
fusion; a procedure that fuses two bones together but limits the range of motion and flexibility of the joint. Dr. Pressley was
reluctant to undergo a procedure that would be so limiting. After hearing his concerns, his surgeon offered an alternative suggestion.
He informed Dr. Pressley about a physician who was offering patients a total ankle replacement, Dr Robert Anderson in Charlotte. After
learning about this option, Dr. Pressley scheduled a consultation.
After examining his severely damaged ankle, Dr. Anderson suggested treatment with an INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement.
After reviewing the literature and discussing it with his wife, Dr. Pressley made the decision to move forward with surgery.
The surgery took place on Aug. 30, 2008 and since then, according to Dr. Pressley, the results have been outstanding. He awoke from
surgery and immediately noticed that the throbbing pain experienced for decades was gone. Six weeks after surgery, he was walking with
the assistance of a boot. Ten weeks after the operation, he was exercising on a stationary bike and walking without aides.
Today, instead of icing and elevating his ankle, Dr. Pressley is enjoying his retirement. He enjoys regular walks with his wife and
traveling. Most importantly, he is enjoying his hobbies of model ship building and woodworking – which were nearly impossible prior to
his ankle replacement. As Dr. Pressley says, “Since having my ankle replaced, I am enjoying my retirement more than ever!”
Dr. Pressley 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 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.