Small Bone Innovations (SBi), a privately-owned orthopedics company, said that people covered by Coventry Health Care will have access to SBi’s STAR Total Ankle Replacement system following a policy revision by the insurer.
SBi is focused exclusively on treatments for joint replacement or ‘arthroplasty’ and post-traumatic reconstruction of the small bones & joints of the thumb, fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, toes and foot & ankle.
Washington University Orthopedics in St. Louis Foot & Ankle Service chief Jeffrey Johnson said next generation total ankle replacement technology is an effective treatment alternative to fusion in carefully selected patients with severe ankle arthritis.
"Ankle replacement surgery allows patients to regain full range of motion in the ankle joint, and enables many to return to an active lifestyle," Johnson said.