Ankle fusion surgery

[Giller48]

I have osteoarthritis in my ankle, following ligaments damage 30 years ago after a fall.

My Consultant has recommended ankle fusion - does anyone on here have experience of this, and what it's like afterwards?

[Care4you]

I had an ankle joint replacement 21 years ago, my consultant at The Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital did not recommend a fusion as he said it put too much pressure on the other joints. The bones around my replacement joint slowly deteriorated and I had to have a revision and I have now got a lattice titanium ball in my ankle which is working beautifully. My Consultant works out of Stanmore Orthopaedic Hospital. I think you should look carefully into fusions, I know several people who have had trouble with them, one has to do one’s homework on any treatment suggested.

[oldtimer2]

I had a talocalcaneum fusion. I went from just hobbling about the house back to walking about 4-5 miles. It took about six months to be back to walking and then some time getting back to fitness. That was about six years ago and I've got other problems currently (fractured thoracic vertebra after a fall) but the foot is holding up well considering my age. The orthopaedic surgeon was very pleased with the result too.

[Kags1068]

Hi Giller48

Sorry to hear you are having ankle problems. I had a triple fusion on my ankle in October 2018. The op itself wasn't as bad as I feared, and the post op pain settled within about 36-48 hours. Afterwards, I was in plaster for 12 weeks, and then a walking boot for a further 6 weeks. For the first 8 weeks I hadto try and be completely non-weight bearing, and then I was able to move to partial weight bearing for 4 weeks. Once I'd moved to the walking boot I was allowed to gradually take as much weight as I could. I hadto go for a check-up and x-ray every 6 weeks for a while, to make sure the ankle was fusing properly, which thankfully it was.

The worst part for me was the non-weight bearing. I just couldn't do it as it means having to do something like hopping (using crutches or a frame of course), which was impossible for me due to the amount of damage I have in other joints. I eventually found an "aid" online, which I was able to hire for several weeks. It was something you sat on with fixed little handlebars and scooted yourself along. We nicknamed it "Neddy," and it was a lifesaver for me! I think some people get by using a knee scooter, but I couldn't do that. So, I would check whether you would have to non-weight bear for a while, and if so, make sure in advance that you can find a way to do that.

It is a tough decision to go for a fusion. I really, really didn't want it done and put it off for about 5 years, but my ankle became more and more deformed, and it was causing fractures. An ankle replacement wasn't suitable for me as it had gone past the point of being viable, and the docs didn't think it would've worked anyway.

I'm very happy to say that despite my many reservations, it has worked extremely well for me. It looks much more normal; it is mostly pain-free and no more fractures! So far, it has exceeded my expectations. That's not something I expected to say. It is a bit odd at first, getting used to it not moving, and initially, you have to adjust your gait and balance a bit, but that wasn't too bad.

Obviously though, as care4you rightly says, people's experiences do vary, and you do need to do your homework. The fusion does put pressure on other foot joints, but mine were damaged anyway, so up to yet, it's made no difference.

I hope this info helps, and wish you the best with whatever you decide. X😊

[Goldsky]

Hello, yes I have had a triple hind foot fusion on my right ankle and am waiting for the left to be done. My surgeon told me that it wouldn’t help my mobility, but would help the pain. That is how it has turned out. I am pleased I had it done.I was in hospital overnight, then six weeks in plaster up to my knee. I had a knee scooter which I careered around the house on, it really helped.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do Giller.

[pomeranean]

I had an ankle replacement 12 years ago but then when that got worn out had to have a fusion I had my other ankle fused 11 years ago and then had to have a sub talar fusion. The Specialist was happy with the results but unfortunately with having both ankles fused I don't walk the same way and I have a lot of back pain. However I don't have any pain in the ankles.The knee scooter was a god send.

Good luck with your decision.