Hyaluronan Injections
Posted , 4 users are following.
I'm still working through all (any) options (see previous post about my ankle and fusion, replace or BTK amputation)...I've just come across something about Hyaluronan Injections - these are injections into the ankle joint with a material that is a key part of synovial fluid and can act as a lubricant and delay the need for surgery.
?Given I have severe ankle arthritis (new CT scan to see just how bad tomorrow) has anyone had experience of this type of injection? (Note this isn't the steroid injection more often undertaken).
Thanks!
0 likes, 4 replies
DesY jonathan2412
Posted
Jon-
I literally feel your pain as I’ve been bone-on-bone for years. I recently (8/17) had TAR and am still in the bed rest phase. Before I decided to take a chance on TAR, I had an orthopedic dr (not the one who did this surgery) completely convince me that fusion was the way to go because TAR wasn’t “perfected” yet. I went ahead with scheduling the fusion as I wanted an end to my pain. The closer the surgery date came, the more the thought of “oh my god, fusion is going to be so totally permanent.” Like no turning back! Plus I didn’t like the more-than-likely future problem of arthritis forming in other parts of my foot due to the fusion. I cancelled the surgery less than a week before. I was very relieved and felt I made the right choice.
My current surgeon explained and even showed me the hardware that would be customized to my body. I didn’t get the impression from him that TAR was far from being perfected. I had great confidence and trust that it would be a great option. It’s obviously way too early to know how well this “bionic ankle” of mine will work but I have a feeling it’s going to be a life changer for me.
Like you, I struggled with the choice between fusion and TAR. At one point, my husband suggested amputation. My immediate reaction to him was HELL NO! Even now, when I try to picture my leg not having a foot, it makes me shudder. IMO, I would try any and all available options before even remotely entertaining amputation. My thought process in starting with TAR is that, if this fails, I can always go to fusion.
I hope this helps a little in you reaching a decision. 🙂???
jonathan2412 DesY
Posted
Hi,
?Thank you for sharing. Firstly I wish you all the very best in your recovery. I would very much like to hear and chat about your recovery and progress if you would share that with me since I believe I will be having this next year.
?I saw my Consultant yesterday and I pretty much went a similar way, the thought of the fusion was not sitting well with me and I told him that I was really not happy with that option. For me, amputation would have been a better option - although I actually hadn't decided I would have an amputation if it came to it - as you, trying to picture my leg without the foot was really difficult to get my head around.
?After a lot of discussion the plan is to:
?1) Steroid injection into ankle joint to try and relieve some pain
?2) Correction of angle of heel bone, when the subtalar was fused the bone was pulled in and up - my Consultant feels that to have the ankle/foot in best possible condition that this is corrected surgically and a few bones spurs can be tidied up at the same time.
?3) Once the heel has healed (and steroid injection has worn off) to have a TAR. He wants to use an 'infinity' type and have a scan to make sure the alignment is really good with the tib/fib.
?I do believe you are right, try available options before going down another route. If I'm careful (and don't overdo the exercises!) the TAR should be still with me in 10+ years time, and should it need a revision, it can be revised with another TAR and I would hope that in 10 years further improvements will have been made and options will be even better.
?Thank you - yes it really has helped. Very much appreciated!
beatrice65539 jonathan2412
Posted
Hi Jonathan this is Beatrice. I've had those injections in my knees last year. I was to get a total of five in each knee but I've only had two in each knee. I have to say after the first injection I could definitely feel a difference. I went on a walking trip and was totally pain free. However due to circumstances beyond my control I couldn't get the rest of the shots and then I broke my ankle soooooooo I'll get a chance to start and finish up soon. Good luck to you-blessings always!!! 😇👼🏽
jonathan2412 beatrice65539
Posted
Thanks,
?Oh I do hope you are okay and ankle is healing well. I spoke to my Consultant yesterday and asked about these injections. He said if it had been earlier in the stage of arthritis then yes he would have done them but because my ankle is advanced and the surfaces aren't even, he says it wouldn't be effective treatment for me.
?Thank you for your reply and best wishes!