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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'm a member of the medical community and I have to say that telling people to get a BKA was an inconsiderate and ignorant thing to say to people who are having a hard time. You lack the knowledge and compassion a GOOD physical therapist needs to work effectively with people who have difficulties.
July 9, 2015 - 10:06amThis Comment
I agree with your comment , I just had subtalar fusion done to my right ankle on July 4 th 2015 , so far I am recovery quite ok , still in a cast with no weight bearing until the surgeon is happy with the fusion , I cannot comprehend how a physical therapist can be so inconsiderate and full of shit to recommend that a patient should consider this type of ruling if your fusion outcome is challenging . His office should be closed down for good if not already done . What an inconsiderate ass .
August 1, 2015 - 9:55amThis Comment
I appreciate your suggestion to consider amputation as an alternative. Over the past eleven years, I have had five surgeries on my ankle and, as a result, I have only a sliver of my talus remaining. I recently had surgery as the ankle got an infection. So, since the surgery, I have gone to three very highly recommended and prominent doctors and all three have different ideas per what will be my best choice of surgeries. One of the doctors seemed to me to be pro-amputation. He presented the idea and said that he was surprised the other doctors hadn't presented it as an option. Recovery is quicker, very hopefully I will be able to almost return to Pre-First-Surgery activities/lifestyle. So, to the anti-amputation responders, I would really appreciate greatly your telling me why you are so horrified at the idea. If I go with a fusion, the idea of having surgery every few years, deterioration of my foot and development of arthritis and pain in the foot, possible back and hip problems in the future. Have you taken all of this into consideration when you reply so strongly against the idea of amputation? Why do you think fusion is the preferable alternative? I am asking you very sincerely as I am having great challenges making my decision. Many thanks to all of you for taking the time to post and help all of us.
August 26, 2015 - 3:56pmThis Comment
That is exactly what I thought when I read the suggestion of BKA!I am a nurse, but more importantly, a patient considering the fusion. I fell from a roof in 1982 and suffered several broken bones in foot, ankle and toes. I was non weight bearing for 7 months, then walker and cane. Months of PT and two years fusion in three places. If my dr would have suggested BKA after the fall, I would have balked. A BKA IA nor performed for pain control, but for circulation issues.
July 15, 2015 - 1:16pmThis Comment
I have no circulation issues and I am going with a bka. I want to run and play with my kids and live a very active life. A bka will give me the life I want, a fusion will not.
July 28, 2016 - 3:51pmThis Comment
Hi hope you can help me....
I had a subtalar fusion in 2006 after a horse riding accident in 2004. My ankle has never been pain free since. Two and a half weeks ago I had the screw removed along with bone spurs and a debrivement of the ankle joint due to severe arthritis. I can now move my ankle left to right which of course I could not do before the screw was removed. I am not due to see my dr again until August and am waiting to start physio therapy. I cannot put much weight through my heel and am concerned something had gone wrong what's your opinion?
June 13, 2015 - 10:14amThis Comment
Hi, I have a question since you are a physical therapist. My doctor at UCI put me on a boot after surgery 2 months. He said to start adding weight and start walking in a month without crutches. June 9th will be a month. When I walk u am in intense pain, stiffness, and aching. Is this pain normal?
June 4, 2015 - 2:18pmThis Comment
I had the same thing happen to me, it was very much painful when i started walking on my foot. You figure from the time you had surgery until now you have had to been non weight bearing. The pain will begin to subside once you start walking more on it.
June 4, 2015 - 2:54pmThis Comment
Thank you, this answer gives me hope.
June 4, 2015 - 3:03pmThis Comment
People like you get to me you don't know the pain. Doctors say the pain is all in your head. I had an ankle fusion 20 months ago and I am still in pain. I am a single mother that has to work to support my kids. I come home and cry because of all the pain I'm in. I've had a MRI EMG because they assumed it was nerve damage and it came back OK. Perocet is the only thing thats helped me so far. I've been on 5 different nerve medicine and nothing has helped. I've had Tramadol didn't help with my pain. Until you have an ankle fusion you can't say what someone can and will feel.
March 9, 2015 - 10:12pmThis Comment