Osteoarthritis Ankle FUSION?

Joe2cool
Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
edited 21. Jul 2012, 15:43 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi my wife as been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the ankle & after talking to her surgeon he mentioned 'Fusion'. I just wondered if any one has had this operation? How it went? Negatives etc? My wife is still very active & wouldn't want to be left with any disability.

Appreciate your help

Thx

Comments

  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Welcome to the forum
    Sorry I cant help with that but others will be along soon that know about it

    Love
    Hileena
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there,

    I've no personal experience of ankle fusion but one of my own (and wrists) have fused themselves over the (many) years. As a result there is very little pain compared with the ankle that hasn't quite fused yet.

    I know there are some on here who have had ankle fusions. 'Bobbyger' is one. He last posted an 'Ankle Fusion Update' thread on 30th June which is very positive. If you click on his username you'll be able to trace all his other posts before, during and after.

    AC also do a leaflet which deals with it and which you can access here http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Arthritisbasics/Typesofarthritis

    I know others ('prefabkid' comes to mind) have had foot surgery but I'm not sure it was ankle fusion.

    I wish you and your wife all the best.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi & thank you for your quick reply. Appreciated
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mr Cool 8) :D

    I am sorry to hear about Mrs Cool's oa in her ankle. If you go to the Search button at the top of the page and plug in ankle fusion you will find some positive postings from peeps who have been through the op.

    I wish you well :D

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you seems a very friendly forum
  • hildamck
    hildamck Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had my ankle fused nearly 13 years ago. It was very successful and has lasted all these years painfree. I was in plaster for 6 weeks and could not weight bear but after that they replasterd with a lighter version and could then walk easier. Never regretted it.
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi are you restricted in movement & how you walk?

    Thx
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi joe and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry I can't help as my ankles aren't so bad (yet!) but I'm sure someone will come along and help soon.

    Fols x
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you..................
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Joe I am due an ankle fusion . I'm having to have my Hip replaced first(around October time) so it could be a long wait and then they are going to start on the ankle as soon as they can because they tell me it is very bad. I try very hard to follow what the surgeon tells me but I'm afraid I cannot recall any of the medical terms! My Symptoms started almost 3 years ago and OA was diagnosed in my ankle by x-ray. Now 3 years on the pain is a lot worse. Movement is now restricted. For example I cannot circle my foot nor flex my ankle very much.

    Elizabeth
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi thx hope all goes well when it happens
  • hildamck
    hildamck Member Posts: 6
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Joe2cool wrote:
    Hi are you restricted in movement & how you walk?

    Thx
    I cannot circle my foot so it is fixed but as that is what was causing the pain, I am thrilled. It definitely improved the quality of my life to be painfree is a blessing that no one should underestimate,
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi thx for reply appreciated
  • bobbyger
    bobbyger Member Posts: 155
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Joe,

    I had an ankle fusion at the beginning of last year and I can highly recommend it. I have practically no pain in the ankle now. A little bit on other joints in the foot that are compensating for the lack of movement but it is only very short lived.
    My gait is fine and people don't believe my ankle is fused when I tell them such is the normality of my walking. I can even break into a short jog.

    If you search for my posts, you should find more about my operation and recovery otherwise please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
  • Joe2cool
    Joe2cool Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi & thx I had been informed of some of your prvious posts which were very helpful. Its nice to hear the 'fusion' went so well. I will pass the info to my wife.