Ankle joint replacement vs fusion

vivalasam87
vivalasam87 Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:10 in Living with arthritis

im really hoping there will be people on here that may be able to give me their personal experiences with either ankle replacements or ankle fusion surgery.

long story short I was diagnosed with PA at 17, I’m now 35 and having real problems with one of my ankles. After years of asking for help with it I’m now under a specialist but have received conflicting information as to which is going to be the best course of action. I’m going to look at a private consultation for a second opinion as I won’t be given a surgical option just yet but after years of being robbed off I want to try get as much info as possible. Thanks

Comments

  • CarylW
    CarylW Member Posts: 274

    Hello @vivalasam87

    I don't have personal experience but you may find this information from our website helpful:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/foot-and-ankle-surgery/

    Hopefully others with experience will some forward with help for you. It's good to get a second opinion at any rate.

    Do keep posting and let us know how you get on.

    Best wishes

    Caryl

    Need more help? Call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764

    I'm sure we've had people on here who have had one or the other successfully. My (Very limited and possibly wrong) understanding is that replacement takes a shorter recovery time but won't last forever. Also I think it's more suitable for people who are not going to ask too much of it.

    I know more about fusion as my ankles fused themselves years ago after years of RA, and subsequently OA. I have no problem with the limited movement as they were both limited and very painful (not now) for years and, besides, with the RA, I have very limited movement everywhere else too 😉 Whatever you decide, and whoever you decide it with, make sure it's what's best for you.

    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • remmingtonwildhunter
    remmingtonwildhunter Member Posts: 77
    edited 3. May 2023, 08:11

    Good morning @vivalasam87 there was a program few years bk fusion or replacement pick by computer i didn't go for the progeam i went for a talus fusion 2018 and subtalus fusion 2020 my name picture is the metal work in my left ankle...

    So 3 months in plaster 8 weeks in airboot then you have to learn to walk again i met some one who had a replacement it didn't work so had a 2 inch gap glad i had it done but one thing i would get is a knee walker loads on the auction sites...

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