Press Release 3.13.2017 – Exactech Vantage® Total Ankle Implant
Dr. Jason Nowak is the First in the United States to be Trained on the Exactech Vantage® Total Ankle Implant
Redding, CA – March 13 – Dr. Nowak, Shasta Orthopaedics’ renowned foot and ankle surgeon, is the first person in the U.S. to be trained on a new total ankle replacement implant, the Exactech Vantage® Total Ankle System. This implant, the newest total ankle replacement system on the market, provides a treatment option for patients who need an ankle replacement or have end-stage ankle arthritis. Dr. Nowak will be one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to use this implant in a patient outside of the design surgeons. In October 2016, the Vantage Ankle was introduced in patients suffering from severe rheumatoid, post-traumatic or degenerative arthritis in the ankle. Based on proprietary anatomic data, the Vantage Ankle team of surgeons and engineers developed a total ankle design that features both anatomic talar and tibial components In addition, the implant features a press-fit bone cage on the tibial component that was designed to help with long-term fixation. The press-fit bone cage design was based on the Exactech Equinoxe® reverse shoulder bone cage design, which demonstrates bone through-growth for long-term fixation.1 Dr. Nowak exclaimed, “The unique design of this implant addresses some of my main concerns in total ankle replacements. The anatomic shape of both the tibia and talus is designed to provide for the natural biomechanics and address fit and coverage, which is extremely important to the success of the total ankle. This combined with the technique of not violating the anterior tibial cortex and position of the tibial fixation gives me confidence that this is the best option for this patient’s long-term success.” He continues, “I am so proud to be the first in the United States to be trained on this implant. This treatment is a giant step forward in the ankle surgery field and Shasta Orthopaedics continues to be on the cutting edge of science and technology.”
About Exactech
Based in Gainesville, Fla., Exactech develops and markets orthopaedic implant devices, related surgical instruments and biologic materials and services to hospitals and physicians. The company manufactures many of its orthopaedic devices at its Gainesville facility. Exactech’s orthopaedic products are used in the restoration of bones and joints that have deteriorated as a result of injury or diseases such as arthritis. Exactech markets its products in the United States, in addition to more than 30 markets in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Additional information about Exactech, Inc. can be found at https://www.exac.com.
About Dr. Nowak
1 Roche C, et al. Effect of varying screw configuration and bone density on reverse shoulder glenoid fixation following cyclic loading. Transactions of the 54th Annual Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting; 2008 Mar 2-5; San dFrancisco, CA
Dr. Nowak is board certified in both foot, reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and specializes in total ankle replacements and rear foot and ankle reconstruction.
About Shasta Orthopaedics
Shasta Orthopaedics, the premier musculoskeletal sub-specialty group practice in Northern California, helps patients from all over the world live a better quality of life by caring for problems with joints, bones, tendons and muscles.