Foot 🦶 fusion

[Deejojo]

So saw the orthopedic consultant at chapel allerton on Thursday about

My right foot 🦶 he has suggested foot 🦶 fusion I’m concerned as he said it’s a big operation and can take a while to heal anyone had this done ???

[bpeal1]

Which joints is he suggesting you have fused? I had the first 3 tarso-metatarsal joints fused on the left foot about 2 1/2 years ago and the first 2 cuneiform navicular joints fused on the right foot about 7 months ago. On both feet I also had a calcaneal oesteotomy with medial shift. They were both big surgeries (I was in surgery 3-4 hours each time) and definitely not something to undertake lightly. Recovery took about 13 months after the first surgery to get my mobility back to where it was before the surgery (ie walking without sticks or crutches) but the relief of less pain was so great that I was keen to crack on and do the other foot. Not only was my foot less painful but my knee and hip on the left side too. I’m now 7 months post surgery with my second foot and probably getting about 80-90% weight through it. The bones have healed well and the bone grafts have started to become incorporated. With both feet I ended up with a lot of nerve damage and it is that which is taking so long to get back to full weight bearing (imagine trying to walk on a numb foot and you’ll understand the issue).

Sorry this has turned into a rather long reply. I guess what I’m saying is it is a big undertaking and not something to do lightly. If you do go for it make sure you’ve got a lot of support around you. Would I do it again- yes I would because it has made such a difference to my left foot and even though I’m still using crutches after the second surgery the pain is already much improved on the right. However, I have a great family around me who have been amazing it would have been so much harder without them.

[Goldsky]

Yes Deejojo, I have had a triple hind foot fusion and am waiting to have the other one done.I was in hospital just one night, 12 week recovery after that. 6 weeks in plaster, toe to knee, not being able to put any weight on it, then another 6 weeks recovering. I was told that it would help my pain but not my mobility, which was right.

From my experience I would recommend it. Best wishes.

[Deejojo]

Thank u ladies it’s the bones in the top of my foot 🦶 he wants to fuse together x

[bpeal1 in reply to Deejojo]

Sounds most likely it’s either some of the navicular cuneiform joints or tarso metatarsal joints then. Good luck what ever you decide.

If you decide to go ahead a strongly recommended getting a knee scooter. You can hire them but for the length of time you’ll find it useful it’s probably worth buying one (you can always sell it on eBay or similar when you’ve finished with it) I have the orthomate one which is robust enough I can easily get around the village on it but I also use it inside so that I can carry coffee etc around the house.

Diagram of foot joints

[medway-lady]

I don't know but over 6 years ago I had my foot straightened, pinned and plated and toes shaved then my tendons stretched and it never hurt at all. I was asleep ! After the operation I had to wear a cast then a blue boot but it really was worth it. Scars are minimal on the side of my foot and about 3 on top and a few tiny ones on the toes. Great matching pain free feet , no need for insoles and I can wear normal shoes.

[Deejojo in reply to medway-lady]

Thank u very much I’m having an injection first to see if it helps