"Anyone had their ankle fused / ankle fusion surgery?"

After Care
After your ankle fusion surgery, your ankle will be wrapped in a padded plaster cast. This will be removed after two weeks and replaced with a short-leg cast. You will not be permitted to put weight down on your foot until it is certain the bones are fusing. This usually takes between eight and twelve weeks.

You should keep your leg elevated above the level of your heart for several days to avoid swelling and throbbing. Keep it propped up on a stack of pillows when sleeping or sitting up.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Your Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery
An ankle brace will replace the cast after eight to twelve weeks. Your surgeon will take X-rays frequently to see if the bones are fusing together. You will probably need to use crutches for most of the time you wear the cast. As the fusion grows stronger, you will begin to put more weight on your foot when walking. You may need the help of a physical therapist to learn to walk smoothly and without a limp.

Once the fusion has completely healed, you will be fitted with several special shoe modifications to make walking easier. An insert in the shoe called a “SACH foot” is sometimes useful to help you walk more normally. This heel cushion compresses as you put your weight on the foot and allows the foot to roll more normally as you step. Another useful modification of the shoe is a rocker sole. Unlike a typical flat shoe sole, the rocker sole is rounded, allowing your foot to roll as you move through a step.

While you won't be able to run normally after an ankle fusion, a successful operation should result in a nearly natural walking gait.

As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopaedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors. These need to be discussed with your doctor.

am hoping someone can help me with a few questions. I shattered my ankle in Oct of last year. After having some of the hardware removed and on my 10th week of physical therapy, my Orthopedic has told me that my ankle will Never be better than it is now! My joint is shot, there is too much degeneration and arthrits that no amount of therapy will help. I have been on pain medication for over 8 monthes and without it I can hardly walk, I need to use a cane to walk now. My Dr told me the only option I have is to have an ankle fusion done. I have no cartilage left and he plans on taking the remaining hardware out, and literally screwing my foot to my leg. I have about 10 degrees up and down motion now, with a lot of pain and the fusion is supposed to eliminate the pain and allow for no up and down movement at all. I would like to know if anyone has had this done and how it turned out. I am concerned about the wear and tear on the other joints and in particular the fibula side. He removed the hardware on the fib, and I have constant pain there, will this go away with the fusion?? I have read that some people can have almost a noraml gait after a fusion, but I dont have very high hopes for this, if anyone can tell me their story or has any suggestions on how I can get the most movement with the least amount of pain I would be forever grateful!!

Reply FCK TinyMCE

corinneg Notifications
Agree
Disagree



Re: Ankle fusion by anklebiter 4 mon 208 corrineg...i too had to get a fusion after a severe ankle fracture. I waited about 1 year after the original 5 pins gave me no relief to have the procedure done.

First off, get a Doctor that has performed no less than 25 of these procedures. A specialist in this surgery will do 10-15 per month. Don't settle for anything less experienced.

even with this professional, you will be off of your feet for 16 weeks minimum. This is ZERO weight bearing recuperation. You can wheel arounfd in a chair after 4 weeks, but, the critical part is to not move that ankle from the position it is placed by the Doctor. For that reason, they pretty much insist that you reduce the risk of a fall, movement, etc. I used a walker to get around.

For sanity...shower each day covering the leg and dressings. The military teaches that a shower is essential to maintaining optimum mental health during stressful times. If you stay clean, you will feel better. i am not in the military but took the advice and I definely felt great after each morning shave and shower.

With help of friends or family, you can also maintain a good diet, especially since you won't be raiding the refrigerator. Take advantage of it.

Now for your main answers. After 8 months, I have a near normal gait, but, do still have some pain. I take a very mild perscription pain releiver twice a day. It is equal to 3 extra strength tylonal. But, it replaces the 8-10 aspirin a day I was taking. The first 10 steps in the morning are the worst...with shoes, there is slight pain to somewhat chronic pain depending on my activity. However, I wear regular

That's what I am always asking to God that He'll avoid me from evils and accidents. And that He will be with me always. I know how hard it is to live with one part of your body being so painful. I even don't want a toothache. I am a person that can't stand against pain. There's a saying that time will heal all wounds. Literally, it will be healed in due time and maybe, you just have to get used to it. The choice you can have is the technology. Maybe your doctor can ease your mobility by advising you to buy a technology for you to use so you can still move like you have normal ankles. We all have different pains in our life. Like me, my tummy because I underwent a C-section more than 9 months ago. And I really feel there's something different to me now like I can't move heavily and quickly because I am afraid of my wounds since it takes two years to fully heal as they say. But I have learned to get used to it. I have no choice.