Hi Has anyone ever had an ankle fusion? My ankle is really bad and that's wat they recommend But I've herd bad and good

[80005]

[Sailaway]

My brother in law had one, he had OA due to an old fracture and was very reluctant to have his ankle fused. However, he's absolutely delighted with the improvement in his mobility and the lack of pain. He hasn't looked back since.

[victoriablue]

A good friend of mine had one about 2 years ago and it is the pain relief is wonderful. Good luck

[jazie]

Yes I had my ankle fused a few years ago. It took the pain away from that ankle and I haven't had any problems.

I wouldn't hesitate to have the other one done.

[theaedge1]

I had it done 3years ago and its great no more pain

[80005 in reply to theaedge1]

But can u walk correctly

[Metal-legs]

How long does it take to recover from an ankle fusion op? Can you walk on it fairly soon?

[oldtimer]

The orthopaedic surgeon I saw in January and has recently done a sub-tarsal fusion on my left foot (being the worst), said that he would do ankle joint replacements for me in a couple of year's time. That is between the tibia and and tarsal bone.He would otherwise recommend an ankle fusion as I'm "too active" for ankle replacement at present. (I don't feel very active with my foot up in the air but the K9 kneeling walker is brilliant for scooting around on).

As far as I can see, ankle replacement retain the hinge action but wear out (not been around very long either). Ankle fusion means you lose the movement, (if you still have some) but lose the pain. Sometimes doesn't fuse together, more likely in smokers, people with poor circulation and of course, people with RA!.

There are quite a few good articles if you Google it.

It will take at least 12 weeks after the operation before fusing, then rehab of all the muscles, etc. Using a K9 helps to keep the muscles and bones strong, but the physio department here hadn't got one so I'm hiring one from Wheelfreedom (no connection, just a happy customer).