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Advanced Joint Technology Offers New Option to Treat Ankle Arthritis
People who have severe arthritis – whether in a hip, knee, ankle or other joint – suffer from pain and sometimes disability. While joint replacement surgery is commonly performed for arthritic hips and knees, perhaps less well known is that ankle joints can also be replaced. New ankle joint technology called the Salto Talaris Anatomic Ankle offers people with severe ankle arthritis a new option for relieving pain and maintaining mobility.
Early ankle replacement surgery, developed in the 1970s, was plagued with high long-term failure rates. Over the years, newer implants were developed. In December 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Salto Talaris Anatomic Ankle.
“The Salto Talaris is the first of its kind in North America,” said Medical College of Wisconsin orthopaedic surgeon Richard Marks, MD. “It mimics natural ankle anatomy and biomechanics, improving mobility, restoring alignment and reducing pain. It’s an alternative to ankle fusion for certain patients with severe ankle arthritis; it’s important, however, to carefully select patients for ankle replacement surgery.”
In 2007, Dr. Marks was the first orthopaedic surgeon in Wisconsin performing ankle replacements with the new device. Through May 2008, he has performed 15 ankle replacements with the Salto Talaris, with excellent results. “I’m very excited about this new design. It’s a quantum leap above what we’ve been able to offer patients. By closely mimicking the anatomy of the natural ankle joint, the Salto Talaris provides better long-term results. It should last about 10 years, after which another ankle joint replacement or an ankle fusion can be done.”
For more information, or an appointment, call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
Source: Froedtert Today Date: August 2008 |
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