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I am considering ankle replacment surgery- who can I talk to that has had this done already

Posted , 4 users are following.

david31086
david31086

I have serious arthritis in my ankle and want to talk to people who have done ankle replacement surgery. They plan to use the Wright Intinity total ankle replacement system. Is anyone out there I can talk to ?

David C.

?Atlanta GA

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • james1959
    james1959 david31086

    Posted

    David, in addition to this site, there is a great group under ankle fusion on Facebook if you want to explore that as well.
  • gigi06729
    gigi06729 david31086

    Posted

    Hi David,

    I had the Infinity Inbone Ankle Replacement Surgery performed last November. 

    What I can tell you, it's a very long healing process. About a year for you to return to 100%. Most patients I have spoken to had a problem with the incesion healing, I did as well. I am now four months post op and I am walking without crutches in the house and have started driving again. I have been in PT for five weeks now, and it's important you go three times a week. 

    What you really need to know is, you will need plenty of time to recover. I elevate my foot every chance I get due to swelling. I've been told the swelling can last up too or beyond a year. You must have a support team. You will not be able to walk the first two weeks. The surgeon told me they want the least movement possible, to make sure the part doesn't move. If it's your left ankle, you won't be dependent on someone to drive you back and forth to doctor appointments and PT. I am not walking anywhere near normal yet, and I still have a lot of discomfort when I walk. I am telling you this not to discourage you, but to prepare you for what is in store for you. I can't tell you yet if this operation has been successful, because it's just to early to tell. Every patient is different when it comes to the healing process and I believe age is a factor as well. I'm 54, which is still considered young for this surgery. But if I were 34, maybe the healing process would be faster. If you have any questions that I didn't touch on, just write back. 

    Good luck with your surgery. 

  • Irishjig
    Irishjig david31086

    Posted

    Not a big audience of patients who have had a Total Ankle Replacement.  I am scheduled for TAR surgery in August.  Most experienced surgeon uses STAR replacement system.  Another local surgeon (Rochester NY) uses Zimmer TAR.  Zimmer enjoys a good reputation with hip and knee replacements.  I have spoken to one person who had an Infinity TAR and she is happy she did the surgery.  I have been advised to request a 24 hour nerve block (opposed to a 12 hour nerve block).  Hope this helps.
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