Exactech has successfully completed the first ankle replacement using its new Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants. The procedure was performed by James Lachman, MD of St. Luke’s University Health Network.
 
The company’s Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants come in tibial stem heights from ten to 30 mm, along with the benefits of 3D printing. Additive manufacturing creates a surface that matches the trabecular structure of cancellous bone.
 
In addition to the 3D-printed surface, the implants feature spiked pegs and a tall sharp central cage with growing diameters. Exactech said this aids with initial fixation.
 
“It is exciting to be the first to implant Exactech’s latest ankle products and provide my patients with their differentiating benefits,” said Dr. Lachman. “The Vantage Ankle 3D+ prosthesis particularly stands out with its ability to address a greater variety of cases with simplified instrumentation.”
 
The Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ implants earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance last fall. They are compatible with Exactech’s patient-specific instrumentation, the Vantage Ankle PSI cutting guides. These FDA-cleared tools were developed by 3D Systems.
 
Earlier this year, Exactech launched Activit-E, an advanced vitamin E polyethylene insert. The company is preparing to launch the world’s first ankle navigation system, ExactechGPS Ankle.