Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
In January of 2009, I fell from a ladder and suffered a catastrophic open-bone fracture of my talus. Not only was the talus shattered, but I immediately developed a serious infection and subsequent deep wound. 9 surgeries, 8 months of IV antibiotics, 9 months on a VAC device, and 15 months of walking in a boot, later . . . I am now looking at life following a complete ankle and subtalar fusion (no part of my ankle moves--except my toes). I am overjoyed that my fusion surgery was successful and am looking forward to learning how to walk again! I was just given the go-ahead from my doctor to begin using MBT shoes and to start physical therapy. I am just wondering if others have walked this road before and have any advice or insight. Thanks so much. Anneh8sldrs (Anne hates ladders)
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment241 Comments
Anonymous - can you please share some information with me about ankle fusion? I have had ankle surgery and my ankle has so much arthritis I have constant pain. My doctor said that with the way that my foot turns out, I am really not a good candidate for ankle replacement. He said I have have to have one surgery to straighten it out (which is what my pervious surgery was supposed to do), and then when they heals, I would need the replacement. He said with fusion, I would not have the pain because my ankle would not be bone on bone. Is there anyone out there that can share some experiences with me? Thanks!
March 28, 2015 - 4:48pmThis Comment
I've had an ankle fusion op 8 weeks ago. I had a horse riding accident 9 months ago and 2 fractures were missed on an X-ray. I was treated for an ankle sprain and had 3 months physio and walked in it daily. Long story short - I went for ankle fusion as I had Arthritis, a deformed foot and Lots of pain. As the bone is re-broken and reset in ite correct position with a large screw through it, the deformity should be corrected with the help of physio to retrain muscles in correct places. At the same time the rough cartridge that causes Arthritis is removed. It seems like a very long recovery but hopefully my ankle will be pain free and no longer deformed.
June 17, 2015 - 7:06amThis Comment
I was in a car accident 46 years ago. My foot was partially severed at the ankle. The orthopedic surgeon put it back together and fused it. It was infected and I lost a lot of tissue and skin. Had two skin grafts. The ankle is fused with a lot of internal rotation and I cannot walk flat on my foot. I have to wear shoes with a 1-1/4 to 1-1/2" heel. I now have bone spurs under the skin graft which stick out. If I bang the ankle the skin breaks down and takes a long time to heal.
I saw an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ankle and foot surgeries and trauma. He said he can remove the arthritis and straighten my foot and refuse it. Also said he can lift up the skin to remove the bone spurs.
I have the surgery scheduled for 9/30/15, but now having second thoughts.
I have some pain but the main reason I want it done is to be able to walk better. Always walk on tip toes in bare feet. Foot turns in so much.
Anyone have any words of encouragement ?
September 13, 2015 - 6:18pmThis Comment
I was in a car accident 46 years ago. My foot was partially severed at the ankle. The orthopedic surgeon put it back together and fused it. It was infected and I lost a lot of tissue and skin. Had two skin grafts. The ankle is fused with a lot of internal rotation and I cannot walk flat on my foot. I have to wear shoes with a 1-1/4 to 1-1/2" heel. I now have bone spurs under the skin graft which stick out. If I bang the ankle the skin breaks down and takes a long time to heal.
I saw an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in ankle and foot surgeries and trauma. He said he can remove the arthritis and straighten my foot and refuse it. Also said he can lift up the skin to remove the bone spurs.
I have the surgery scheduled for 9/30/15, but now having second thoughts.
I have some pain but the main reason I want it done is to be able to walk better. Always walk on tip toes in bare feet. Foot turns in so much.
Anyone have any words of encouragement ?
September 13, 2015 - 6:16pmThis Comment
Hi.... I had a partial fusion a year ago in Aug. Because my left foot was also turned out. I as well was bone on bone. I am going back to the dDr on Mon may 18 to see about a full fusion in my case though...my ankle was so messed up turned out and crooked, bone on bone, my Dr said we would try this first. With a full replacement. Those only last 10 years. Something to to think about. My recovery from partial fusion has taken a year. They cut my achilies tendon too. and cut and moved another one, but anyway. im glad i did it. i will do ot again too. i hope this helps you.
May 16, 2015 - 1:26pmThis Comment
I had my left ankle fused do to arthritis and heavy damage to my soft tissue after numerous sports injuries and ankle reconstructions. A also have had numerous surgeries to my right ankle 8 in total. One was to take the hardware out of both ankles and 3 were to deal with a pesky nerve that they eventually just killed. I'm am 3 years into my ankle fusion and am 50/50 like it hate it. I am able to work out everyday but it hurts constantly although it is much better than it was post fusion. The last year I was told by my surgeon to cut out any sports that I have to run because of the stress on the soft tissue from the impact of not having an ankle joint. My knees and hips are a little sore but I do work them out everyday I know that if I didn't I would be a mess right now. I can no longer do the job I used to do as it was to hard on my ankles it was oil field work so pretty heavy work but I can no longer work any jobs where I am on my feet for more than a couple hours a day. My life has been flipped upside since I was so active it is a hard adjustment but I was fortunate to have my first daughter in the middle of all of it which I think if that didn't happen I would be in a very deep depression. I am in therapy for depression right now have been for a year related to my injuries and change of lifestyle so yes mental help is needed. I do not take any pills for pain or pills for my depression. Only thing you can do is talk about your problems mentally and for pain I just elevate it whenever I can and ice it daily. All in all it is better than it was pre fusion but it is still painful and will give you limitations just wonder if there will ever be a better option for severe ankle injuries as I am not happy with my fusion. Also be prepared for mental issues two years I went without dealing with it mentally and have since developed agoraphobia anxiety due to OCD and depression it is a shock to your body and brain.
February 20, 2015 - 7:16pmThis Comment
On September, 2013 I fell from 3 story roof, (over 48 ft) and landed on my feet, shattering both heels, ankles and broke my back in 4 places. Since I was an occasional smoker surgeons refused to do surgery saying wounds will not heal so I had to quit smoking and wait several months. I finally had subtalar fusion on right foot on May 5, 2014 and left foot on June 25, 2014. Started PT mid August 3x a week until end of December. I'm experiencing so much pain in both ankles I still can't walk unassisted or even with a cane. My balance sucks, I can only walk a few feet before I have to sit. I was a gymnastics instructor at the time of my fall and have always been very active but now can't even walk to the bathroom without crying due to the pain. I don't take any pain medication, I'm afraid of becoming dependent on them. When I asked my Dr how long until I'll walk pain free his response was "NEVER". WTF, is this as good as its gonna get? It's been 8 months since my last surgery, thought I'd be walking by now. Can anyone who has had similar injuries and surgeries please tell me if I'll ever walk normally again or at least without severe pain and if so, WHEN?!?! I want my life back! I'm divorced and have no children and live in the boonies so dealing with this alone is extremely difficult. Not sure what's worse, the pain or the depression.
Shattered in Louisiana
February 18, 2015 - 7:50amThis Comment
Hi,
I'm 3 months post op from Ankle Fusion. I've also had numerous surgeries and made it worse each time. I am limited on ROM but I'm walking unassisted right now. Your Dr is your best friend so choose s great one. I went to Dallas Texas bc I researched for months to years on who I felt comfortable doing this serious surgery. I hope things start to get better for you. Kim the most confident person you will meet and even I am having a hard time dealing with all this shit. It sucks it really does. Just keep your head up and try to do everything you can to make the most of the situation. I wanted a replacement but the Dr said I'm too young (31 years old) and I would wear it out in 10 years. He said I can always convert to a replacement later if I want to but since these are my most active years I need to go with the fusion. I'm still skeptical bc I don't have near the ROM as I thought I would have BUT its only been 3 months since surgery (April 14, 2015). If anyone has had a fusion how long does it take for swelling to subside and the ankle to get the max amount ROM? Looks like I have a twig leg now too :(
June 27, 2015 - 4:01pmThis Comment
I had my ankle fusion in 2009. I was very active in tennis, and running.
August 6, 2015 - 1:14pmBecause you can not dorsiflex your ankle, it makes these activities difficult.
However, I walk and jog in the pool. I can go up stairs without difficulty but going down stairs is more difficult. Inclines are difficult. It took me 4 months before I could put weight on the ankle. You will not get ROM as that is what a fusion does. Yup my fused leg is a twig also, but it is the least of my worries, I can walk without PAIN. Hooray
Hang in it will all get better.
This Comment
Hi, I pulverized my calcaneal bone on my right foot 20 years ago. During those years the arthritis was horrible and I lived on ibuprophin. From the ibuprophen I developed a bleeding ulcer and have recently had the fusion surgery. Your foot will never be the same so watch your weight, this is hard when you cannot exercise much, so eat healthy, low fat, low carb, high protein. Go to a pain doctor and get medication, you will have a better quality of life and get a disabled parking card, you need it. Also a recumbent exercise bike, pool and hot tub will help keep you healthy. Get a script from your doctor for the hot tub, you will be able to deduct all of it, good luck, Karen
May 8, 2015 - 10:20amThis Comment