Artificial Ankle Takes Giant Step Forward

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An all around well thought out post!

backlinks of AL 1:39AM December 12, 2011

I fully agree completely.

jessedziedzic of AL 12:50PM October 20, 2011

Does anyone know if a total ankle replacement can be done on some one that does not have a talus bone? Is there any thing that can be done. I have had two surgerys, one by a civilian ortho that screwed up he removed the talus and put nothing in its place nor did he fuse it. I was told by him and his office that it would fuse its self. Well that never happen so i had my VA doc. re-done the surgery, he had to install a bone where the talus was and fused it. My doc. said that he cant do a tar (total ankle replacement) because of the missing talus. Does anyone know of any new products or procedures that will help me....Thank You

mike angelastri of FL 4:49PM July 01, 2011

I had a very traumatic car accident 15 months ago that did tremendous crushing damage to my right ankle, in fact my foot was actually detached in the accident, with a very near amputation. A complete amputation was suggested by the first hospital where I was admitted, but since my circulation miraculously was in tact and my foot (as a whole) was able to be put back into place (and into a cast to just set for some time), I held out to find someone who might be able to help me further with such a bad injury. Through research and talking with people who had been through ankle injuries I learned about Dr. James K. DeOrio at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina. This man is the finest foot and ankle surgeon I could ever imagine. He did what has not been done before, he put my foot back together like building blocks - and IT TOOK. I now walk, drive again, (and have my own usable foot!!). Unfortunately and not surprisingly, I have arthritis all through my ankle (due to the original trauma) that gives me pain. In short, I will need an ankle replacement before too long and Dr. DeOrio is the man who will do it. I trust him completely. He tells me that the new "STAR" ankle is definitely the way to go. As you see in the article above, it allows range of motion to do activities such as golf, hiking, even a little tennis. I suggest you give the Orthopaedics Dept at Duke University a call and see Dr. DeOrio. Even if you have to travel, and many do to see him from all over the country (and yes, from outside the US), this expert surgeon is well worth it all.

Allyson of NC 12:54PM March 02, 2010

I have suffered approximately 5 year with a worsening Ankle pain. I have consuled with 2 Orthopedic surgeons. One had me try a wearling a "Boot" for 6-8 weeks, which helped, but limited my mobility. Thethought was that there were torn tendon/ligaments and the "Boot" keeping my ankle stationary would allow them to heal on their own. It did not work. He then prescribed an Artiritis Cream called Voltaren, which was some releif, but not lasting longer than a few hours. He then tried a "Steriod" which was not acceptable to my Cardiologist. Finally he refered me to another to another doctor who was a surgeeon. After visiting with updated MRIs he determined surgery with 4 - 6 months recoup or a "Brace" which ws molded to my foot. It gives me support to walk, but is not acceptable for activewalking or other activities ie Golftennis, & hiking.
I would like to know a surgeon in my area where I might consult regarding the Ankle Replacement, and see if it would work for me. I know people with knee & Hip replacement that are very pleased with the results.
Thank-you for any info available.

Douglas Rice of NV 10:20AM February 12, 2010