I had an ankle fusion in June 2004 and found out today that a second one needs to be done.I am very scared because the first one was mentally and physically draining.Even at four years out I feel it was one of the worst things I could have done.Now my back,hips and knee is causing me problems,which is because of my gait pattern. I would like to know if anyone out there has or is having difficulties because of a fusion? If so,how are you dealing with it? Thanks,Vicki :)
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 Comment20 Comments
I had an ankle fusion in 2011 find it very differcult would like to have it reversed. I have problems with knees, hip and back. Cant go on like this it has ruined my life. Sarah.
September 30, 2016 - 1:31amThis Comment
I had a fusion done ten years after an ankle crush injury. It was the worst decision medically that I have ever made. I look physically deformed, my foot just flops now and has shrunk. The back pain is the worst. Limping from the ankle pain has destroyed my hip and lower back. I can no longer run and climb and play with my kids. I would trade back for my old arthritic ankle in a split second. If you are considering this surgery, research your eyes out and be prepared, your life will never be the same, especially if you have it done in hot springs, ar.
March 23, 2017 - 11:32amThis Comment
Hi, I'm 24 years old. I got in a car wreck at 17 and broke my ankle pretty bad. I had one surgery trying to put my ankle back together with pins and screws. Unfortunately a part of my bone died. So I went in for a second surgery to get a donor bone put in, which also did not take. So then I went ahead and got my ankle fused. It has slowed me down a lot. I have always been an active person and now Ive had to change my life quiet a bit. I am wondering if there is any hope of another surgery I can do to try to reverse this fusion.
September 12, 2016 - 12:39amThis Comment
I had a fusion done in 2006 and it was life changing. Could not be happier. I went from being in tears when I got into my bed and starting up again once my foot hit the floor. Now Besides being able to do just about everything I want to do, still am working 12.5 hour shifts when need on my feet. I have had some bad days here and there, but it is nothing compared to all the good days that I've gotten out of this. I now need to have a fusion done on my other ankle, and am trying to hold off as long as possible. But I feel I am again starting to lose my quality of life as I did prior to having my first ankle done. The thing holding back the most is the recovery time. I now Know that I just can't jump up and go, and it drives me to wait. I feel it comes down to what you want for yourself and your quality of life. Sit and take the drugs or go out there and dance your dance. I know which one I choose. I am not a candidate for a replacement.
January 24, 2016 - 2:11pmThis Comment
I had an ankle fusion in 2011 and because I have knee problems and back can this be reversed I was not in any accident or broke any bones it was set in the wrong postion due to nerve damage. Anon
August 7, 2015 - 2:21amThis Comment
The only certainty of ankle surgery is that the surgeon, hospital and anesthesiologist will all make money and experience no pain whatsoever. They accept no moral or financial responsibility for their actions and view themselves as dedicated medical professionals and healers. They seem offended that anyone should think otherwise. I have four ankle surgeries including a S.T.A.R. which the manufacturer asserts should have never been performed so they removed my results from their study for the FDA. After 4 years of narcotics and partial disability with intermittent full disability I know that any surgeon will lie and excuse himself for whatever he does. Nobody cares aas long as it pays.
May 11, 2015 - 12:03amThis Comment
Absolutely!!! I had an Ankle Replacement in March of 2014. Two years later I'm still dealing with another Surgery, and more problems then I had before the Surgery!! The Medical Bills are Outrageous, and I feel as though I was used as a Guinea Pig for the Industry ~ Just One of their Science Projects!! The First Surgeon I was Discusted with their Attitude, and they needed to come down off their high horse!! Best of Luck to you!
April 19, 2016 - 9:10amThis Comment
I have been told no ankle replacement due to my age 35 - by several doctors and information that I have found online.
My OS even said that the only reason why most OS do them at young ages is for multiple surgeries (the money).
June 17, 2009 - 4:09pmThis Comment
Yeah, you are in a complete different age bracket than I am. At 62, they aren't hesitating to do the replacement. One doctor told me I might get 5-7 years, another told me I could get up to 15. Alot of factors determine the longevity, i.e., weight, activity level. At my age, and with my bad knees I guess they're figuring I won't be very active (which I'm not right now, cause I'm in a walker and can barely walk). I don't foresee me being really active from here on in. I am also over weight, which is a bad thing! Oh well, guess I can only hope for the best. Too bad, you can't have more options, it would be easier on you.
June 17, 2009 - 5:56pmSoupLady
This Comment
Dr. Reid:
June 16, 2009 - 2:02pmThanks for caring......I have had every kind of injection and even had a large bone spur removed from the arthritic joint below my original fusion. All to no avail. Since my original fusion was done ten years ago, my foot is plaqued with arthritis in all kinds of places. I am told that this will continue. I even suggested amputation at one point since it looks like I am on a long road of continual surgeries. An ankle replacement was not even talked about ten years ago; I was told they all failed and that fusion was my only option. However, I am told that the ankle fusion was done so greatly that an ankle replacement is still possible. I hope this is true.
SoupLady
This Comment