TOTAL ankle replacement - Page 2 : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

scottq60 · 11-23-2012, 04:39 PM

Yep (RKC), we've talked about this before. As long as you're happy with your fusion, that's all that matters. I told the doc that I want to be able to "walk normal" again without other joints having to compensate. That's why he suggested the replacement He said I should be able to walk as much as I want...just not run. He said fusion works best for distance runners, which I am not. Time will tell how this works out.

Homesick · 11-23-2012, 09:19 PM

Wow, I didn't know they did ankles. Congratulations and good luck.

joe

scottq60 · 11-24-2012, 08:33 AM

Thanks Joe! Yeah...I'm chomping at the bit to be able to walk "pain-free" again. The doctor said he didn't know how I was able to walk on it at all...said the joint was "gone" and every nook/cranny was full of arthritis. Now I have a nice titanium appliance with polyurethane bushing to replace the destroyed cartilage. I cannot wait to be back to "normal".

Homesick · 11-24-2012, 12:15 PM

Well, it's tough to beat titanium and polyurethane.

My left knee is on the path to replacement. I can understand your situation. I get artificial rooster comb shot into it, twice a year. Luckily, I guess, a knee doesn't have to move in as many directions as your ankle.

joe

scottq60 · 11-24-2012, 12:43 PM

True...and they've been doing hips and knees about 3x as long as ankles. They believe it should last 15-20 years before requiring maintenance (replacing the poly). Time will tell.

Homesick · 11-24-2012, 01:24 PM

I knew about hips and knees. Ankles just seem much more fragile and more complex.

I'm sure you know this, but if you're still doing therapy- DO NOT shortcut it. More is more better.

joe

scottq60 · 11-24-2012, 02:01 PM

Gonna follow Doctor's orders to the letter

Homesick · 11-24-2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottq60

Gonna follow Doctor's orders to the letter

Party on then.

joe

hijackak · 11-25-2012, 03:39 AM

I suffered a similar fate two and a half years ago. Distal tib/fib/talar comminution with sixteen fractures. I spent six months in a wheelchair; the first year on morphine. After a year, I got off the pain killers do I could go back to work. While today I can walk and ride, every step I take is painful.

I have talked to a few docs about ankle replacement, but they think @ 45, I am too young; most state the standard of care is fusion and that it will alleviate my pain. After a while, pain really takes it toll. I just cannot fathom having my ankle fused.

Did you have an option between the two procedures?

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scottq60 · 11-25-2012, 07:49 AM

I spoke with orthopedic surgeons from the University of Kentucky, Lexington VA and Premier Orthopedic in London, Ky. My options were:

1. pain management
2. pain management and bracing
3. fusion
4. joint replacement
5. amputation

I tried the first two without success.

After talking with the podiatrist/surgeon at Premier Orthopedic in London, Ky, I decided to bypass fusion and go straight to replacement. We discussed fusion and he said it's a good option for "marathon runners" or those who really pound the ankle. He said a prosthetic ankle wouldn't stand up to the abuse, but it would allow for natural movement/walking. THAT was my main goal...just to be able to walk normally without pain and to do other activities.

I have at least two friends who had theirs fused and they are NOT happy with the results. RKC IS happy with his fusion, and I'm glad. My joint was "gone" per the doctor...no remaining cartilage or space between the tallus and tibia, and full of arthritis. I believe (hope) I selected the right option for me. I'm 52. He said the life expectancy of the joint is 15-20 years and IF they have to go back in, it would be to replace the polyurethane "bushing". If this doesn't work out for me (I'm hopeful that it will), I will have my foot amputated just about the ankle joint and go with a prosthetic foot.

hijackak · 11-25-2012, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the info. From my consultation, I know that the Salto and the Star are not viable options with my "fixed" ankle anatomy; I was told to look into the InBone, but have had little luck in finding someone that put performs the procedure. Good luck on your recovery.

scottq60 · 11-25-2012, 08:51 AM

Thanks! Hope everything works out for you as well!

hijackak · 01-08-2013, 03:11 AM

Well, after some more consultation, I am once again prepping for surgery. On 1/15 I will be undergoing surgery for total ankle replacement with the Wright InBone. I am really looking forward to being pain free.

scottq60 · 01-08-2013, 06:13 AM

I'm praying for you. I can tell you from my experience that being pain-free again is AWESOME! I'm weight-bearing, but still with crutches for the next 2-4 weeks. I can stand still without them, and without pain, but the walking still needs some work.

hogcowboy · 01-08-2013, 06:42 AM

Dang! I hope I don't have to go through that. January 24 will be a full year since I shattered my leg. 3 places, 4 plates and I lost count of screws at 35 or their about. I've been complaining about the pain now for 6 months and the doc just says to wait. But a full year and I'm still in pain??? I see him this week so will hear what he has to say then. I've even told him the last time I saw him to just cut the darn thing off! I'm getting sick and tired of the pain. Will see though.