Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor and Director of International Education Ashish Shah, M.D. was awarded a one-year MedShape grant for his project “Compression Nail for Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis.”

The award totals more than $113,000, and Shah will serve as principal investigator on the grant. The purpose of the study is to determine the clinical efficacy of a novel dynamic compression intramedullary nail for tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis.

Shah’s study will enroll approximately 30 patients with end-stage tibiotalar (ankle) and talocalcaneal (subtalar) joint arthritis from any etiology. The MedShape nail will be inserted during surgical treatment of the patients, and researchers will use follow up at six weeks, three months, six months, 12 months, and 24 months to measure the efficacy of the method, comparing to pre-operative results.

Shah is pleased to serve as principal investigator in the study.

“It is an honor to host this study here at UAB in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,” said Shah. “The department is always looking for ways to stay on the forefront of research that improves patient experience and outcomes, and this study aligns with that mission.”