Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects millions of individuals each year in the United States, and the medical community is always looking for new ways to address and treat the condition. We see a lot of patients with arthritis of the ankle at our clinic, and while there are a number of ways to reduce symptoms, you can’t really turn back the clock and rebuild lost joint cartilage. However, a relatively new surgical option is providing great results for patients with advanced forms of ankle arthritis.
INFINITY Total Ankle Replacement
Many patients with moderate to severe ankle arthritis are finding relief with Wright Medical’s INFINITY Total Ankle Replacement system. Years ago, the school of thought was to minimize symptoms from ankle arthritis by limiting movement in the affected area, so the ankle arthrodesis procedure was the standard. This involved fusing the ankle joint, and while it would mildly reduce symptoms, it also limited the joint’s range of motion and flexibility. It was far from a perfect solution, so medical innovators kept researching, and that’s how the INFINITY Total Ankle Replacement system was developed.
You can learn more about the system on their website, but essentially, researchers wanted to develop an artificial instrument that provided many of the same functions of a healthy ankle joint. It led them to develop the INFINITY Total Ankle System, which is quickly becoming a favorite among surgeons who want to help their patients restore as much pain-free joint mobility as possible. Some of the unique advantages of the INFINITY Total Ankle System include:
- Compact design preserves more healthy bone.
- Adjustable to fit different patient anatomy.
- Unique design allows complete visualization of implant interface, which ensures correct implant location.
- Durable design means the implant will not break down.
Procedure Benefits
But the advantages aren’t just limited to the device itself. The ankle joint replacement system also has many benefits for the patient undergoing the procedure. A 2017 study comparing the total ankle replacement procedure to traditional fusion found that patients undergoing replacement had:
- Faster walking speeds
- Increased range of motion in the forefoot and hindfoot
- Stronger ankle plantarflexion power
- A reduced risk of a major complication
Minnesota INFINITY Total Ankle Replacement Surgeon
These are just a few of the advantages that patients find when they pursue the INFINITY Total ankle Replacement system designed by Wright Medical. But don’t just take it from us, learn more about the system by hearing the stories of the patients who have had their independence and quality of life restored because of the procedure. Hear from James, Karen and other satisfied patients, and don’t be afraid to reach out to Dr. Silverman if you’re plagued by ankle arthritis and want to learn more about your treatment options.
