Metal-Free Ankle Replacement
Patients with arthritis severe enough to require ankle replacement now have a new option that can offer greater mobility and pain relief without permanent metal implants. A material that has been used for over 10 years in plastic and abdominal surgery as well as heart valve replacement has been successfully used by University of California, San Diego physicians to replace the worn-down cartilage of the arthritic ankle. The material is similar to the natural collagen found in cartilage and can be molded to perfectly fit any ankle joint. After 4-6 weeks, patients can slowly return to normal activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control an estimated 1 in 5 U.S. adults report doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Full story.