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Community Corner

Moorpark Resident Gets Back to Traveling with New Ankle Replacement

As an elementary school teacher in California, Moorpark resident Marylynn spent tireless hours on her feet for more than 26 years. Unsurprisingly, the wear and tear on her joints associated with her job and busy lifestyle led to severe osteoarthritis in her left ankle. In fact, the pain became so bad that as soon as the last student left her classroom, Marylynn immediately had to rest her foot on the desk to alleviate some of the pressure. Eight years ago when the pain began, she started to notice simple, mundane tasks - such as walking her dog to the mailbox - were progressively becoming more difficult.

Now retired, Marylynn is an avid traveler. Along with her husband and, on occasion, a few friends, she traveled the world. However, her injured ankle impacted her enjoyment of exploring different cultures and places, making traveling more difficult. As the pain became almost unbearable, Marylynn went to her podiatrist to discuss options and was told that the only curative method was an ankle fusion. After looking into the procedure and knowing a few people that have had it done, Marylynn knew the significant restriction in flexibility was not compatible with her lifestyle and decided to fight through the pain.

However, in early 2013, Marylynn reached her breaking point when even standing up from the living room couch had become a chore. Committed to finding a permanent solution, Marylynn returned to her podiatrist ready to try anything – including a fusion. Her podiatrist, however, described a new type of ankle replacement procedure and recommended a consultation with Dr. Justin Franson of University Foot & Ankle Institute in nearby Valencia.

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Upon review of an MRI and x-rays, Dr. Franson determined that Marylynn was an ideal candidate for the INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement by Wright Medical and had her go in for a CT scan. The results of the CT scan were then sent to Wright Medical to create her custom-made INBONE implant. After discussing the procedure with Dr. Franson and conducting some research, Marylynn scheduled the surgery, which would take place following a trip to Europe that began a week later.

The INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement is intended to be used to treat patients with ankle joints damaged by severe arthritis or a failed previous ankle surgery. The INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement is intended to give patients limited mobility by reducing pain and restoring movement in the ankle.

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Not everyone is a good candidate for the INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement. Talk to your doctor to discuss your lifestyle and health to find out if surgery with the INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement is a good option for you.

 

On September 20, 2013, one month after she returned from Europe, Marylynn underwent the INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement procedure. Three weeks after the surgery, Marylynn graduated to a non-walking boot and another three weeks later, began physical therapy. Marylynn completed physical therapy eight weeks later and was able to walk assistance-free.

 

In January 2014, Marylynn walked up 272 steps to the Batu Caves in Malaysia and traversed freely around Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. One month later, Marylynn was snorkeling and walking on the beach at her second home in Maui with no discomfort.

 

“My new ankle gave me my life back,” said Marylynn. “Before, I cringed at the thought of getting out of the ocean or standing up from a chair. Now, I’m back to traveling, going to the gym and walking my dog.”

 

Many factors contribute to the length of hospital stay and rehabilitation. These factors include, but are not limited to, your age and health at the time of surgery as well as your surgeon's determination of the appropriate hospital stay and rehabilitation. Additionally, there are risks associated with ankle replacement surgery such as pain and bruising, damage to blood vessels or nerves, infection, or blood clots that can travel to your heart or lungs. If you experience these complications, your hospital stay may be extended.

 

Today, Marylynn is enjoying her retirement and getting ready for her new adventures. “I am able to get back to my normal day-to-day activities,” said Marylynn. “I know even my dog appreciates it. I can finally take her for long walks around the neighborhood. The INBONE really improved my quality-of-life.”

 

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 These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.

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