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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)
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I am 10 months post-op from a revisional subtalar fusion. This was my 5th surgery and my accident (shattered heel and fractured subtalar joint) was June 20, 2013, 4 years ago. My CT scan at 5 months from my last surgery showed 50% fusion. Since this was a revisional surgery, my surgeon prescribed Forteo and I have also been using an external bone stimulator daily. I'm seeing my surgeon in Charlotte tomorrow morning for a follow-up. Hopefully, my fusion has progressed.
I was able to start bearing weight at 5 months post-op. I gradually progressed and am now able to do 20 minutes on the elliptical and I swim. I started doing yoga but it's difficult to hold some poses because of limited range of motion and balance (downward dog, lunges). I was active before my accident - I ran, I did Pure Barre and I played recreational tennis. With my active lifestyle coming to a screeching hault 4 years ago when I had my accident, I was forced to lead a sedentary life. I am 48 years old and I feel like this injury, very debilitating, has aged me way beyond my years.
I am married, I have 4 children and 3 step children. I am a stay at home mom. Laying around was not an option but it has been something our family learned to manage. I have a very supportive family, I am grateful for that! For those that work outside the home, I am in awe - I imagine that is very challenging!
I gained 40 lbs over the past 4 years from having to lay around. I have never weighed as much as I do right now - not even after having 4 babies. Very depressing! I'm trying very hard to regain my pre-accident figure and it's quite difficult.
My pain at this point is a 3-4 on the pain scale. It's a definite improvement from what my pain was prior to this last surgery. I walk with a limp and walking on an incline is very painful as well as walking for 30 minutes. Going down stairs is painful so I walk sideways. I still feel limited and I am nowhere near where I was prior to my accident - I do not think I ever will be. I'm trying to learn to live with this disability.
I was in so much pain prior to this last surgery that I was considering a below the knee amputation. If for some reason I have to have a 6th surgery on my foot, I will amputate. I am not going through any of the same surgeries I have already had to endure.
June 21, 2017 - 1:07pmThis Comment
A physician friend recommended him.
I live in Birmingham and had a very good foot and ankle surgeon here but my foot was not getting better after 3 surgeries. My physician friend had foot issues and was very empathetic to my frustrations of not getting better. Her surgeon had retired and suggested Dr. Anderson.
Dr. Anderson is a very grounded surgeon and very respected across the country. He see a lot of professional athletes (Derek Jeter, Cam Newton to name a couple). You would never know he is who he is if you chose to consult with him. Google Robert Anderson - he is always listed as one of the top. And I can attest, after 2 surgeries with him, he actually is!
Dr. Anderson did a study that was published on the STAR ankle replacement in 2009. When I saw him for my 1st subtalar fusion, I was told that ankle replacements were advancing but they were not where hips and knees are at the present time. He told me that an ankle replacement might be a good option in the future because advancements were heading that way. He suggested I have the subtalar fusion and if ankle replacements advanced, then I could pursue that route. Dr. Anderson is someone who has actually worked and researched ankle replacements.
Who did your STAR replacement? I think that is exciting that you've had a good result.
June 21, 2017 - 7:18amThis Comment
I fell and some how my foot over flexed and I ended up with torn tendons in my left foot. I went to a very bad orthopedic doctor and, even though my tendons were completely torn, she tried putting me in ortho boots which were very uncomfortable and my foot eventually got to a 90 degree angle (I should have sued her). I was referred to Seattle to a doc who only does ankles and feet. He first fused my ankle and eventually my foot and can only move my toes. I had $400 orthotics made which don't help that much but the man who made them referred me to Hoka shoes because they make rocker fitness shoes. He also told me that the doctor fused my foot and ankle so that I can't stand up straight without bending my knee so I have a terrible limp. Has anyone had this happen? If you decide on Hoka shoes, try Runner's Warehouse online because they have good prices.
April 26, 2017 - 9:51amThis Comment
There is a rocker insole like a rocker in built It goes inside shoe.
June 20, 2017 - 4:52amThis Comment
Question. How does ankle fusion affect driving, not just during recovery but long term?
April 14, 2017 - 1:24pmThis Comment
It hasn't affected my driving at all. If you are having left ankle fused and have an automatic car you can still drive.
April 15, 2017 - 12:04amThis Comment
I had subtalar fusion on my right ankle in January I was walking at the end of march and playing basketball in April I also been driving I am 22 6 foot 170 pounds no physical therapy and I am up and doing great just can't lift more then 50 pounds
May 22, 2017 - 6:34pmThis Comment
Your are very lucky I had my surgery in December..June Ortho wants me to get a standing CAT because still no better and some ways worse than presurgery...very frustrated
May 25, 2017 - 7:15pmThis Comment
In Apr of 2016, I fell 15' off of a ladder. I immediately had an external fixator put on the inside bone of left leg, with I think 5 screws on the outside bone trying to hold it together as well. After 4 mths I was put in a cast for 4 more mths. All this time being no weight bearing. My leg had began to curve from having absolutely no bone growth. In Dec 16 I had the big ankle fusion. Earlier this month I had to have toes 1-4 fused because of tendons pretty much locked up. I am just now beginning to put a little weight on it and has been almost a year. Does anyone have any experience like this or any advice on this subject. I was active and built houses, played sports and just was able to live. Are any of these things going to be possible again. I can't move anything except my toes and now they stay straight anyway. Thank you for any response or comments
March 28, 2017 - 2:20pmThis Comment
I have a deformed left foot from a lawnmower accident as a child. I had about 9 surgeries including a heel reconstruction. My ankle causes an enormous amout of pain and I take pain meds but I hate them. I have floroscopy pain jections and I love them because I dont need meds. I really dont want to contine them every few months if Izgz can have a permanent fix. My dr has suggested fusion surgery. I walk with a slight limp now. Im scared if I have the surgery I will have a severe limp. Does the sugery cause a lifetime of limping?
February 14, 2017 - 10:04pmThis Comment