Hi Everyone, I too am a member of the I've-had-an-ankle-fusion club! Kid in a truck t-boned my car July 2002, leaving my left ankle and wrist blown apart; ankle was compound fracture of both tibia and fibula. I was 44 at the time. 3 surgeries in the first 2 weeks trying to stabilize it, then 4 more two months later when the ankle got infected which meant debridements and hardware removed. Left the hospital(s) in November 2002, and went a year with the black boot, working my way from wheelchair to walker to cane along with massive PT. At the time, my ortho surgeon said I would have to think about fusion eventually, as the ankle would always need support either externally (with the boot) or internally, as with a fusion. BTW my wrist came back 100% thanks to top notch OT and surgeons, and the fact that I am left-handed.
One year later I was wearing down bone due to an active lifestyle (even with a boot and cane!) so my surgeon said fusion was necessary; if I waited much longer, there would not be a lot of bone left to work with. December 2003 I had the fusion done; an Ilizarov apparatus was put in place, and the fusion was done using the top part of my fibula for the bone graft. Last surgery was to remove the Ilizarov external fixator, which was done March 2004. Again worked my way from a wheelchair to walker to cane and another long bout of PT.
What can I tell you ten years later? First, get more than one opinion. I didn't pick when to have the accident or first surgeries, but I did have time to research and get a second opinion for the fusion. Plus I had a little planning time to mentally prepare for what I knew would be starting from square one again. Second, research all the options. At 44, I knew I would need a workable ankle for a long time, and that even then there would be things I would never do again. Fusion really was the only option, as the ankle would have no support otherwise. I was extraordinarily fortunate to live in a major metropolitan area; I went with my original ortho surgeon, who was one of only 3 in the area who had done Ilizarov procedures with fusions, and the hospital was a major teaching institution with a medical school. I knew I was getting the best treatment and care available. Third thing to remember is that every case is unique. I used to complain to my OS that everything was taking too long, and he reminded me that each surgery changes the scenery; I should not count the time since the accident, but since the last surgery or treatment. Each step changes the course of the outcome. Also due to the infection and all the surgeries, I have an inordinate amount of swelling and scar tissue in my ankle, and circulation will always be something I have to watch carefully. To this day the sole of my foot is numb, and I am an excellent weather indicator to all friends and family :) But the most important thing is to have patience, and do all you can to be your own best advocate. Today I can walk barefoot (at least around the house), I use a cane when the weather or fatigue dictate, and I am not so heroic that I can't use an occasional pain med if/when it gets rough. And that doesn't happen as much as I had expected. I had to modify my home. I had to change careers, because extensive air travel is no longer an option for me. I have to make sure to elevate my leg periodically due to the swelling, and this has meant modifying my office and routine. I go water walking regularly, and am now looking into other recumbent exercise options. And I have to be careful with my weight, because every ounce off my body is an ounce off my ankle. I wear New Balance 800's most of the time, but I also have a dress pair of Mary Janes. Not like my old style, but hey, some things have to give. I miss long walks, and one of my goals this year is to try extending my time bit by bit to work up to getting those walks back. But I am deeply grateful that the accident was not a head injury. Now at 55, I realize that it was not enough to have the fusion... just plain getting older is a pain too!! If I had to do it again, I would choose the fusion. It has held up very well, I can manage my life, and I haven't seen the surgeon in six years. And as brilliant and wonderful as he has been, I hope not to see him again, except maybe walking around the mall! Good luck to those of you having to decide this issue.
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Hi Everyone, I too am a member of the I've-had-an-ankle-fusion club! Kid in a truck t-boned my car July 2002, leaving my left ankle and wrist blown apart; ankle was compound fracture of both tibia and fibula. I was 44 at the time. 3 surgeries in the first 2 weeks trying to stabilize it, then 4 more two months later when the ankle got infected which meant debridements and hardware removed. Left the hospital(s) in November 2002, and went a year with the black boot, working my way from wheelchair to walker to cane along with massive PT. At the time, my ortho surgeon said I would have to think about fusion eventually, as the ankle would always need support either externally (with the boot) or internally, as with a fusion. BTW my wrist came back 100% thanks to top notch OT and surgeons, and the fact that I am left-handed.
February 13, 2013 - 10:04amOne year later I was wearing down bone due to an active lifestyle (even with a boot and cane!) so my surgeon said fusion was necessary; if I waited much longer, there would not be a lot of bone left to work with. December 2003 I had the fusion done; an Ilizarov apparatus was put in place, and the fusion was done using the top part of my fibula for the bone graft. Last surgery was to remove the Ilizarov external fixator, which was done March 2004. Again worked my way from a wheelchair to walker to cane and another long bout of PT.
What can I tell you ten years later? First, get more than one opinion. I didn't pick when to have the accident or first surgeries, but I did have time to research and get a second opinion for the fusion. Plus I had a little planning time to mentally prepare for what I knew would be starting from square one again. Second, research all the options. At 44, I knew I would need a workable ankle for a long time, and that even then there would be things I would never do again. Fusion really was the only option, as the ankle would have no support otherwise. I was extraordinarily fortunate to live in a major metropolitan area; I went with my original ortho surgeon, who was one of only 3 in the area who had done Ilizarov procedures with fusions, and the hospital was a major teaching institution with a medical school. I knew I was getting the best treatment and care available. Third thing to remember is that every case is unique. I used to complain to my OS that everything was taking too long, and he reminded me that each surgery changes the scenery; I should not count the time since the accident, but since the last surgery or treatment. Each step changes the course of the outcome. Also due to the infection and all the surgeries, I have an inordinate amount of swelling and scar tissue in my ankle, and circulation will always be something I have to watch carefully. To this day the sole of my foot is numb, and I am an excellent weather indicator to all friends and family :) But the most important thing is to have patience, and do all you can to be your own best advocate. Today I can walk barefoot (at least around the house), I use a cane when the weather or fatigue dictate, and I am not so heroic that I can't use an occasional pain med if/when it gets rough. And that doesn't happen as much as I had expected. I had to modify my home. I had to change careers, because extensive air travel is no longer an option for me. I have to make sure to elevate my leg periodically due to the swelling, and this has meant modifying my office and routine. I go water walking regularly, and am now looking into other recumbent exercise options. And I have to be careful with my weight, because every ounce off my body is an ounce off my ankle. I wear New Balance 800's most of the time, but I also have a dress pair of Mary Janes. Not like my old style, but hey, some things have to give. I miss long walks, and one of my goals this year is to try extending my time bit by bit to work up to getting those walks back. But I am deeply grateful that the accident was not a head injury. Now at 55, I realize that it was not enough to have the fusion... just plain getting older is a pain too!! If I had to do it again, I would choose the fusion. It has held up very well, I can manage my life, and I haven't seen the surgeon in six years. And as brilliant and wonderful as he has been, I hope not to see him again, except maybe walking around the mall! Good luck to those of you having to decide this issue.
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