Fusion is being recommended as a solution to my case of a severe injury only six months ago and rapid deterioration of the joint. Quite honestly, we see no positive elements to fusion whastsover. We've found no good reports of good outcomes past the initial "honeymoon" of reduced pain for perhaps a few years at best. Being stuck with the ugly shoes, the immobility, etc. all sounds terrible at best. We're looking into distraction as a hopeful alternative. It's a rough recovery, but at least you still have an ankle when it's over. Otherwise we reall only see amputation and high tech prosthetics as the other "real" option. Plus you can get "feet" that accept any shoe you want or strap on your "blade foot" and go run marathons. The real truth seems to be that fusion is at best only a mirage of temporarily reduced pain in exchange for ultimate disability. Someone tell me this is not true. Also I've found that 15% of fusion cases end up in amputation anyway. After sorting through hundreds of case experiences, it certainly appears that fusion is ultimately a bad deal all around. I haven't found a single successful case at the five or more year post op level. Anyway, thanks for any input. Valerie
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Fusion is being recommended as a solution to my case of a severe injury only six months ago and rapid deterioration of the joint. Quite honestly, we see no positive elements to fusion whastsover. We've found no good reports of good outcomes past the initial "honeymoon" of reduced pain for perhaps a few years at best. Being stuck with the ugly shoes, the immobility, etc. all sounds terrible at best. We're looking into distraction as a hopeful alternative. It's a rough recovery, but at least you still have an ankle when it's over. Otherwise we reall only see amputation and high tech prosthetics as the other "real" option. Plus you can get "feet" that accept any shoe you want or strap on your "blade foot" and go run marathons. The real truth seems to be that fusion is at best only a mirage of temporarily reduced pain in exchange for ultimate disability. Someone tell me this is not true. Also I've found that 15% of fusion cases end up in amputation anyway. After sorting through hundreds of case experiences, it certainly appears that fusion is ultimately a bad deal all around. I haven't found a single successful case at the five or more year post op level. Anyway, thanks for any input. Valerie
October 3, 2012 - 9:55pmThis Comment
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