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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: If a person has severe arthritis of the ankle, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called ankle arthroplasty, or total ankle replacement. The ankle is the joint that connects the leg and the foot. The ankle joint includes the two lower leg bones, called the tibia and the fibula, and the ankle bone, called the talus. The joint allows the foot to move up and down. On the ends of the bones is a smooth, gliding covering called articular cartilage Sometimes, the ankle can become damaged by injuy, normal wear and tear or diseases. This can result in arthritis which is painful joint inflammation and stiffness. Over time, the articular cartilage can wear away causing the exposed boney surfaces to rub together. In addition, arthritis can lead to changes in the shape of the bones in the ankle joints. For example, boney projections called bone spurs can develop. The bone spurs along with the damaged cartilage can make it hard to move the foot up and down. As a result, it can be difficult to walk and go up and down stairs. Two types of arthritis that can affect the ankle joint are Osteoarthritis due to wear and tear on the joint or injury. Or Rheumatoid arthritis; one of several auto-immune disorders that causes inflammation in the joint. A surgical procedure called total ankle replacement is done to replace a severely damaged ankle joint. The surgeon will make an incision on the front of the damaged ankle to reveal the ankle joint. Next, the ends of the tibia and talus will be removed. A man made joint called an implant or prosthesis , will be inserted into the ankle. At the end of the procedure the incision will be closed with stitches. After the ankle replacement the patient will be able to move the ankle more fully and experience less pain during activity.
"Medical illustrations are essential during trial for any medical malpractice case. The people at MLA have the uncanny ability of creating medical illustrations that simplify the most complex of medical concepts and human anatomy to a lay audience. The exhibits of MLA allow experts to easily describe complex concepts and human anatomy in a manner that could
not be done otherwise.
In addition, their custom illustrations show in great detail the extent of
injuries suffered and the devastating effects they have had on the client's
anatomy. These custom illustration can show, side by side, the body before
and after a catastrophic injury. The effect of this juxtaposition is
unmatched by any testimony that can be adduced at the time of trial.
Even jurors after trial have commented on the ease with which they grasp
medical concepts and anatomy once the MLA exhibits were introduced and
used by my experts. Even judges who have "seen it all" are thoroughly
impressed by the detail and sophistication of the illustrations.
"A few words about The Doe Report: recently in a brachial plexus injury
case, we used an image from The Doe Report to demonstrate the injury. We
downloaded the PDF file image, and were amazed at the quality. The hard
copies that you sent were even more clear. As well, we could not have been
happier when you customized the image and reversed the injury from the left
shoulder to the right shoulder, which is where our client's injury was.
The speed and cost-effectiveness of the product made it the perfect tool for
our purposes. We will use The Doe Report again in future cases."
Andrew Needle
Needle Gallagher & Ellenberg, P.A.
Miami, FL
"Our firm was able to settle our case at an all day mediation yesterday and
I am confident that the detail and overall appearance of the medical
illustrations significantly contributed to the settlement. When we require
medical illustrations in the future, I will be sure to contact [MLA]."
Noel Turner, III
Burts, Turner, Rhodes & Thompson
Spartanburg, SC
"Your firm is great to work with and, most importantly for me, you get the
job done on time and with the utmost professionalism. You should be proud of
all those you employ, from KJ to Ben B. I've been especially pleased over
the years with the work of Brian and Alice, both of whom seem to tolerate my
idiosycratic compulsion to edit, but I've not found a bad apple in the bunch
(and, as you know, I've used your firm a bunch!).
I look forward to our continued professional relationship."
Kenneth J. Allen Kenneth Allen & Associates
Valparaiso, IN
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.