Surgeons performed the first surgery using Gainesville, Fla.-based Exactech's Vantage Total Ankle System.
Here are six key notes:
1. Durham, N.C.-based Duke University's Mark Easley, MD, and James Nunley, MD, performed the surgery.
2. The Vantage Total Ankle System incorporates anatomic talar and tibial components.
3. Dr. Easley commented the system was designed with "minimal bone resection in mind, [and] affords optimal support for the anatomically shaped implants."
4. The following surgeons collaborated with Exactech to develop the system:
• James Nunley, MD — Duke
• James DeOrio, MD — Duke
• Mark Easley, MD — Duke
• Victor Valderrabano, MD, PhD — Swiss Ortho Center of Schmerzklinik Basel, Switzerland.
5. The Vantage system represents Exactech's first product in the foot and ankle market.
6. Exactech anticipates a full market launch of the product in the United States in 2017.