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Subtalar ankle fusion .. should I do it ?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Lee7877
Lee7877

 Back in 2015 I was crushed by a 4 Ton swinging door . My ankle was trapped on the other side of it for about 10’minutes until they could free my foot from under the door . I’m currently seeing my 5th ankle surgeon . He suggests that he performes a Subtalar ankle Fusion.. I haven’t heard anything good about this surgery and I’m having a serious debate wether I should do it or not .     My main concerns are walking with a limp and my gate affecting my knee and hips. I’m scared I’m limiting myself more as I already have limited inversion , eversion and dorsiflexion . All presenting a lot of pain when trying to move in those directions .    Along with the Subtalar ankle fusion , my doctor wants to completely remove my posterior tibial tendon ..    this will be my 4th surgery and I’m terrified to make the wrong decision .      I’m only 27 now , and I only hear of people 60+ Getting this done . If someone has had these surgeries , can you tell me how you are with activities , I want to hike a mountain again , and run. I heard even walking up steps is hard after a fusion . I appreciate any response . 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • marian01540
    marian01540 Lee7877

    Posted

    Hi Lee,

    I understand what you are going through. Yes I am 60 and had my fusion 18 months ago, I haven't tried running and I do avoid stairs. I don't have a limp and can now walk quite normally. I have had to have my shoes lifted, due to the difference in the length of both my legs which helps immensely. Before that my hip was not happy, I am still seeing improvements. All my doctors and physio are very proud of me. It really is up to you, it is hard but if you are determined anything is possible. 

    • Lee7877
      Lee7877 marian01540

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply , I really appreciate it . I feel like im going backwards if I go ahead with the fusion . Right now I don’t have any hardware because the hardware they used in all my other surgeries ended up having to be taken out because of rejection.      How do the screws feel for you ? I’m assuming they we’re inserted from he back of your heel ? 
    • marian01540
      marian01540 Lee7877

      Posted

      My screws were in either side of my ankle, however they were removed 4 months after fusion.
  • Jude1959
    Jude1959 Lee7877

    Posted

    Lee what are your other options. I have just had a fusion and bone graft, plus tibial nail. Alternative was amputation. Have they discussed an ankle replacement. Mine lasted 10 years. I climbed mountains, scuba dived, 26 mile walk in a day, cycle rides of 50 miles. Had fusion in March. Boot off this week. Have been swimming twice and gym once this week. No heavy training. I will let you know how I go. My experience so far has been OK. But yoh really need to know what your options are before you can make an informed choice. Good luck and keep in touch.
    • Lee7877
      Lee7877 Jude1959

      Posted

      My doctor hasn’t given me any other options . I’ve been asking him to amputate for just over 2 years now . He says if he were to do that , he’s have to try the fusion first because right now I could technically live with my ankle the way it is .  It’s just painful and limiting me physically .  I have never spoken to them about an ankle replacement, but that’s a really good question to ask him .  I will keep you posted . Thank you so much again , I appreciate your reply a lot . 
    • Jude1959
      Jude1959 Lee7877

      Posted

      Yes talk about ankle replacement. You may get a bit of reprieve and you are young, so they won't want to do amputation as first choice. Though I know when you are in such pain and discomfort then amputation seems preferable. You may not have enough joint surrounds to do replacement but do ask. My heart goes out to you. I have had problems all my life. Keep in touch 😎

  • Dllewis
    Dllewis Lee7877

    Posted

    I'm sorry this has happened to you so young. I am 61 a nd can't hardly walk some days. The pain is always there and reminds me of what I can not do any longer. I had all the surgeries you speak of twice now and I read these forums hoping for different news on the healing process but they are all the same. Lots of pain, swelling and hurts to the core. I'm sorry to be a downer but it won't be an easy fix.

    • Lee7877
      Lee7877 Dllewis

      Posted

      What kind of injur do you have ?  Is the pain worse now than before surgery ? I don’t want to ask because I know it’s hard to describe , but can you tell me what it feels like ? I’ve got lots of pain and I’m scared to trade my pain in for something worse going ahead with this surgery.   
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