Who we are
Ankle Arthritis Centers aims to help people all over North America with various ankle and arthritis issues. These types of issues can be unbearable to live with and AAC wants to help you get back on your feet and doing the things that bring your joy!
Ankle and Arthritis Centers were wonderful! Dr Cottom was able to fix my ankle and get me back to running without the pain!
With offices in Pheonix AZ and Sarasota FL we offer two great locations. With clients flying in from all over the world we want to offer you the comfort and accomidations to work through your ankle problems. Our team will walk you through the entire process from diagnosis to treatment to recovery and everything in between.
Book an Appointment or Contact Us today!
3d Printed Implants
The use of 3D printed technology has been used for many years across various industries and allow for custom products to be manufactured. Currently, this customized technology is widely accessible in the medical setting, allowing surgeons to create personalized devices and solutions for patients. Within orthopedic surgery, 3D printing has allowed for the development of anatomical models that can be used to assist in preoperative planning and the development of patient specific instruments and implants that can be used intraoperatively.
They inserted a 3D implant in my ankle instead of fusing the bones as other clinics recommended. I have full range of motion and no pain! – James
This technology is extremely helpful in complex reconstruction situations where deformity, bone loss and bony defects can be challenging to manage. This exciting technology can be used to replace or support existing bone structure and to develop custom patient specific implants based on each individual patients’ anatomy.
Your Options
Surgical
Ankle Arthrodesis
A gold standard procedure commonly performed at our centers to relieve pain and deformity. Various techniques are performed such as minimally invasive and arthroscopic arthrodeses.
Ankle Replacement
A standard in ankle arthritis centers and our specialty where the joint is replaced with metal components to provide pain free range of motion and deformity correction. Learn more here about the focus of our practice.
Custom Foot and Ankle Implants
Technology has advanced the way we are treating complex cases and custom implants made of titanium and cobalt chromium allow our centers to get patients pain free again. These should only be done by trained foot and ankle surgeons on custom technology.
Osteochondral Defects of the Talus
These devastating and complex cases are typically the result of bad ankle sprains and trauma. Our centers focus on the newest technology that treats these bad talus and tibial lesions with enhanced cartilage replacement techniques while balancing the ankle ligaments.
Non-Surgical Injections
Amniotic Membrane Allograft
New injectable technology that utilizes amniotic membrane/umbilical cord fluid to bring growth factors and hormones to the arthritic ankle or torn tendons about the foot and ankle.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
A bioactive component of whole blood where platelet concentrations are well above normal providing an influx of cytokines and growth factors to help heal early ankle arthritis and talar osteochondral lesions. Our centers provide this treatment routinely in the office and in the operating theater.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Another option typically utilized in knee and hip osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid, used in the ankle as an ‘off-label’ indication for ankle arthritis. We have found this option to be a viable one for patients not ready for surgical intervention yet that need pain relief.
Ankle Pain? Soreness? Inflammation?
How can we help you?
Dr. James Cottom
Dr. Cottom received his bachelor’s degree with honors from Michigan State University. In 2002 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Scholl College / Finch University, in Chicago, Illinois. Subsequently, he completed a three-year surgical residency in reconstructive and trauma surgery of the foot and ankle at the Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan focusing in all areas of Foot, Ankle, and Leg Surgery. Dr. Cottom is also extensively trained in the conservative and surgical treatment of diabetic conditions affecting the lower extremity including limb salvage.
Dr. Jeff McAlister
Jeffrey McAlister, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, who specializes in advanced foot and ankle reconstruction with offices in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. McAlister’s passion for patient care began at the University of Iowa, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 2004, before garnering an interest in podiatric medicine and surgery during his time at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.
Book An Appointment
Choose one of our two convenient locations
Locations
Patients
Reviews & Endorsements
“This is THE BEST medical facility I have ever had to visit. A few days before Christmas I dropped a huge solid wood door on my foot. The team here was quick to get me in last minute, gave fantastic customer service, communicated clearly what needed to happen, delivered phenomenal care, and did amazing following up with me. I have never felt so at ease with a doctor and medical staff before. Thank you all for caring and excelling at what you do. ^_^”
– Katie G
Reviews & Endorsements
“I was referred to Dr. Cottom by another physician. Amazing!! Can’t thank Dr. Cottom and his office for helping me to be able to walk again without pain.”
– Marguerite C
Reviews & Endorsements
“After a recent brake of my foot, I ended up requiring surgery for a floating chip. I was so thrilled it was Dr. Cottom who I was referred to and did the surgery, his taking the time to explain, put my fears at bay and taking the extra steps in precaution towards my successful healing journey was appreciated. His staff was amazing and supportive and I was so grateful to have them as part of the team. Highly recommend for any foot and ankle support required. Most grateful Dr. Cottom and Staff for all your support!”
– Karen R
Blog
Total Ankle Replacement Q&A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYJkHYeumk4 What is a total ankle replacement? Total ankle replacement, or total arthroplasty (TAA), is a surgical procedure of the foot and ankle used to treat severe ankle arthritis. It is recommended as a last resort when less...
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