b'A Giant Step ForwardDr Natalie Danna, Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle specialistWhen Natalie R. Danna, MD,Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics,active population we tend to see joined the Department of Orthopaedics in August 2018, she came with tendon tears, tendinitis, and other a distinguished background in research and practice. And, her expertiseconditions in the category of sports in total ankle replacement surgery represented a new hope to more injuries, she explains.UM patients. Most important, she brings with her a commitment Age-related cases represent their to individualized patient care and a focus on service to UMs unique own challengesand opportunities. patient population. As tendons age, they dry out and I do see a lot of patients withrepresents a giant step forward forlose elasticity, she says. This makes complications of diabetes, sheUM patients. the tendons prone to tears and explains, especially Charcottendonitis. The ankle joint bears arthropathy, which often requiresTHRIVING ON VARIETY approximately five times a persons complex reconstructions in the footWhat I like most about foot andbody weight, nearly twice as much and ankle. Practicing at Universityankle surgery is the variety, sheas the knee or hip joint with just of Maryland locations fromsays. With patients ranging fromone-third of the surface area. Its no Columbia to midtown Baltimore,adolescent athletes and weekendwonder aging brings with it ankle-her practice expands and extendswarriors to older individuals withrelated degenerative joint issues. UM Orthopaedics ability toage related foot and ankle issues,Ankle replacement can offer these address a much wider range of footshe sees many kinds of patients.patients a chance to get back on and ankle issues than in the past.Ankle arthritis and hindfoottheir feet.Plus, her expertise in the latestarthritis are not uncommon. ankle replacement proceduresIn terms of the younger, more 4CONNECTING WITH QUALITY: A Renewed Focus on Value-Based Care'