Joint Replacement: New methods give patients more mobility

Foot and ankle surgery specialist, Dr. Collin Ball, strives to bring the latest technology to his patients and community members living in the area of Laurel County, Kentucky. A groundbreaking procedure that he provides is the total ankle joint replacement, which is an alternative to joint fusion procedures. Dr. Ball explains that total ankle replacement is an option for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or loss of joint motion, which causes a patient severe pain and bone-on-bone rubbing. In the past, patients suffering with this pain were faced with three options: pain medication, wearing a brace full-time or ankle fusion. With the introduction of ankle replacements, patients can significantly reduce their discomfort without sacrificing joint mobility.

Somerset resident, Scott Quillen, is a patient of Dr. Ball’s whose ankle was injured after a motorcycle test drive, which resulted in a compound dislocation to his right ankle. Over the years, Quillen’s pain worsened, and he considered amputation before being referred to Dr. Ball for a consultation. Quillen now has full rotation back in his ankle.

The opinions of Dr. Ball and Scott Quillen are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Wright Medical.

Any results are specific to this particular individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level. There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery.