Revolutionary PEKK total Talus/Navicular Custom Resurfacing Prothesis – First Case Report

Figure 1: Highly polished PEKK total talus/navicular bone prosthesis. Shown with 3 size options.

I am honored to be the first surgeon worldwide to perform surgery utilizing a groundbreaking new technology featuring a highly polished PEKK 3D printed implant/articulating prosthesis. I am presenting a complex case below which details a customized total talus/navicular replacement. This pivotal advancement in orthopedic innovation will absolutely change our approach to addressing substantial bone defects using custom-printed biocompatible composites.

I am very grateful for my current fellow Dr. Tyler Rodericks, whose invaluable collaboration throughout the planning stages and surgical intervention have been instrumental to the success of this case. It has been a great fellowship year characterized by a series of unique and challenging cases, and Dr. Rodericks's unwavering commitment and exemplary skills have shown through on countless occasions.

Additionally, I wish to express my complete gratitude to Oxford Performance Materials (OPM) for their indispensable support in facilitating this milestone achievement, and for their role in introducing this remarkable technology to the medical community. The future is certainly bright!

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A Mission to Support: Oofos Makes a Difference When and Where it Matters the Most

By Adam D. Perler, DPM, FACFAS

Through the years I have come across a handful of products that have truly impacted the way I treat various ailments of the foot and ankle. I am always on the hunt to find new technology that can help me bring the best care available to my patients, whether it is a new surgical plating system, an updated ankle replacement design, a breakthrough in biologics, or durable medical equipment. Sometimes the simplest of solutions can make a huge impact on a patient’s journey to recovery.

Continuity of care is perhaps one of the biggest problems we face, especially when it comes to the patient’s choice of shoe gear outside of an athletic shoe environment with proper support. In fact, most of my patients who are struggling with foot pain admit that once they get home, they remove their shoes and go barefoot.

During the initial days of Covid when people were spending more time at home (and barefoot), I saw a significant increase in foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, neuroma pain, and metatarsalgia. I would encourage patients to avoid going barefoot and to wear supportive shoes around the house. It seemed most people didn’t know how to find sandals or slippers that provided both comfort and support, or they were hard to find in the stores… Enter Oofos.

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Talar Dome Replacement Utilizing 3D Printing

Half Ankle Replacement

by Adam Perler, DPM, FACFAS

3D printing potential continues to unlock the possibilities of advanced ankle reconstruction.

This is a 51-year-old commercial pilot who developed debilitating ankle pain over the past couple of years following a severe inversion injury and lateral ankle ligament rupture. He had undergone an ankle scope and lateral ankle ligament repair by a local surgeon.

Unfortunately, he continued to have ankle pain. A MRI confirmed a rather large chondral defect in the central superior portion of the talus with significant underlying bone marrow edema.

Central talus lesions, especially those deep in the ankle mortise, present a major challenge in regards to access and treatment. Traditional repair techniques of the talar dome require either a fibular or tibial osteotomy, but these are better suited for talar shoulder lesions and not central dome lesions.

The other issue with this approach is that you must create damage to the healthy side of the joint in order to access and repair the damaged surface which could accelerate the overall degradation of the joint.

Enter 3D printing.

Read Full Article: The Half Ankle Replacement: Talar Dome Replacement Utilizing 3D Printing