Christine Buescher

New York, NY

Ankle Distraction Arthroplasty: Joint Restoration for Ankle Arthritis

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In 1993, I was racing a go cart and suffered a tibia/fibula injury: severe pylon type, fracture to the distal right. I had two metal plates, 16 screws and a Monticelli/Spinelli fixator and got an infection in the OR. After several osteotomies, and hardware coming loose and through the skin, I had a multi-vascular free flap from my back. By 2001, I had a valgus deformity and Dr. Rozbruch was able to use an Ilizarov frame to straighten my ankle so I could ambulate without a cane for the next 10 years. During 2012 and 2013, more reconstruction was required as the cartilage in my ankle had worn away and my ankle actually made noise. I really believed amputation might be an option. After 2 surgeries, one more Ilizarov frame, I am not having any ankle pain. Dr. Rozbruch and Physician Assistant Quig, along with their staff, couldn't have been nicer. I wouldn't think twice about putting myself in their capable hands again.