Brian, CHARLOTTE™ MTP Fusion System Recipient
Brian used to run four to eight miles a day and enjoyed an active lifestyle that also included playing basketball and riding a mountain bike.

When he started experiencing a pain and stiffness in his right foot he thought it was probably a sprained ankle. Instead of getting better after some rest, it got worse and eventually knocked him out of all the activities he loved. “It became absolutely crippling,” Brian, 32, said. “Over an eighteen month period it just got worse and worse. If I sat still for a while it would stiffen up and become extremely painful when I tried to just walk.” He tried a variety of pain killers but found they didn’t help much. He started feeling like a prisoner to his pain, missing his running and exercise routine. Work was a struggle since he spent a lot of time on his feet on a hard concrete floor.

“It was seriously disappointing, and I even had to ask for a disabled parking pass, ” he said. “I was essentially handicapped. I went from being a quick runner to walking at a snail’s pace due to the pain.” When his general physician could not diagnose his condition, Brian visited podiatrist Dr. Stephen Offutt. He was diagnosed with severe tendonitis in the foot with a possible genetic cause. The best treatment would be reconstructive surgery of the foot and would involve fusing toe joints using Wright’s CHARLOTTE™ MTP Fusion System. The CHARLOTTE™ System’s stainless steel fusion plate and screws would provide the strength and support to get him back to his active lifestyle.

“I was nervous about the surgery (Aug. 11, 2005), and about how it would turn out,” Brian said. “But right after it was over my foot looked very normal – it had been very swollen before – and I didn’t feel any pain until I started learning to walk on it again.” A month after surgery he was walking using a surgical boot, and was beginning his physical therapy. Two months after surgery he was able to walk using a regular shoe.

“I was feeling really well by mid-October and I was pleased with the progress,” he said. “I was working on physical therapy, and I took my mountain bike out for a ride on one nice sunny day. It felt great to get out and start doing some things I hadn’t been able to do in a long, long time.”

Brian continues to participate in physical therapy and the bottom of his foot is pain free. After struggling with pain for so long, he should soon walk normally. Dr. Offutt and his physical therapy team have urged him to continue being careful, but he is progressing on his walking speed and feeling very positive about the surgery and his recovery.

“I can’t go out running yet,” Brian said, “but it is coming and I’m sure looking forward to it. After all I have been through, I feel like the phoenix rising from the ashes.”

These results are specific to this individual only. Individual results and activity levels after surgery vary and depend on many factors including age, weight and prior activity level.
There are risks and recovery times associated with surgery and there are certain individuals who should not undergo surgery.
Only a physician can tell you if this product and associated procedure are right for you and your unique circumstances. Please consult with a physician for complete information regarding benefits, risks and possible outcomes.

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