Arthritic ankles make it almost impossible for many sufferers of arthritis to walk. However, another option is now available. This option involves ankle replacement surgery for patients with severe osteoarthritis of the ankle, which typically develops following injury to the ankle joint. While doctors say this should be the last resort, 3D printing has made this surgery a very effective option.

Bettye Dube fell and crushed her ankle during a vacation in Jamaica. Although she had sprained her ankle before, Dube said this time it was very different. She was in a cast for months, and thereafter underwent physical therapy for several months, but her condition did not improve.

Dube then met Dr. Marvin Brown, a board certified orthopedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist with The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group in Texas, who suggested ankle replacement surgery. The surgery involved resurfacing the other two joints and the blank spot, as opposed to the fibula joint, and thereafter placing a piece of metal to prevent metal from rubbing on metal. Dr. Brown replaced Dube’s entire ankle with a high-tech modular prosthetic called “inbone”. A 3D printer was used to make the parts that will be put in the replacement part.

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Bill Besim