In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we are sharing John Garrett’s story of restored mobility after receiving Advita Ortho’s Vantage Total Ankle System with Activit-E vitamin E polyethylene ankle implant.
For John Garrett, staying active has always been a way of life. A dedicated runner, Garrett was training for his second marathon when an unexpected moment changed everything. During an early morning run, he stepped into a pothole, injuring his ankle, ultimately altering his mobility and daily life for years to come.
What began as a single misstep turned into a long-term challenge. He had been to several doctors and had two surgeries. Persistent pain and limited mobility made it difficult to enjoy activities he once loved and impacted everything from daily movement to long-term plans.
“It was very uncomfortable and painful to do most anything that required walking or climbing,” Garrett shared.
A New Option, A New Outlook
After years of managing pain and limited mobility, Garrett learned about the Vantage® Total Ankle System and its new advanced Activit-E™ vitamin E polyethylene through his son, Wesley, a quality control manager at Advita Ortho.
“I had seen the new Vitamin E ankle liners coming through, about to launch,” said Wesley. “I remember thinking ‘Wow.’”
The timing aligned with Garrett’s search for a new solution. Wesley was an advocate for his dad to inquire about vitamin E options. Together, they found a surgeon, and Garrett became one of the first patients to receive the Activit-E vitamin E ankle implant.
The procedure marked a personal turning point for Garrett.
Getting the procedure was life-changing; I can now do things I was not doing before, and participate in family events.
“Getting the procedure was life-changing,” said Garrett, “I can now do things I was not doing before, and participate in family events.”
During a recent family trip, Garrett climbed a large, steep flight of stairs. He experienced an unexpected “Aha moment,” realizing the excursion was painless. He is also able to be active with his young grandchildren, something he deeply values and had missed.
For Wesley, seeing his father benefit from the kind of work he supports every day made the experience especially meaningful.
“It’s incredible to see him be pain free and be active,” said Wesley, “and to be able to do things as a family again.”
Looking Ahead
Garrett’s journey reflects what matters most behind every advancement: real people, real lives, and the ability to keep moving forward. For Garrett, what started with a pothole and a broken ankle has become a renewed chapter; one defined by thoughtful innovation, restored confidence and the freedom to stay present in life’s most precious moments.
Don’t let pain sideline your life. Discover what’s possible at www.advita.com/patients.
Individual results may vary. Testimonials are not claimed to represent typical results. All testimonials are from real patients, and may not reflect the typical patient’s experience, and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Only a qualified surgeon can help you determine the proper course of treatmnt.
