St Petersburg, FL – On Thursday, January 18, 2018 Alexander Orthopaedic Associates (AOA) foot & ankle surgeon, Dr. Adam Perler performed the state’s first ever successful custom 3D printed partial (talus) ankle replacement. His patient, a healthy 36-year old woman, was living with severe and debilitating pain in her ankle following an injury that occurred at her job almost two years ago. The injury, which was initially diagnosed as a simple ankle sprain, caused significant damage to the cartilage on the talus located on the inner aspect of her ankle. Despite two prior surgical repair attempts to address it with an ankle scope and microfracture (traditional treatment of a defect in the cartilage) there was no improvement to the area leading to progressive posttraumatic arthritis of that part of the ankle.

If you have not already heard, I will be leaving my practice here at the American Health Network and relocating my family to St. Petersburg, Florida where I will be joining an orthopedic group as their foot and ankle specialist.

This was a very difficult decision to make. My father has always said that the choices you make in life… make you.

Here is a copy of the letter that was sent out to my patients regarding this move. I have no doubt that Dr. Doug Blacklidge and the rest of the American Health Network foot & ankle team will do their best to care of all of your future foot and ankle needs in my absence.

Over the last 12 years, I have enjoyed a wonderful career and have been surrounded by incredible patients, nurses, and staff. As you know I have always enjoyed practicing innovative medicine, and being able to apply this to your needs has been extremely rewarding to me on so many levels.

I have also had the opportunity to share in many moments of both joy and heartbreak, and I find myself standing in admiration of the strength of many of my patients who have persevered in the face of various challenges and adversity on their way to an improved quality of life on their feet.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the confidence that you have placed in me over the years. It has certainly been a pleasure to assist in the care of your foot and ankle needs. I want to take this time to wish you the best in health, life, and happiness. May your feet continue to take you to new and exciting places.