• Photo #1: The top of the talus implant connects with a polyethylene part of the artificial joint.
  

• Photo #2: The bottom of the implant has a lattice structure to help it fuse with the heel bone (calcaneus).

Santa Cruz, CA –  March 27, 2025 –  Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has successfully performed the world’s first procedure which combines an artificial talus bone with a total ankle replacement. This pioneering achievement marks a significant milestone in orthopedic care at Dominican Hospital, offering patients a safer, more effective solution for complex ankle injuries.

This breakthrough procedure is an alternative to traditional metal implants, providing patients with improved mobility and faster recovery. The implant is made from polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), a high-performance polymer known for its superior biocompatibility and resistance to infection. 

“As the first hospital in the world to perform this surgery, we are proud to be at the forefront of orthopedic advancements and to bring this life-changing treatment to our community,” said Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, President of Dominican Hospital. 

Led by Dr. Nicholas Abidi, a Dignity Health orthopedic surgeon,this groundbreaking procedure was made possible by the skill, dedication, and collaboration of the Dominican Hospital orthopedic team.

“I am incredibly proud to have performed this first-of-its-kind procedure and to be part of such a historic moment in orthopedic medicine,” shares Dr. Abidi, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital Orthopedic Surgeon. “This milestone is not just about one surgery—it’s about opening new possibilities for patients who previously had limited treatment options.” 

Dominican Hospital is committed to offering the most advanced and effective orthopedic treatments available, ensuring patients have access to the highest standard of care. This new service is just one example of how Dominican Hospital continues to lead the way in providing innovative healthcare options for the community.

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About Dignity Health California 

Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. 

Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.