Ankle fusion input/advice

[Guest guest]

Hope,

I haven't posted in a long time; I felt the need to respond to your question.

In 1999 I had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. His first response was

to perform triple arthodesis on both of my feet. I had research types of

surgery and found a member of who suggested the following surgery.

We discussed this type of surgery at great length and the surgeon felt it was

the correct choice for me. Soft tissue surgery has worked very well for me. I

have never worn AFOs prior or after my surgery. My ankles are not fused per se.

Soft tissue surgery consists of lengthening the Achilles tendon (three small

cuts above ankle bone), lowering my arches, pulling up the front of my foot and

placing a screw on top of my foot to hold the bones. Seven years and the

surgery is still a success. The surgeon did say eventually I would more than

likely need triple arthodesis done.

Research is the key. When diagnosed I too was told I would be in a wheelchair

in one to two years....ten years later, I'm still walking. Feel free to contact

me personally, Gretchen will give you my addy.

Good luck

R.

Texas