Of the 13 persons chosen for induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame by its Board of Directors, one has a well-known name among orthopaedic surgeons in general and strong ties to the Pacific Northwest in particular. That person is Dr. Frank Alvine, UW School of Medicine 1964 and UW Orthopaedic Surgery Residency 1972.

During his years of active practice from 1972 to 2007, Dr. Alvine designed the Total Ankle Prosthesis, in use by orthopaedic surgeons around the world. Himself an active outdoorsman and conservationist, Dr. Alvine’s creation of this patented, FDA-approved implant has restored mobility and active lifestyle to countless patients with damage or disease in the distal lower extremity.

Dr. Alvine retired from active orthopaedic surgical practice in 2007. He and his high-school sweetheart, Marilyn, celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in June of 2009, and are kept busy with nine grandchildren. In addition to his interests as a pilot and a restorer of antique automobiles, Dr. Alvine has received national recognition from Ducks Unlimited for his work as a conservation farmer.

The University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is proud to congratulate Dr. Frank Alvine on his induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.