Ankle replacement or fusion?

Hi Nonita,

Is not true, I had my TAR 2 month a go and everything runs ok, presently I walk with my usual soes, I have some pain but was decresed with the time, the procedure was performed by Dr Paulo Amado (paulo.amado@pauloamado.pt ) in Portugal, he performed more than 200 ankle replacement in Portugal an Spain, send to him your exames and ask for her opinion, good luck

Hello

I had a right STAR 12 years ago as a last resort.  On reflection I should have had an amputation a long time ago.  There  would have been less pain and discomfort over a period of 20+ years.

Hi Nonita,

My surgeon has performed over 70 TAR operations and since the procedure was carried out on 3rd December 2014 I have progressed exactly as he predicted.

However, in initial consultations he also told me that there was the possibility of amputation if things went wrong, albeit he said the probability was very small - historically  averaging  3 per cent. He went on to tell me that he, in fact, had never had a failed implant.

I took this in the spirit of him providing me with a comprehensive risk analysis - partly of course for his own protection.

However, in view of his considerable experience I discounted it as a serious risk.

Also, as TAR is a relatively new and still developing procedure I suggest that the historical averages quoted - including the expected 10 year life of the prosthesis- are significantly better for more recent operations.

So my advice is not to worry. I am pushing 67 and hope that you are as pleased with your TAR as I am with mine

Best

John 

  

Sorry Nonita, I should have added that it is not the titanium replacement joint that causes the continual pain, or indeed has failed, but the surrounding tissues are shot. I now have an almost mechanically fused ankle which is exceeding painful, all the time. Mine was one of the first prototype STAR's in the UK and I am told the consultant who did it is  the best in the country at doing it. It is now 12 years into its 15 year life expectancy. However,if you think about it logically titanium will not wear out, its all the other bits that cause the later problems.  In terms of design and technology used I doubt little has changed but a lot does depend on the extent of the original injury.  

I would consider the surgical fusion if I were you.

 

Hello:

I don’t know what the intentions of your specialist are by telling you such thing; but is not true.

About your question, it basically breaks down to how much active of a person you are and what activities you are involved on a daily basis.

I personally think that ankle replacement is better than the Fusion procedure. The first one allows you to keep more mobility than fusion. So as I stated, it all comes down to how much of an active individual you are. Just keep in mind: no matter what type of procedure you decide to have, it will never be perfect.

What I am going to say might not happen to anyone else. I starting having surgeries in 2007 trying to get an ankle replacement to take on my right foot. I had 10 very painful surgeries (from Nov. 2007 thru Oct. 2010.) Final and only option was amputation. By this time I was ready for anything to ease the pain which I was promised amputation would do. After all the pain from amputation and the prolonged "phantom" pain was finally gone, I had relief. Now, after favoring my left foot for so many years, (original injury was in the '80's) I had to have replacement on it. Had left foot TAR in Jan. 2015. I am now at weight bearing stage and going to therapy weekly. Still in pain but not unbearable. Hoping and praying that this one is going to be a success. So, I guess what I'm saying is, don't be discouraged, we just have to do what Doctors recommend and put our trust in them and the one above.

I had the option of ankle replacement or fusion in 2007 I opted for replacement, and it was a great success. In March 11 2015 I had the other ankle replace and it is progressing great. 10 weeks after op . Removable boot off And walking with normal shoes.& 1 crutch. Had no pain ( just aches after walking on it. But that will decrease. Again I had the option of fusion. Personally I would go for replacement. I am 63 yrs

No ,amputation never mention , only if new ankle did not take , it would be fused ( pain free) but not the same movement. No limp or anything tho. What country are you in UK ?

Ps  the reason I needed an ankle replacement due to rheumatoid arthritis and both ankles were worn out . Also this time I had damaged ligaments repaired & the Achilles' tendon stretched. Good luck with whatever you decide to have done . I would go for the replacement  personally