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What happens with ankle fusion after failed replacement

Posted , 3 users are following.

coljc
coljc

What happens when fusion is done after failed ankle replacement and any problems and how long to be pain free.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen coljc

    Posted

    I would first address the real reason or reasons why your TAR was not successful and then consider very carefully the advantages that a fusion IF successful MIGHT over a TAR.

    When my four year old TAR failed as the result of poor surgery I was offered a fusion but I turned it down for the reasons I went the TAR route before. It is a decision only you can make of course but you need to weight up many factors and be prepared to talk to several well proven ankle revision surgeons at DIFFERENT centres before making your decision.

    Cheers Richard

    • Jude1959
      Jude1959 RichardKen

      Posted

      i had a TAR which lasted just under 10 years. Then my ankle collapsed completely. I had a fusion in March 2018. The alternative was amputation in all honesty. it was a long slow process but I am now through it. I can even climb up a ladder into the back of a boat with full SCUBA gear on. The lack of pain on most days is priceless. but it took at 20 months for me.

    • coljc
      coljc Jude1959

      Posted

      Oh my God.. that's too long .. was the pain easier to walk tho after couple of months.. I can't put foot down at the minute and if I stand its 30 minutes and I'm done. Did they take bone from your hip for fusion or.. ?? I wish I'd looked into replacement more before I had it done thanks.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Jude1959

      Posted

      Thanks for your posting Jude. After my original TAR I was doing ladder work for four years carrying heavy stone tiles up ladders and laying them. Following my TAR revision nearly two years ago I can do Iadder work and carry on life as if I've not had a new ankle and nobody can tell either. I have had a hip revision on the other side three years ago as I wore out the polly insert after twenty years of heavy building and farming work. Basically I carry on without any issues but I do not run though I can! One does have to know what is sensible and what is not as I greatly value complete mobility. Richard

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