Guest guest Posted May 27, 2003 Report Share Posted May 27, 2003 A couple of days ago, someone posted about having their ankles fused and they could wear regular shoes again and no AFOs. Just curious about pros and cons of this procedure. I would like feed-back on this subject, because until now had not heard of this. Thanks, Connie, Pburg, OH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2003 Report Share Posted May 27, 2003 Hi Connie, I guess that was me. I must start out by telling you that I did not have the surgery just to not wear AFOs. For over 25 years I wore metal upright braces. In 1987 my left ankle was so worn away with Charcot Ankle that I was walking with my ankle twisted. Causing me to fall a lot and lots of pain. The Doctor fused it with two large screws.This involved 6 weeks of cast with limited weight bearing. And 4 months of therapy to get the strength back. In 1998 My right ankle was also wearing away. A new procedure involved inserting a 10 inch rod through the bottom of my foot, and attach it to the bone with 8 screws. And extremly painful post surgery. I was on pain pills for about 6 weeks after. This time there was NO Weight bearing for 3 months.My husband made our home a bit more accessible, because I was in a wheelchair all this time. Please understand this is a very difficult surgery to go through. I needed to do range of motion excercise twice a day to keep my muscles from going to mush. Because my ankles were fused I no longer needed the braces. I can wear regular shoes,that have low heels.(high heels and I would fall on my face) For the first time in her then 21 years, I went shoe shopping with my daughter. I need to caution anyone who is contiplating this surgery. It is a long and hard recovery period. It is very painful. I can't bend my ankles at all. The other day I fell down,I did not hurt myself but I could not get up. I had to scoot all the way down the hallway about 35ft to the garage steps. Then I could get up. I still can't walk far so the wheelchair is still part of my life. I do walk better though. Would I have this surgery again, You bet I would. But, this was a LAST RESORT. If I didn't have this surgery, I faced never walking again. My doctor has done this surgery before, and I checked him out beforehand. PLEASE, don't think this is a surgery to just get rid of AFO's. I apologise for the long post. If anyone has anymore questions, you can post them here, or feel free to e-mail me at murkam1@... I will be happy to help. I hope this helped. Martha > A couple of days ago, someone posted about having their ankles fused > and they could wear regular shoes again and no AFOs. Just curious > about pros and cons of this procedure. I would like feed-back on this > subject, because until now had not heard of this. > > Thanks, > Connie, > Pburg, OH > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2003 Report Share Posted May 27, 2003 Connie I had a triple arthodesis on my right foot, I have to say it was agony 25 years ago and it is agony now I am only greatful that I did'nt have the left foot done or I would be a complete cripple, the surgery was performed in Australia and I do beleive that they have improved on the procedure alot since then. It was the one of the most regretful things I have ever done, I did not know I had CMT when the surgery was performed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2003 Report Share Posted May 27, 2003 If you have your ankles fused, you do not need AFOs because your ankles will not be able to move and you will not have footdrop. However you'll have no more plantarflexion and this will stress your kness and your quadriceps muscles, that may undergo overwork weakness. Gait too will be abnormal, as if you were in a plaster cast. I never recommend an ankle fusion unless there is severe and painful ankle arthritis that does not improve with a drastic weight reduction. Paolo Vinci Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2003 Report Share Posted May 28, 2003 Connie, A lady in the Greenville support group, about my age (early 50's) had the procedure 15-20 years ago. she had hoped to get out of her AFOs, it really didn't work. She still needs AFOs but says she would probably be using a wheelchair full time if it were not for the fusion. Personally I think this is a last ditch thing and I'll put up with the hardware before I'm cut on again. Another in the group has had a fusion and got along fairly well (same age). Hang in there! Buckeye Jim Nash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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