Orthopedic Surgeon First in Central Ohio to Use Innovative Ankle Replacement Tech

Dr. Tobin Eckel of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is the first surgeon in the region to perform personalized total ankle replacement procedures using Advita GPS technology.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Patients in central Ohio now have access to advanced technology for total ankle replacements. Dr. Tobin Eckel of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is the first surgeon in the region to perform personalized total ankle replacement procedures using Advita GPS, the world's first navigation technology specifically designed for ankle replacement surgery.

Why it matters

The Advita GPS platform provides surgeons with real-time visual guidance and anatomical data throughout the total ankle replacement procedure, allowing surgical decisions to be tailored to each patient's unique ankle anatomy. This can lead to more precise implant alignment and positioning, potentially resulting in shorter surgical times and better outcomes for patients.

The details

The Advita GPS system uses small trackers temporarily placed on the patient's anatomy to collect live data, providing visual feedback that supports precise implant alignment and positioning. Prior to surgery, Dr. Eckel can create a surgical plan using a virtual simulation and integrated CT scan of the patient's anatomy, then execute that plan in real time during surgery using a 3D anatomical model displayed on a compact touchscreen system within the sterile field.

  • Dr. Eckel began performing the personalized total ankle replacement procedures using the Advita GPS technology in February 2026.

The players

Dr. Tobin Eckel

An orthopedic surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who is the first in central Ohio to use the Advita GPS technology for personalized total ankle replacement procedures.

Advita Ortho

The company that developed the Advita GPS navigation technology for ankle replacement surgery.

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What they’re saying

“The real-time feedback and monitoring this system provides gives me confidence that the operative procedure performed matches my preoperative plan.”

— Dr. Tobin Eckel, Orthopedic Surgeon (prnewswire.com)

“The patient benefits from potentially less intraoperative fluoroscopy use, which can result in a shorter surgical time.”

— Dr. Tobin Eckel, Orthopedic Surgeon (prnewswire.com)

What’s next

Dr. Eckel plans to continue using the Advita GPS technology for personalized total ankle replacement procedures at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, providing patients in central Ohio with access to this advanced surgical technique.

The takeaway

The use of the Advita GPS navigation technology by Dr. Eckel represents a significant advancement in total ankle replacement procedures, allowing for more personalized and precise surgical planning and execution to potentially improve patient outcomes.