Ankle fusion or replacement?

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Oldelevatorman

Did not know Drs. were doing ankle replacements. I'm waiting for a wrist replacement but they may still be years away. Been putting off a new knee for awhile now but maybe time's getting short and I'm only 64. Of course sports and 40 years of construction has been my undoing with a total of 10 surgeries. Wrist fusion didn't seem like a good option either. Good luck and I hope you get the outcome you're looking for.

Get the one knee done before the other one fails you.

I waited, and woke up one, day to two real bad knees.

Stopped my fulltiming, went home and found a surgeon to do both at the same time.

Tough, tough first few weeks of recovery. By week 11, hip was killing me, from the straightend knee. Back to surgeon for hip replacement, piece of cake.

Total of 6 months off and back to fulltiming.

[CLIFFTALL]

I had both knees done at the same time over 9 years ago. I couldn't walk a city block . I now walk three -four miles every day. I have since revisited all 49 States and all 10 Canadian Provinces as well as 42 other Countries. I wouldn't have been able to do this prior to 2007.

[MSHappyCampers]

I'm amazed! I thought that many of you would have had ankle fusions or replacements! I guess this is not as common as I have been led to believe!

[pjkellrvers]

Hi Joe, Lot's of interesting events people are having but Bone against Bone can be painful. Coretosone shots help me as I am a procrasterator so I get a shot Not many dr's do Ankles as its slow healing not like knees. Not many dr's do Ankle Replacements so I heard.The fusion is not that bad but slow to heal...Hope it goes well for you..paul..

[okmunky]

For about 5 years before both my knees were bone on bone, I was getting injections of a synthetic lubricant called SynVisc every 6-9 months. It stalled off having to have them replaced. After I retired and before Medicare kicked in I paid $1,800 for one round out of pocket and it only lasted 3 weeks! That's when I knew it was time for surgery. They may be using that or something similar for other joints now.

I could walk about 30 steps and could not climb stairs before replacement. Ten weeks after surgery I went zip-lining and climbed the hills of Arkansas between the 7 zips. It changed my life!

Do whatever you have to do to get mobile again -- 'cause sitting in a recliner all day will shorten your life.

[Klc]

My decided on ankle fusion instead of replacement because he did not want to have another replacement down the line. Fusion is supposed to last a lifetime. He is happy with his decision. He should not have waited as long as he did. His knee was bone on bone. Very painful also. Shots didn't help at all. He is now work 11 hr days standing on his feet. Can't wait until he can retire in about 6 mos. He will be 68 in July. I guess what I am trying to say is don't wait. Get it done, which ever way you decide.

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

My left ankle is worn out! Can't believe it at only 77! Anyway, the doc says I have a choice of either fusion or replacement.

Have any of you had one of these done? I would sure appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this!

Two hips then two knees before 70. Can't say anything about ankles yet. Hips were easy, knees not so much but the pain is different. If they can change the fusion to a joint replacement in a few years then I would try that. Otherwise it's a toss up from my perspective. Perhaps they an do a lightweight boot to simulate having the ankle fused and see what that does in terms of both short term pain management and a way to sample what the results would be. Something to ask about.

For those who worry about replacement longevity. A lot of us think the joints are good for at least 20 years of reasonable use. At 70 we will be happy to be worrying about new one's at 90. Who knows what they will be doing by then...

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by nothermark

For those who worry about replacement longevity. A lot of us think the joints are good for at least 20 years of reasonable use. At 70 we will be happy to be worrying about new one's at 90. Who knows what they will be doing by then...

In 20 years there could be REAL body shops -- the kind where you trade in the old worn out body for a sleek and perfect new one. Hmmm, I wonder which model I'd choose? A tall, skinny one for sure! Julia Roberts when she did Pretty Woman?

[kustom]

what is fusion ? can someone explain it ? i am 60 but have two bad knees
but cant replace them do to severe nerve damage and have been going to
pain center for 5 yrs now
to those of you that had replacment your very lucky living in pain is no fun
thanks and good luck with what ever you chose

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by kustom

what is fusion ? can someone explain it ? i am 60 but have two bad knees
but cant replace them do to severe nerve damage and have been going to
pain center for 5 yrs now
to those of you that had replacment your very lucky living in pain is no fun
thanks and good luck with what ever you chose

Dang! If you have to have nerve damage why can't it be the knee nerves? Fusion is where they fuse the ankle joint in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the pain from the bad joint. Have you asked your doc recently about knee replacement? Medicine is making new things possible every year.

[kustom]

no new knees for me with 70-80 % nerve damage they will not replace if doing a
replacement i loose more nerves i could wind up in a wheelchair dont want that
so live with the pain and try and control it
thanks john

[okmunky]

John,

I still have numbness to the skin on the outside of my knees, so I do understand. You might ask your pain specialist about the Quell pain relief system that I mentioned earlier in this thread. It really works for my back pain. There's no risk to try it with the money back guarantee. Good luck!