ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - June 2, 2009) -
Foot & Ankle
International (FAI), the official journal of the
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
(AOFAS), has recently added a new highlight to its monthly publication.
The section is entitled FootForum and is written by AOFAS member Michael S.
Pinzur, MD, Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, Loyola University Medical
School, Maywood, IL. In the May issue, the FootForum topic is Experimental
Surgery. In it, he discusses who or what are the appropriate bodies to
decide that clarification in reference to a medical procedure such as the
total ankle replacement (TAR).
Dr. Pinzur states that the regulatory process for the introduction of a new
orthopaedic implant (total ankle replacement) is the responsibility of the
United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Before a new product can
enter the commercial market, manufacturers must follow a strict process to
receive this approval. The goal behind this process is the protection of
the public from unsafe devices. However, it is the insurance companies who
often make the final decision as to whether a medical procedure should be
reimbursed. This increases the need for proper data being used in these
decisions.
Dr. Pinzur comments, "Who should be making the decisions as to what is
appropriate for patients: physicians and professional societies or the
payors? As we move forward with this new health care initiative, should the
insurance companies decide if a treatment is medically appropriate?"
What is the current medical evidence available on the safety and
effectiveness of a total ankle replacement? In a recently completed
long-term, multi-centered clinical trial, FDA data showed that a TAR is at
least equivalent, if not better, than an ankle fusion in many instances. In
an ankle fusion, the bones of the ankle and leg are fused together limiting
movement. In an ankle replacement, the damaged bones are replaced often
leading to a more natural motion. These ankle bones have deteriorated over
time due to painful and disabling ankle arthritis. At this point in time,
three models of total ankle replacements have been approved by the FDA for
marketing in the United States, with an additional one having received FDA
approval this month, yet many patients must still struggle for approval of
coverage for this procedure from their insurance companies.
"Each patient's condition is unique and the appropriate choice of treatment
must be able to be made. In some instances, fusion is the best course and
sometimes a total ankle replacement is the best route. A good total ankle
replacement is more functional than an ankle fusion, although the
complication rate can be greater. The new ankle replacements have been much
more effectively designed which should decrease the complication rate.
"Evidence is clear today that a good total ankle replacement is better than
a good fusion although with higher possibility of complication. But who
should be making the decision of what is appropriate for his patient: a
fellowship trained orthopaedist or an insurance company?" concluded Dr.
Pinzur.
About AOFAS
The AOFAS promotes quality, ethical and cost-effective patient care through
education, research and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other health
care providers. It creates public awareness for the prevention and
treatment of foot and ankle disorders, provides leadership, and serves as a
resource for government, industry and the national and international health
care community.
About Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who
specialize in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients with disorders
of the musculoskeletal system of the foot and ankle. This includes the
bones, joints, ligaments, muscles tendons, nerves, and skin. Orthopaedic
foot and ankle surgeons use medical, physical, and rehabilitative methods
as well as surgery to treat patients of all ages. They perform
reconstructive procedures, treat sports injuries, and manage and treat
trauma of the foot and ankle.
Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons work with physicians of many other
specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, vascular surgery,
endocrinology, radiology, anesthesiology, and others. Medical school
curriculum and post-graduate training provides the solid clinical
background necessary to recognize medical problems, admit patients to a
hospital when necessary, and contribute significantly to the coordination
of care appropriate for each patient.
Education
AOFAS members have the following credentials:
-- Completed four years of medical school. The curriculum covers basic
and clinical sciences, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, family
medicine and all other medical specialties.
-- Completed five years of accredited graduate medical education
(residency training) in orthopaedic surgery.
-- Many orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons also complete advanced
fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery.
-- Satisfactory completion of the national medical licensing examination.
-- Continuing medical education credits over a specific time period.
-- Board certification: Certified by or eligible for examination and
certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American
Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery.
-- Each member must hold membership in the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
When selecting a medical provider to care for your feet and ankles, be sure
to ask him/her about:
-- Medical school education
-- Accredited residency training
-- Areas of practice specialization
-- Experience in your prescribed treatment (surgical and/or non-surgical)
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/aofas90602/index.html
Contact Information: CONTACT
Judy Datz
Communications Manager
847-384-4379