BayCare Clinic is offering a new procedure for treating arthritic or seriously damaged ankle joints and helping patients reduce their pain and restore their natural motion.
Brandon M. Scharer, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon with Orthopedics & Sports Medicine BayCare Clinic, is the first Wisconsin provider to perform the procedure, using an implant called the Apex 3D Total Ankle Replacement System.
Total ankle replacement surgery involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the ankle joint and inserting an artificial ankle joint. The new joint is made of custom metal components that replace the damaged bone, cushioned by a high-grade plastic that simulates natural cartilage to provide stability.
“The Apex 3D total ankle joint implant is revolutionary in that it’s been designed to effectively address end-stage ankle arthritis and traditional challenges related to ankle joint replacement including implant loosening, wear and tear, instability, and persistent pain,” Scharer says. “We are proud to be able to offer this state-of-the-art option to our foot and ankle patients.”
The ankle joint replacement option is ideal for those with arthritic joints or post-traumatic ankle injury. It is not recommended for young patients or those with significant foot and ankle deformities.