Ventura Gets a New Wheel

Former Yankees 3rd Baseman Robin Ventura has never been the same since devastatingly breaking his ankle as a member of the White Sox back in 1997. That spring training injury had lead to a permanent limp and a decrease in running speed and mobility. But that is a thing of the past.

Ventura underwent transplant surgery this past November after his ankle debilitated to the point where he could not walk without a cane and he was in constant pain. In addition to the injury itself, the ankle was weakened by the number of cortisone shots Ventura had taken over the years in order to play.

Dr. William Bugbee gave Ventura the choice of either having the ankle fused and be very limited for the remainder of his life, or undergo the surgery the doctor had performed over 250 times. The choice was an easy one for Ventura, who knew that if the surgery didn't work he could still have the ankle fused. The reverse order was not an available option.

Like any other transplant, a matching donor was needed. Once the surgery was performed, Ventura knew he faced a 6 month rehab. The transplant involved an incision from the lower shin to the top of the foot and required removal of a portion of the existing ankle bone as well as some cartilage. Bone from a cadaver was then shaped to the exact size needed, inserted into place, and fastened to the bones using four screws.

"When they first told me about what they'd be doing and showed me a picture. ... yeah, it was, 'Eeuuuw. I'm not sure this is what I'm looking for -- someone else's bone,'" Ventura said. "My kids don't get near my foot even now. But I don't even think about it now. I'm just happy it works."

Great news for one of the nicest guys in baseball!

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