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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Regional Medical Center staff and technology have made it possible for them to perform the first ever total ankle replacement.

Foot and ankle specialist Dr. Kyle Abben performed the first ankle replacement on March 23rd. The Jamestown woman who received the replacement is in her 40’s and has suffered ankle pain for years.

“After imaging studies she decided to proceed once she was declared eligible for the procedure.” Dr. Abben stated.

Total ankle replacement is a pain-relieving procedure that comes at the end-stage conditions of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and similar bone conditions. Patients often have a joint infusion procedure performed under age 50, which reduces pain and mobility.

“Typically, I don’t like to do early replacements in younger folks, just because of the potential for multiple revisions over their lifetime,” Abben said.

Unlike other joints, the ankle has many smaller bones that support weight, movment and weight distribution. The procedure takes a couple of hours and requires only an overnight stay.

“We have come a long way and have a new outlook on function and pain relief,” Abben said. “It is an emerging field.”

Cover photo courtesy of the Jamestown Regional Medical Center.