Davenporter Stands Tall Thanks to Innovative Ankle Replacement that Prevents For nearly a half century, James Barnhart, 74, Davenport, has served both his country and those in the Quad City community. From working as a mechanic on Army Jeeps, trucks, and tanks in Vietnam, Korea, Germany and back to the Rock Island Arsenal; to a second 27-year career as a social worker helping troubled youth and foster children, he has always risen to the call of duty. "I spent 47 years both in the Army as a Vietnam-era vet and then locally at Family Resources social services, counseling teens in juvenile detention and navigating the foster care system for youth and their families. It's all been a worthwhile journey." Yet in his retirement, he found himself hobbling with a cane, his ankle in terrific pain, and facing a potential foot amputation from an ankle bone deteriorating beyond repair. James turned to another veteran in his own right, Dr. Michael Pyevich, ORA Orthopedics, a 26-year foot and ankle surgeon with an expertise in total ankle replacements, who says James' case required a relatively uncommon approach. "His entire talus or ankle bone was dead." The talus is the main connector between the foot and leg and forms the ankle joint. This joint allows the ankle's connecting bones to slide around so the foot can move in multiple directions while also supporting the body's weight. "James had what we call 'avascular necrosis' which is when the bone dies with no blood supply. Normally, when we see this, it's just a small spot on the bone, which is salvageable. "However, James' entire talus was dead. He couldn't walk. He was terribly disabled from this." Dr. Pyevich says in the past, amputation was really the only viable option to end the pain. "In the last few years, orthopedic technology has improved. Due to better sizing and more durable metal implants, we are now able to perform total talus replacements." This was the first total talus replacement performed in the Quad Cities' Dr. Michael Pyevich, ORA Orthopedics, shows the new titanium ankle bones used in new ankle bone replacement surgery. region with several more scheduled to be performed by Dr. Pyevich over the next few months. "We work with a company that does a CAT scan of his opposite ankle, then they make a 3-D plastic printout of the mirror image. We check the fit, then a new metal bone is crafted and tailored to his unique anatomy. "We literally remove the entire ankle bone. We do a standard ankle replacement on the shin bone, so it will work with his new ankle. It's truly a salvage procedure -- the last resort before amputation." Dr. Pyevich says he's pleased on how his patient has regained his mobility without pain. "I have been aware of this technology for a few years but wanted to make sure it is proven before suggesting it as an option for my patients." From one veteran to another, James says he appreciates his doctor's craftsmanship and experience. "Dr. Pyevich has been totally awesome. He's a great guy with a good reputation. I am really happy with my new ankle, and it works great." Most importantly, James says he's enjoying quality time with his seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. "I live with two of them, who are 14 and 9 years old. I am getting good at video games and making slime," he smiles. "I'm happy to say the grandkids are keeping me on both feet." Learn more and schedule your next appointment at qcora.com.