National Recognition for Excellence in Ankle Replacement Surgery
Recognition highlights leadership, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes in total ankle replacement surgery.
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at UTHealth Houston has earned recognition as a Stryker Center of Ankle Excellence, joining only 15 hospitals and health systems nationwide. The honor highlights the Department of Orthopedic Surgery’s leadership, innovation, and dedication to delivering exceptional patient care.
William McGarvey, MD, foot and ankle surgeon
“We are deeply honored to be named a Center of Ankle Excellence,” said William McGarvey, MD, professor, vice chair of orthopedic surgery, and program director of the residency and foot and ankle fellowship at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “These criteria are based not only on volume and innovation but also on patient outcomes and success. This recognition reflects our team’s dedication and unwavering focus on improving patients’ lives.”
To qualify for the designation, centers must meet rigorous standards. They must have at least three fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons and perform more than 60 total ankle replacements each year. Additionally, programs must demonstrate expertise in both primary and revision ankle surgeries.
Furthermore, Stryker recognizes centers that advance research, train residents and fellows, and host continuing medical education (CME) courses and labs. These institutions must also offer access to advanced imaging technology, ensuring high-quality, comprehensive care.
Taggart Gauvain, MD, foot and ankle surgeon
“This designation places UTHealth Houston and our affiliate hospital, Memorial Hermann, among the nation’s top centers for ankle replacement,” said Taggart Gauvain, MD, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery. “It reflects our team’s dedication, collaboration, and consistent focus on patient outcomes.”
A Legacy of Leadership
UTHealth Houston has long been a pioneer in total ankle arthroplasty. In the late 1990s, Thomas Clanton, MD, played a pivotal role in a landmark study of the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement, which advanced the standard of care nationwide. Later, McGarvey played an instrumental role in designing the first implant system for revision ankle replacements. As a result, UTHealth Houston continues to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes in this complex field.
Michael Greaser, MD, foot and ankle surgeon
“UTHealth Houston has always led innovation in ankle arthroplasty,” said Michael Greaser, MD, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery. “This recognition as a Center of Ankle Excellence is an incredible honor. It allows us to reach more patients who can benefit from this life-changing procedure.”
Meanwhile, the new designation brings exciting opportunities. UTHealth Houston will appear on the Stryker patient website and physician finder. The institution will also receive early access to new patient education materials for Stryker’s Incompass Total Ankle System, which is scheduled to launch later this year.
About UTHealth Houston
UTHealth Houston is Texas’s resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. With nationally recognized faculty and leading clinical affiliates, UTHealth Houston trains the next generation of health professionals. Moreover, our institution continually advances medical knowledge to improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.
UTHealth Houston’s orthopedic surgeons perform many of these procedures at Memorial Hermann, the institution’s nationally recognized hospital affiliate.
The foot and ankle surgery team at UTHealth Houston, from left to right. Richard Beaver, MD, John Zhao, MD, Taggart Gauvain, MD, William McGarvey, MD, Michael Greaser, MD, Alex Wetzig, MD, and Rohan Bhimani, MD.