Sheri Beach and her family love to hike. But during a typical trek near the 52-year-old's home, a waterlogged trail almost put her out of commission for good.
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"I took a step and stepped into a mud puddle. My foot went one way. My ankle went the other, and I heard the crack," Beach said.
It took hours for the paramedics to reach her. Sheri's family tried to keep her leg elevated to stop the swelling, but the damage was done.
Beach continued, "By the time we got to the hospital, and they were able to reduce it, it had been over four hours. The blood supply had been compromised."
Surgeons repaired breaks in Beach's leg, but the talus bone near the ankle never recovered. A hole much like a pothole developed. Instead of major surgery to fuse the ankle, Dr. John Campbell, an orthopedic surgeon, suggested a newer technique, a graft called BioCartilage.
"It's a form of cartilage from cadavers that is processed and morcellized and ground into dust, and it's combined with cells from the patient," explained Dr. Campbell.
Surgeons insert the mixture to fill the damaged area.
"The easiest way is like patching a hole in drywall while the material is liquid and soft you can fit it in. It hardens and dries, so it stays in the spot," Campbell stated.
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Beach says she went from being in constant pain to regaining almost full use of her foot. Not only is she hiking again, but completed a two-day, 39-mile charity walk.
Dr. Rebecca Cerrato performed the BioCartilage treatment as an outpatient procedure, but Dr. Campbell warns patients that they will need to be non-weight bearing for up to eight weeks after surgery. It can take six months to regain full mobility.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dan Collins
410-332-9714
dcollins@mdmercy.com