On March 27, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital reported success for an innovation in total ankle replacement using an artificial talus bone.
Dr. Nicholas Abidi
“I am incredibly proud to have performed this first-of-its-kind procedure and to be part of such a historic moment in orthopedic medicine,” said Dr. Nicholas Abidi, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital orthopedic surgeon.
He added, “This milestone is not just about one surgery—it’s about opening new possibilities for patients who previously had limited treatment options.”
According to Dominican, this is the first time a custom total talus made of polyetherketoneketone has been sulcus-matched with the articulating surface of the Inbone total ankle system and fused into the calcaneus (heel bone). The Inbone is one of the most commonly used total ankle prostheses in the U.S.
Hospital officials say this offers patients a more effective solution for complex ankle injuries with faster recovery.
Polyetherketoneketone, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic known for good biocompatibility and resistance to infection, is an alternative to traditional metal implants.
“As the first hospital in the world to perform this surgery, we are proud to be at the forefront of orthopedic advancements and to bring this life-changing treatment to our community,” said Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, president of Dominican Hospital.
TOP PHOTO: The Talus Implant: Left — The top of the talus implant connects with a polyethylene part of the artificial joint. • Right — The bottom of the implant has a lattice structure to help it fuse with the heel bone (calcaneus).