I disagree with doing replacement on old patients. A young person would have longer to benefit from the replacement, Having said that, the replacements still don't work well. With a good doctor (orthopedic surgeon ankle specialist) the fusion is a good option. You'll lose a half inch of leg length in the process and the four month recovery is a pain. Another option is the external fixator which runs wires through bones to an external frame. It too is 3 or 4 months, but you can walk without crutches or walker. The frame is heavy and bulky, but YOU CAN WALK.
Walking on a fused ankle is little different from walking on a normal ankle. Shoes with fairly round toes and heels (New Balance) are recommended. Running is a challenge (I can't and I'm 66 and don't care). No tiptoes. Otherwise, it is great and there is no pain. I had a very skilled surgeon.
Submitted 444 days ago...
Ankle Fusion or Replacement
I am 51 yrs old and had ankle surgery to fix a tramatic break in 2002. I cannot walk without great pain and a big limp I have been told by 2 doctors that fusion is the next step when pain is too much. I want to be able to walk again for exercise and just to walk normally. Is ankle replacement new both Dr's said it was too risky and should only be done on someone 80 years old that have no other option to be able to walk.
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Thank you for your honesty, I had suspected the replacemnts are still having some issues. I have never been told about the half inch loss of leg length with the fusion. A doctor actually told me a fusion could be reversed.
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Can you have ankle replacement after having a ankle fusion . I'm 51
What do you think of ankle fusion for a 89 yr old woman. She is in constant pain and told that's the only solution as she has bone on bone. She sits too much now as it doesn't hurt then but wants to get...
I have been advised not to have ankle fusion or to have an ankle replacement. I have been told to have ankle extraction surgery to replace the cartlidge in my ankle. My ankle pain is severe.
Hi, I'm a 68 year old man. Just had a 2nd fusion on the same foot. 6 years between. Bill Celli
