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
How did your Ankle Fusion go? I had mine Sept 2, 2015.
November 17, 2015 - 7:54pmThis Comment
I hope your ankle fusion went well. I have had both mine fused, in 2007 and 2009. You may want to get good orthotics and look at rocker shoes (Abeo, MBT) which mimic the movement of a normal foot. Crocs are good for downtime because the orthotics fit inside them. Rocker shoes allow me to walk with less pain, and I can do limited hiking now as well.
September 3, 2015 - 9:38amThis Comment
I have had 3 surgeries and fused ankle. I'm having hard time finding shoes, any advice?
October 17, 2015 - 5:22pmThis Comment
Hi There
I had my ankle fused in 1981, when I was 18. I smashed it in 10 places. I have a few bone grafts since then because when they do an ankle fusion there is possibility of small pieces of bone not grafting.
My last op was fusing the talovanicular bone to the ankle 5 years ago.
I am now 52 and have been able to lead a normal life. I do get athritus as all the joints downstream of a fused foot will eventually wear out. I was told that due to having a fixed right ankle my hips would also be exposed to abnormal wear and tear.
Its not that bad, there are people far worse off.
August 20, 2015 - 1:06amThis Comment
5 years ago I fractured my right ankle and again 3 years ago. I always wear a brace but, the pain is always there and is getting unbearable. At last weeks doctor visit, I was given a short boot. It's suppose to mimic how I will feel after the ankle fusion!? I'm really afraid of this surgery not only for the down time but, I've been reading that some surgeries don't even work!? It all scares me!!
August 17, 2015 - 8:50amThis Comment
I was thrown from a horse 15 years ago. I broke my right leg in four places and crushed the ankle. I am about to undergo my 9th operation. I have already had one joint fused, but now I have to have the remainder joints fused. I have tried and tried to put this option off, but the pain is getting so bad I don't have any other option. I am having the surgery Sept. 1, 2015 and my doctor is telling me I will be non-weight bearing for ten weeks. Ugh! Not something I am looking forward to. When I think about being in a cast and on crutches I get a sick feeling in my stomach.
August 13, 2015 - 10:17amThis Comment
I had a car accident back in November of 2009, where I fractured my talus bone, along with many other injuries. I went through subtalar fusion August 27, 2014, with high hopes all would go well. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The screw that was placed began to back out more than an inch within the first 2 months after surgery. I had that removed in January of 2015. Since then I have discovered the bones are not fusing and I will need to go through the surgery again, this time using bone grafts from my hip as opposed to donor bone. I am looking at another 10 weeks non-weight bearing as well as the physical therapy and other healing involved. My upcoming surgery is scheduled for August 28, 2015. I'd love some feedback on more positive results than I have had. It was hard going through it the first time, I am struggling with the thought of doing it again.
August 6, 2015 - 8:27pmThis Comment
How did your revisional subtalar fusion go?
I had a subtalar fusion that was a non-union. I had a revisional subtalar fusion, like you, and it has only healed 50%.
I hope yours was a success!
June 21, 2017 - 7:23amThis Comment
Hope things have gone perfectly!
August 29, 2015 - 2:06pmThis Comment
Hi my name is Tiago, I'm 23 I've had a major road traffic accident, broke my leg wich later made my ankle go trough a fusion due to an infection. I've had the surgery on the 4 of April, I'm still using the boot and crutches.. After a while it hurts if I try to walk.. My next doctor appointment is 10th September. I would just like to now any kinds of information.. Also I'm eager to start working. This time will be a job where I'll be sitting most of the time.. How long will I still need to recover?
July 14, 2015 - 4:04amThis Comment