Exactech Announces First Total Ankle Surgeries in South America

Exactech, a developer and producer of innovative implants, instrumentation, and smart technologies for joint replacement surgery, announced first surgeries in Latin America with the Vantage® Total Ankle Fixed Bearing System.

Manuel Pellegrini, MD, and Giovanni Carcuro, MD, of the Clinica Universidad de los Andes, performed the bilateral ankle procedures in Chile earlier this month.

“Many patients worldwide are benefitting from the Vantage Ankle, and I’m honored to be the first to use it on my continent,” said Dr. Pellegrini. “My patient not only received one, but two Exactech implants, and I look forward to seeing their progress post-surgery.”

The Vantage Ankle was first launched in the U.S. in 2016 and received clearance in Chile earlier this year. It is designed to recreate the natural biomechanics of the ankle joint through its curved talus component, which aligns with the talus’ trabecular bone structure, and tibial implant. Specifically, the press-fit tibial component is designed for anatomic cortical coverage and fibular articulation and features a center bone cage and three plasma pegs that are engineered to create initial fixation.1 In addition, the system features a polyethylene liner and a unique locking clip for secure fastening of the polyethylene liner.

“We are thrilled to be part of this landmark procedure,” said Foot and Ankle Marketing Director Devan Carter. “The Vantage Ankle has helped many patients get back to what they love doing, and we’re happy to share these clinical results with patients and surgeons in Chile. We hope to expand into other Latin American countries in the future.”