Total Ankle Replacement Surgery to Be Webcast Live From Doctors Hospital

New Technology Makes Procedure an Option for More Patients in Pain

CORAL GABLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Doctors Hospital will stream a live webcast of a total ankle replacement surgery at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, as cameras follow renowned orthopedic surgeon Thomas San Giovanni, M.D., into the operating room. The webcast will be broadcast simultaneously in English and Spanish on BaptistHealth.net/Ortho.

“but not necessarily for a runner or someone who is still putting a great deal of stress on the joint.”

An estimated 50,000 people a year experience end-stage ankle arthritis, in which ankle cartilage has worn away completely, causing painful bone-on-bone contact. Until recently, ankle replacement surgery was not considered a viable option for most patients because of its high failure rate.

Advancements in surgical techniques and improvements in ankle prosthetics – such as the FDA-approved Salto Tolaris™ model Dr. San Giovanni will use – have greatly raised the success rate of the surgery, which was recently endorsed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. The procedure is among the most difficult performed by foot and ankle surgeons.

Not everyone is a candidate for ankle replacement surgery. The ideal patient is around 60 years old and of normal weight.

“The replacement is best for someone who is active, who likes to golf, swim and bike,” Dr. San Giovanni says, “but not necessarily for a runner or someone who is still putting a great deal of stress on the joint.”

Dr. San Giovanni is one of the top ankle specialists in the nation and has been named one of the “Best Doctors in America” every year since 2005. He also serves as orthopedic surgeon for the Miami City Ballet and foot and ankle consultant for the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, University of Miami, Florida International University and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Ortho.

Doctors Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. In addition to Doctors Hospital, Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Mariners Hospital, Homestead Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net.