Teaching Doctors the Art of Ankle Replacement

Santa Monica, Calif. (PRWEB) December 05, 2013

Furthering the reach of Southern California-based University Foot and Ankle Institute, Dr. Justin J. Franson will instruct an international cadre of physicians about the newest techniques in ankle replacement surgery. The educational symposium, scheduled for early December, will be hosted by the Medical Research Institute in Memphis, TN.

Franson, one of eight distinguished foot and ankle surgeons composing the staff at the multi-site University Foot and Ankle Institute (UFAI), credits his instructional role educating podiatric and orthopedic surgeons with his understanding the newest advances in the revitalized field of ankle replacement.

“My colleagues at UFAI and I embrace all areas of diseases of the foot and ankle, especially the rapidly growing area of ankle replacement,” said Franson, also a clinical instructor at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

“Medicine has recently seen the ankle replacement procedure (known as arthoplasty) come into its own in terms of longevity and stability of the new joint. UFAI is one of just a handful of surgical groups in the United States licensed to perform all four of the FDA-approved ankle replacement procedures.”

Since the early 1970s, orthopedic surgeons have been grappling with particular disadvantages of ankle replacements while, at the same time, noting the excellent results attained in the replacement of other joints. During the past 10 years, however, great strides have been made in terms of a durable design. “A better understanding of the biomechanic complexities of the ankle joint has lead to improved implants and better implant materials,” Franson said.

UFAI Co-Director, Dr. Bob Baravarian, a noted foot and ankle specialist emphasizing sports medicine and reconstructive surgery, said it’s fitting that his associate was singled out for the upcoming teaching opportunity. Working directly with orthopedic prosthesis manufacturers enables UFAI to stay on the forefront of technology and care options.

“This teaching opportunity means Dr. Franson is being recognized as one of the foremost doctors in the nation,” he said. “UFAI prides itself in providing patients with cutting-edge technology and surgical experience.

About University Foot and Ankle Institute: A Valuable Community Resource

University Foot and Ankle Institute, a clinical affiliate of UCLA Medical Group, was founded in 2003. With 10 offices (Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Valencia, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, West Hills, UCLA Westwood, Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks), UFAI is fulfilling its mission of providing state-of-the-art medical expertise to Southern California’s disparate communities.

“Our patients have come to expect quality care,” said Baravarian. “It’s not often that this level of attention and care is available in the patient’s own neighborhood.”

UFAI specializes in both conservative non-surgical cares and surgical treatments for a wide-array of foot and ankle conditions including Plantar Fasciitis (heal pain), Bunions, Ankle Instability, Achilles Tendon Conditions, Big Toe Arthritis, Ankle Arthritis and Flat Feet (adult and pediatric).

University Foot and Ankle’s headquarters is located at 2121 Wilshire Blvd. Suite101, Santa Monica, CA 90403 and is on the web at http://www.footankleinstitute.com.

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