Do you have an unstable ankle or suffer from ankle bone issues? Do you have flat feet? If you answered “yes,” then maybe HyProCure can give you much-needed relief. HyProCure is a titanium spacer ankle implant that our doctor can place between the ankle and heel bone, a region called the sinus tarsi, to stabilize the ankle and fix a flat arch.

HyProCure is a less-invasive alternative to traditional ankle fusion surgery or traditional foot reconstruction surgery, both of which can often involve cutting and resetting bones or using metal plates and screws to fuse them together. HyProCure doesn’t require any of that.

What Is HyProCure?

As mentioned earlier, HyProCure is a state-of-the-art titanium spacer that surgeons place between the ankle and heel bones. Think of it as a “cushion” that helps take the pressure off of your ankle bones and allows you to move more freely without foot pain.

HyProCure is made out of titanium, which is a very strong and durable metal that has been used in many different types of medical implants. What’s more, the metal is chemically inert and unreactive, meaning it doesn’t pose any risk of rejection by your body.

HyProCure has been used to treat all types of ankle instability and flat feet conditions, from mild to severe cases. This treatment has helped countless patients find relief from their chronic foot pain and get back to living their lives.

 

Who Is a Good Candidate for HyProCure?

While HyProCure is a great treatment for various ankle ailments and flat feet conditions, not everyone can qualify for the treatment. Patients must complete certain requirements before they can qualify for the treatment. They include:

Age Requirements

You must be over three years old to qualify for the treatment. By the age of three, the sinus tarsi space between your ankle and heel bone will have hardened from soft bone tissue to hard bone. This allows for a more secure placement of the HyProCure implant.

However, our podiatrist recommends waiting until the toddler turns seven years old, just to be sure. On the other side of the spectrum, there’s no cut-off age for getting the surgery. In fact, the oldest patient to get HyProCure so far was 94 years old.

Clinical Tests

Dr. Barra will conduct three clinical tests to determine if HyProCure is the best treatment for your ankle instability or flat foot. These tests are:

  • Non-weight bearing examination
  • Standing examination
  • Observation of the foot’s inner arch

Apart from these tests, Dr. Barra may also conduct:

The Anterior Drawer Test

The Anterior Drawer Test is used to check the amount of movement in the ankle joint. Dr. Barra will hold your foot still while moving your shin bone forwards and backward. If there’s too much movement in the ankle, HyProCure can likely help.

The Squeeze Test

The Squeeze Test is used to check the stability of your ankle joint. The surgeon will hold your foot still while squeezing the bones in your ankle together. If there’s too much movement in the ankle, HyProCure can likely help.

The X-Ray Test

The X-Ray Test is used to check the size and shape of your bones. Dr. Barra will examine x-rays of your ankle joint to get a better look at the bones. If the bones are misshapen or too small, HyProCure can likely help.

After conducting these tests, our doctor should conclusively establish whether you’re a candidate for the surgery. If not, they may recommend alternative treatment options.

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What Can Patients Expect During and After Their HyProCure Treatment?

Before the surgery, Dr. Barra will conduct a thorough examination of your ankle and foot to ensure that HyProCure is the best treatment for you. They may also require x-rays of your foot and ankle to get a better look at the bones.

Once it’s been established that you are a good candidate for HyProCure, the next step is to schedule the surgery. The surgery itself is relatively simple and only takes about 30 minutes to complete.

During the surgery, Dr. Barra will make a small incision in your ankle and insert the HyProCure implant. Once the ankle implant is in place, Dr. Barra will close up the incision.

After the surgery, you can expect to feel some foot pain and swelling in your ankle. This is normal and will subside over time. You will also have to wear a splint or cast for about six weeks to protect the HyProCure implant as it heals.

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. It helps reduce foot pain and also improves range of motion, flexibility, and strength. Most patients can return to their normal activities within three to six months.

Contact Us Today

HyProCure is a safe and effective treatment for your unstable ankles. Our podiatrists, Dr. Carlos Barra, DPM, and Dr. Maureen Ratchford, DPM, can administer the HyProCure treatment and develop a personalized physical therapy plan to ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to helping you get back on your feet.