I think part of the reason he's one of the best is that he doesn't think he knows everything!! I would love to know that my surgeon wants to consult on others with my case, especially if it's tricky. So that's awesome.
Here's a page that talks about the basic difference between traditional ankle fusion and TTC fusion:
It emphasizes that pain relief is the goal, but it also notes that TTC "is generally used in advanced cases (called “end-stage ankle disorder”) where more conservative treatments like medication and other surgical treatments have not worked. It is also indicated for some patients who have had prior surgeries with inadequate results." That certainly seems to be what you describe, Ness.
That page says that recovery can extend for three to six months, but the patient can usually begin to put weight on the foot around six weeks after surgery. Is this about what your doctor told you to expect?
Some questions to ask your doctor:
What is the percentage of joints that fail to fuse (or unite) after this procedure?
Is there any chance of the screws (or nails) breaking?
Why does he feel this will be successful for you?
What are the possible complications?
And with your history of slow bone healing, is there anything that can be done to help that problem?
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Ness,
I think part of the reason he's one of the best is that he doesn't think he knows everything!! I would love to know that my surgeon wants to consult on others with my case, especially if it's tricky. So that's awesome.
Here's a page that talks about the basic difference between traditional ankle fusion and TTC fusion:
http://www.myanklereplacement.com/DePuy/docs/Ankle/Replacement/Before%20Surgery/ttc.html
It emphasizes that pain relief is the goal, but it also notes that TTC "is generally used in advanced cases (called “end-stage ankle disorder”) where more conservative treatments like medication and other surgical treatments have not worked. It is also indicated for some patients who have had prior surgeries with inadequate results." That certainly seems to be what you describe, Ness.
That page says that recovery can extend for three to six months, but the patient can usually begin to put weight on the foot around six weeks after surgery. Is this about what your doctor told you to expect?
Some questions to ask your doctor:
What is the percentage of joints that fail to fuse (or unite) after this procedure?
May 5, 2010 - 8:50amIs there any chance of the screws (or nails) breaking?
Why does he feel this will be successful for you?
What are the possible complications?
And with your history of slow bone healing, is there anything that can be done to help that problem?
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