Joint replacement or fusion

[rowantree]

Has anyone had joint replacement or fusion? I'm wondering whether its worth it in the end? Specifically big toe fusion, and wrist and thumb joint fusion or replacement? I'd like to hear your experiences. Thanks

[Hidden]

Sorry am unavailable to help you on this one, i've been refused both....

I Wish you luck, only you can make the right choice....

Take care

Joe

[mags70]

I have had a right hip fusion as I was too young for a replacement it took a lot of getting used to but now I'm regretting it as the pain is horrific, I had mine done 17yrs ago though and that is a bigger joint. Hope that helps.

[beauty96]

Fusion means you cannot move it again. Replacement means you can. Trouble is they all have problems and many are successful as well as others where it isn't and people become dependent onothers for their care. I suggest you write to Arthritis care as they have booklets on it, both States and UK. I got both, have a read and decide. If you feel it is right for you and your pocket get a second opinion.

[efilwol]

I mad a right midfoot fusion in September 2012. I have/had arthritis in booth of my feet, especially the tarso-metatarsal joints (mid foot) and also arthritis of the first metatarsalphalengeal joint (big toe joint)

Initially, the surgeon also wanted to fuse my big toe joint, as it was essentially disclocated due to arthritic bony overgrowth. We talked and I asked him to spare the joint if he could, and in the end he did.

One thing I would caution you with in the foot surgery, especially MTP/Big toe joint surgery can have a very long recovery time. I was warned that my surgery would take up to a year to recover from. I was 3 months totally non-weightbearing, then a further 2 months in a walking cast. I am now back in a shoe, but the foot still swells a lot.

Unfortunately, I have also developed complex region pain syndrome, a nerve disorder that accompanies some hand and/or foot surgeries. So, at the moment I am no better off despite sacrificing 6 months of my life to this surgery. I was very hopeful that it would be successful as I have the some problem in both feet.

The way I look at it now is that at least I have some hope if the foot improving now, if I can get over the CRPS. Before surgery, the foot was only going to get worse.

HTH