Restoring Mobility: Orthopedic Institute's Expert Team Leads Regional Ankle Replacement Care
More than a generation ago, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Frank Alvine helped pioneer one of the first modern total ankle replacement systems, introducing a surgical option that relieved pain while preserving joint motion for patients living with severe ankle arthritis. An estimated one million Americans live with ankle arthritis, a condition that can make walking, standing, and everyday activities increasingly difficult as the disease progresses.
Today, that legacy continues.
At Orthopedic Institute, Gregory F. Alvine, MD; Gregory M. Neely, MD; and Eric S. Watson, MD build on that foundation as part of the region’s leading team specializing in comprehensive foot and ankle care, including total ankle replacement. Their work helps patients across South Dakota and the surrounding region regain mobility, reduce chronic pain, and return to theactivities that matter most in their daily lives.
Total ankle replacement remains one of the most specialized procedures in orthopedic surgery. For many years, ankle fusion has been a reliable and effective surgical treatment for advanced ankle arthritis, particularly for certain patients and conditions. While fusion is highly successful at relieving pain, it limits motion at the ankle joint. Total ankle replacement offers an alternative for appropriate candidates, relieving pain while preserving joint movement. Advances in implant technology and surgical technique continue to expand options and improve outcomes for patients.
For Dr. Gregory Alvine, the work also carries personal significance.
“I watched my dad help people get their lives back,” Alvine said. “Seeing that impact firsthand inspired me to pursue this field. I take great pride in continuing that work today.”
As ankle replacement technology has advanced, Orthopedic Institute has become a destination for patients seeking long-term solutions for severe ankle pain. Patients frequently travel from across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and neighboring states for evaluation and treatment at Orthopedic Institute. Many arrive after years of trying physical therapy, injections, bracing, or medication without lasting relief.
“Our goal is to make world-class ankle care accessible right here in our region,” said Dr. Gregory Neely. “Patients should not have to travel across the country to find the expertise they need to restore mobility and quality of life.”
Orthopedic Institute’s ankle replacement program combines advanced surgical techniques, modern implant systems, and coordinated rehabilitation support. With a team that includes Drs. Alvine, Neely, and Watson, patients benefit from a collaborative approach to care that supports improved outcomes and long-term mobility.
This comprehensive approach helps patients move more comfortably and return to work, recreation, and everyday activities.
For many patients, ankle replacement significantly improves quality of life. The procedure helps farmers remain active in the field, workers stay on their feet throughout the day, and grandparents keep pace with their families.
“This is about helping people return to the things they enjoy and the lives they want to live,” Neely said.
Although ankle replacement has become more widely available, Orthopedic Institute remains the region’s most experienced provider of both primary and complex ankle replacement procedures, including revision surgeries. Together, Dr. Gregory Alvine, Dr. Gregory Neely, and Dr. Eric Watson, along with the Orthopedic Institute team, carry forward a legacy of innovation, offering a depth of combined experience that is unmatched in the region.
