No Metal? No Problem – an All-Plastic Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)

by Vince Vacketta, DPM

As frequently highlighted in FIX, innovation within the foot and ankle orthopedic space continues to flourish both in implant design and surgical techniques. This week we step away from research updates to highlight an interesting report from Georgetown University: World’s first all-plastic total ankle surgery performed at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Paul Cooper, MD, foot and ankle orthopedic specialist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, successfully completed the world’s first ‘all-plastic TTA’ using an implant made entirely of Poly ether ketone ketone (PEKK). This procedure was conducted on a 71-year-old patient with ankle osteoarthritis and multiple metal allergies. 

Take away

It’s too early to make objective conclusions about this new technique. Although there’s excitement surrounding our growing ability to address challenging situations through technological advancement, we must continue to exercise prudence as we progress as a specialty.