Patient Stories

William Forsythe, MD Terry Hensle, MD Robin Hunt Jerry Herrin Jeanne St. John, Ph.D

William Forsythe, MD

I developed disabling traumatic arthritis as a result of a skiing accident over 15 years ago.

Six years ago Dr. Reiley and I discussed the state of ankle joint replacement and its discouraging failure rate. Although I was becoming increasingly disabled, unable to walk more than a city block - and that with difficulty and residual pain - I elected to wait for the FDA approval of his new INBONE™ ankle replacement.

I had my "Total Ankle" surgery a year ago and am delighted with the results! I am pain free and able to walk over a mile and sail my boat on the open ocean with no difficulty. This surgery has opened (or reopened) a whole new world for me!

I'm particularly grateful for Dr. Reiley's persistence and support as well as for the genius that created the new device

Sincerely,

William R Forsythe, M.D.

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.

Terry Hensle, MD

The first time that I walked without pain in 10 years was after I received my new INBONE™ ankle. Seven months post-op, I was playing golf, and walking the course.

Terry W. Hensle, MD, New York, NY

Robin Hunt

I had an ankle replacement with another product 4 years ago and I was still living with daily pain. I walked with a limp and on the outside of my foot because my ankle would roll over.

Since my surgery with the INBONE™ ankle I am now pain free, the first time in over 4 years. I can walk normal with my foot straight and I no longer have a limp. I can finally return to living my active daily life.

Robin Hunt

Jerry Herrin

The ankle is a God send.

Jerry Herrin

Jeanne St. John, Ph.D

After a lifetime of foot/ankle pain and limitation due to a congenital defect (tarsal coalition), I spent two years carefully researching the alternatives available for my severely deteriorated ankle joints. Because of the severe malalignment, it was clear that the other ankle replacement models would not work. Until I learned of Mark Reiley’s INBONE™ model, I was preparing for double amputation in hopes that I would have less pain and be more mobile with those prostheses.

I was unable to walk even a block without excruciating pain and used a mobility scooter to get around inside the house. I used motorized carts in grocery stores and a wheelchair in public facilities like airports, hotels, museums, galleries, etc. Severe pain (8-9 of 10) was constant in my increasingly limited daily activities. I took prescription anti-inflammatories and Vicodin just to get around the house, and Neurontin when the nerve pain was worse at night. While these medications helped, the chronic pain had a very negative effect on my mental and emotional well-being, in addition to severely limiting my physical movement and activities.

At my first consultation with Dr.Reiley in May 2006 he determined that the INBONE™ was a good match for my ankle problems, and we scheduled the first surgery for July 2006. Because my insurance company considered ankle replacement to be “investigational”, I had to go through the entire appeal process before it was approved. Finally, in February 2007 I received my first INBONE™ ankle and was weight-bearing at 8 weeks. I’ve had no pain, swelling, or other problems during the recovery period. In fact, with only one good ankle, I enjoyed the most active and pain-free period in the last 20 years. For example, I was able to pick blueberries on rough ground, walk for an hour through the Saturday Market, do my grocery shopping standing up, entertain overnight guests, and I’ve had more energy than I can remember!

In October 2007 I received the second INBONE™ ankle and the early part of the recovery has been exceptionally smooth and pain free. Next week I’ll be out of the cast and learning to walk on my own two new feet! I’m looking forward to a full and active life with functional ankles for the first time ever!

Jeanne St.John, Ph.D, Newport, OR