Ortho Innova

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Some of the recent medical advances are incredibly high-tech, as is the case with a limb prosthesis designed in Germany. Because the technology has been used there for several years with great success, and because of the increasing number of amputee war veterans, the technique is the first choice of many who need it. However, the US has still not approved the technology, which means US war veterans, and other amputees, are looking for other places to go where it is available. Up until recently, that meant traveling to Germany, where the procedure is available at a very high cost.

But now there are three orthopaedic surgeons in Mexico who are trained to offer the surgery; and two of those are in Mérida at Star Medica: at their clinic Ortho Innova, orthopaedic surgeons Carlos Enrique Reyes de Cáceres and Ricardo José Guillermo Yáñez.

The ESKA Endo-Exo Prosthesis is a new type of prosthesis for above-knee amputees. Modelled on the anatomy of the human body, it puts the pressure of walking back onto the femur and the hip joint. It is derived from a similar concept in dentistry. Just like the dental implant, the Endo-Exo prosthesis is implanted directly into the bone (in this case, the femur) and guarantees a safe, long-term connection between patient and prosthesis.

The ESKA Endo-Exo Prosthesis comprises several modules that can be divided into inner (endo) and outer (exo) components. The endo module, the “femoral stem”, is implanted directly in the thigh bone (femur). Forces are transferred directly from the bone to the prosthesis, which allows the prosthesis to be moved with precision. By improving the subject’s perception of ground conditions, the ESKA Endo-Exo Prosthesis creates a confident and harmonious gait. The exo prosthesis can be removed and re-applied within seconds from a sitting position.

According to the German manufacturer’s website, “an amputation above the knee represents a major life change. The desire to remain mobile and be able to participate actively in life become top priorities. The aim of prosthesis treatment is to fulfil these wishes and to re-establish your ability to walk in as unrestricted a way as possible. The Endo-Exo Prosthesis redefines mobility and quality of life.”

The surgery is suitable for those who have lost a leg due to either trauma or cancer; it is not suitable for those with circulatory diseases or diabetes. Less expensive surgical and hospital costs in Mexico mean that the procedure is more affordable here than in Germany. “This techno-logy is a vast improvement over the existing socket prosthesis, and is not accessible in the US,” explains Dr. Reyes. “The increased mobility allows recipients to live a completely normal life. They can even swim in the ocean!”

Ortho Innova
Star Medica Office 819
Tel: (999) 196 1445.
Email: orthoinnova@gmail.com
Web: www.endo-exo.de/english