I was in a head on car collision December 2014 where I suffered an open-fracture of my left ankle and left tibial plateau. The ER doctor told me that It was severe and they would do the best they could to save the ankle. 3 weeks post accident, I had 2 plates added at the ankle and 2 at the tibial plateau with more than 30 screws in the 2 locations. After being off work almost 5 months and PT and trying all types of NSAIDS, pain meds, creams, gels, soaks, rocker bottom shoes and cortisone shots I am still in horrible pain. I realize it is only 14 months old, but I have been told by 2 specialists that I will not gain any more then the 5 to 10 degrees of flexion I currently have. I have also been told that my only options are ankle distraction (which doesn't have high success), ankle fusion, ankle replacement (which I am too young for in my mid-forties) or amputation. I am trying to give the short version of my long story, but I'm so frustrated and tired of not have any quality of life. If I chose to walk more than absolutely necessary, I pay a big price with stiffness and pain the next day. I am afraid that I will not have quality of life with fusion and may still have pain. I don't want to amputate, however the thought of being pain free and being able to hike and walk on the beach makes me want to cray. I have read a lot of mixed reviews on this site and of course, haven't been able to read all. Can you please share your experience and thoughts with me if you have been in my position? Tell me what caused you to make the decision you made and what pros and cons you have experienced. Thank you everyone! I have no one to talk with that has experienced what I am going through.