| Specialists at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital Patent Innovative Ankle Replacement, Perform First Patient Implantation |
| Originally posted 12/19/2012 |
| |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Megan Loewe
410-554-2781
megan.r.loewe@medstar.net
Baltimore—MedStar Union Memorial Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has performed the first implantation of a new and unique lateral artificial ankle replacement, an invention patented by experts at MedStar Union Memorial and recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Using their experience and knowledge within the field of ankle reconstruction, MedStar Union Memorial experts Lew Schon, MD, orthopaedic surgeon; Brent Parks, biomechanical engineer; and Chris Chiodo, MD, Johnny Lau, MD, and Steve Herbst, MD, three former fellows; wrote the patent for the replacement in 2000. The invention, produced by Zimmer was developed as a collaboration amongst this group with surgeons and engineers from the University of Utah, the University of Iowa and the Hospital for Special Surgery.
The design and technique for insertion of the new replacement differs from all other models currently on the market. The replacement is inserted using a lateral incision, as opposed to the anterior approach that is most commonly used today. Benefits of the lateral incision include:
• Avoidance of blood and nerve supply around the front of the ankle
• Increased skin healing
• Lower risk of infection
The shape and fixation of the replacement also differs from other available models. Unique properties include:
• A conical design, allowing for restored natural ankle motion
• A variety of 18 size options, permitting a highly customized fit
• A makeup of titanium, cobalt-chrome and tantalum materials, promoting stability and clinical success
After 12 years of research and design work, the FDA recently approved the novel artificial ankle replacement and the first patient case in the country was implanted at MedStar Union Memorial in October 2012. The technique is being taught globally and is anticipated to become accepted as a mainstream innovation worldwide.
###
|
| |
| For more information on this or any other MedStar Union Memorial Hospital story, you may contact us at 410-554-2500. |
| |
| Return to Main News Page |
| |
|
Print
E-mail
