Coastal Orthopedics completes first outpatient total ankle replacement surgery
Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy service, recently announced it has completed its first outpatient total ankle replacement surgery.
The outpatient procedure was performed for the first time at Coastal Orthopedics’ surgery center by Dr. Matthew Pacana, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle injuries and disorders at Coastal Orthopedics. After attending medical school at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Dr. Pacana finished his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his foot and ankle fellowship at the University of Texas Houston.
The total ankle replacement procedure entails general anesthesia and a regional block to numb the lower leg and control pain for over the first 24 hours. During surgery, physicians approach the ankle joint through a small incision and remove the arthritic portions of the bone on both sides of the ankle joint. The metal components are then placed on both sides of the joint with a durable spacer that allows for ankle range of motion that is frequently better than prior to surgery.
“This is a very exciting endeavor and a best-case scenario for patients needing a total ankle replacement,” said Dr. Pacana. “As Coastal Orthopedics continues to invest in improved technology and equipment, we are better able to serve our patients, providing a smoother and more patient-centered experience.”
Ideal candidates for the outpatient operation need to be in good health so that the anesthesia can be performed safely. Some cases of ankle arthritis have significant deformity that require multiple procedures, and they are better suited for the hospital. A physician would need to evaluate the patient’s case and treatment needs before determining if it could be done as an outpatient surgical intervention.
About Coastal Orthopedics
Founded in 1973 and based in Bradenton, Fla., Coastal Orthopedics is home to 17 orthopedic specialists who maintain hospital affiliations with HCA Florida Blake Hospital, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital. In addition to three offices and one ambulatory surgery center each servicing Florida’s West Coast, Coastal Orthopedics’ board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons provide patients with the very latest in orthopedic treatment technology. The company strives to repair and heal injuries relating to the entire musculoskeletal system.
For more than 50 years, Coastal Orthopedics’ highly skilled staff of physicians and surgeons has treated patients in specialty care, including sports medicine, joint replacement and rehabilitation. Patients can experience restoration of function both surgically and non-surgically through the use of physician-guided strengthening, therapy, medications, injections and stretching. For more information, please visit CoastalOrthopedics.com or call 941-792-1404.