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Looking for an alternative to an ankle fusion in the UK.

Posted , 2 users are following.

john57390
john57390

Hi guys,

I was told earlier this year I need my right ankle fusing. I have previously been diagnosed as having Avascular-Necrosis of the Talus bone and previous micro-fractures / steroid injections have failed to improve the situation.

Due to my age (53) and an active job, I am reluctant to give the green light for the fusion. Does anybody know or have had first hand experience of any other viable options to the ankle fusion.

I'm becoming increasingly frustrated and the pain is getting worse, so seriously looking for options whether treatment is in the UK (NHS or Private) or Europe.

Grateful for your constructed replies

Regards

JB.

0 likes, 1 reply

1 Reply

  • thesixer
    thesixer john57390

    Edited

    You need to research 3D printed Talus replacement. They actually scan your talus in your opposite foot and reverse the image to create an exact replica and have it 3D printed. It has a 3 week recovery and has had excellent results. They are made out of either titanium or cobalt chromium. And I believe they last up to 15 years. Most patients were able to resume all regular activities.

    I just had surgery to repair my talus because I had a very large cystic lesion inside my talus. If the repair does not work or my cyst comes back, a 3D talus replacement is my next option before fusion. There are only a few doctors in the US that do this procedure. I am not sure about doctors in the UK.

    Here are the two doctors that I was considering:

    Dr. Selene Parekh M.D. at Duke Medical Center in North Carolina

    Dr. Christopher Gross M.D. at MUSC in South Carolina

    Good luck! Update me with your findings...

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