I feel so badly as I am reading this. Fusion of joints should be a total LAST resort because they do cause wear and tear (ie, arthritis) on the other joints! You should always see if an implant can be done instead of the fusion. Not all surgeons do the implants so that may be why it isn't being offered by the doctor you saw. At least the implant can be reversed and the fusion done at a later time. A few things to consider. If you had an arthroscopic fusion, there is a chance that you can have the implant and the fusion of the joint below the ankle (subtalar joint) is a standard fusion that the orthopedic surgeons do but again, this can cause more problems with other joints later on. You should see if an implant into that joint is a possibility and certainly see if cortisone shots help in the subtalar joint. Often, you can get months of relief from the cortisone shot.
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Hi ladies,
I feel so badly as I am reading this. Fusion of joints should be a total LAST resort because they do cause wear and tear (ie, arthritis) on the other joints! You should always see if an implant can be done instead of the fusion. Not all surgeons do the implants so that may be why it isn't being offered by the doctor you saw. At least the implant can be reversed and the fusion done at a later time. A few things to consider. If you had an arthroscopic fusion, there is a chance that you can have the implant and the fusion of the joint below the ankle (subtalar joint) is a standard fusion that the orthopedic surgeons do but again, this can cause more problems with other joints later on. You should see if an implant into that joint is a possibility and certainly see if cortisone shots help in the subtalar joint. Often, you can get months of relief from the cortisone shot.
Dr. Marlene Reid
June 16, 2009 - 1:36pmhttp://www.ankleandfootdoc.com/
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