Total Ankle Replacement: Back on My Feet (with a fly-fishing reel in my hand)

In this first person narrative, Ray Babineau discusses how he had the unfortunate luck of breaking his ankle three times before the age of 18. While he was able to have it reset and not bother him for years, this was the catalyst to a tremendous amount of ankle pain and issues that returned nearly 50 years later.

As the pain began to flare up again, Ray sought out various medical remedies and began cutting back on his favorite active lifestyle activities, like playing golf, and was forced to start walking with a cane. When the pain relievers, cortisone injections, and cane were not enough, Ray went to see an orthopedic physician who told him that his only option was to undergo an ankle fusion. Having researched this option, Ray knew that this procedure, and this physician, were not for him. He was then recommended to Dr. Matthew Hopson at TPMG Orthopedics in Newport News, who told Ray about total ankle replacement procedures.

Ray felt secure given Dr. Hopson’s knowledge and experience with the INFINITY® Total Ankle System by Wright Medical. He received his new ankle last winter and a short 10 weeks after his procedure, he was able to start playing golf again with zero pain.

The opinions of Dr. Hopson and Raymond Babineau 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.