ANKLE INJURY AFTER A WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?

New Procedure May Prevent the Need for Ankle Fusion

Anyone who has suffered an ankle injury knows how painful it can be. Just ask my daughter, she is still in her "boot" after sliding into second base about 5 weeks ago. Fortunately, my daughter only sprained her ankle. Presently, I have two clients that fractured their ankles after falling off roofs in a workers' compensation injury.

Those with severe ankle injuries have new hope for pain relief. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a total ankle replacement system that may preserve some range of motion in the joint. The new prosthesis is a mobile-bearing device, which relies on bearings that move across a surface of polyethylene, a flexible plastic.

The Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) System is an alternative to fusion surgery and may allow for greater rotation and movement in the joint. Fusion surgery involves cementing the shin bone (tibia) - the thicker of the two bones in the lower leg - to the talus bone in the ankle. The procedure stabilizes the ankle, but significantly decreases the ability to move the foot up and down. The newly approved STAR system is better.

If your doctor is talking about an ankle fusion after a workers' comp claim, motorcycle accident or car accident, talk to him or her about this new procedure. If you have questions about your legal rights after an ankle injury, contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew for a free case consultation.