Dr. Gregg Koldenhoven, orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower extremity orthopedics, including trauma and joint replacement.
On Monday, April 29, 2013, Dr. Gregg Koldenhoven met with a group of community members for a lecture and Q&A regarding Total Ankle Replacements. Dr. Koldenhoven began the presentation by addressing various causes of ankle arthritis, with the most common causes being osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis and post traumatic.
He went on to discuss non-surgical conservative treatments for ankle pain before moving into discussions of surgical treatment options.
HISTORY: The gold standard for surgical treatments of the ankle is a fusion. An ankle fusion is a procedure that locks the joint in a 90 degree angle, allowing the bone to grow together, or fuse. In the 1980s, the total ankle replacement was introduced as an alternative to the fusion; however, many ankle replacements of the ’80s were failing, leaving limited options for people suffering from ankle pain.
One surgeon set out on a quest to create a viable surgical solution for ankle arthritis patients. His goal was pain reduction and restored mobility. The 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, the ankle engineers designed a total ankle replacement intended to stand the test of time. The result was the INBONE® Total Ankle.
The INBONE® Total Ankle has many features that enhance its performance: Long anchoring stems; the prosthesis has anchoring stems to secure it in place, within both the tibia and talus; physician customized for patient needs. When it comes to joint implants, one size does not fit all.
The INBONE Total Ankle by Wright Medical
Studies are still being conducted in regard to how long the implant will last; nonetheless, scientists are hopeful that the implant will last anywhere from 10-20 years. In the event that the prosthesis does wear down, the first component that is showing signs of wear is the “cartilage” (aka: poly insert ). If the Poly insert does wear out, in most cases it can be replaced without replacing the entire implant.
Recovery from the procedure varies from person to person. The “typical” post-operative rehabilitation consists of 24-48 hours in the hospital, 2-3 weeks in a splint, 4 weeks in a cast, 4-6 weeks in a walking boot, with a total of 10-12 weeks of non-weight baring.
Dr. Koldenhoven is proud to offer his patients the option of the INBONE Total Ankle. Patients have been very pleased with their outcomes. Their activity levels vary; some are enjoying long walks while others have started playing tennis and skiing, something they once thought was a thing of the past! (Patient testimonials are available at [https://frontrangeorthopedics.com/PATIENT_EDUCATION/Foot_and_Ankle/Total_Ankle_Replacements])
For more information about this procedure and your ankle pain, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Koldenhoven @ 303-772-1600.
www.frontrangeorthopedics.com
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