Subtalar fusion.
I have great pain in my ankle & have been offered a subtalar fusion which will involve four screws being bolted in to it. I will be in plaster for six weeks then six weeks in a boot. The good news is... I've been told it may not join.It carries risk of bleeding,infection,nerve & blood vessel injury,metal work failure & failure to resolve symptoms. Has anyone had this procedure ? Was it successful ? Is it all worth it ?
Hi,
! I know that weighing the risks and benefits of surgery can be a daunting task! I know a number of our members have had various fusion procedures done and I hope they see your post and can share their personal experiences with you. Here's some basic information on the fusion procedures -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/surgery/foot-and-ankle-surgery. It's probably all stuff you know, but I wanted to share it just in case. I know two members that have had various fusion procedures and one of them is a contributor here (Kelly Mack -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/author/kelly). This community member also shared her journey with JRA and RA and talks a bit about her surgeries -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/stories/52-years-and-counting. I hope this information is somewhat helpful for you and you are able to make the right decision for you and your lifestyle!
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
I really appreciate this info! I am not a candidate for replacement but am told ankle fusion will eliminate pain and allow some mobility. I am 70 and the rehab (6 weeks non-weight bearing) seems impossible!
Hi
. On top of the excellent information from , I just want tag our patient leader who is actually recovering from ankle surgery right now and has had previous procedures as well. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) Thanks for the info, but as you said nothing I don't know. I'm not worried about any surgery as I've had RA for 25 years & had hips, knees & shoulders replaced also various pins inserted along with several fusions. The worst op was the removal of the pericardium in terms of pain, it was the opening up of the chest to get to it that was the the painful bit. In all, a total of 11 operations in 3 different hospitals all of which have gone remarkably well but so far I've been unable to find out what kind of success rate there is on ankle surgery.
Any news on how Daniel Malito's surgery went ? I do hope he finally got a successful result this time & I wish him all the best.
Oh boy, I’m not sure if I have enough space and time here to tell you about the travails of my ankle saga. So, about 10 years ago they tried to “replace” my ankle and said it would work out fine. Unfortunately, when the cast came off, it was put in crooked and my ankle began to turn under towards the inside. The surgeon kept saying till the day he retired, though, “looks great!” So i had to wait until he was gone to get it fixed. It was a replacement and two screws all put in wrong. So, finally, I went to find a doctor to fix it and after five doctors and many hours of consulting (and many dollars!), all I could find was a bone-lengthening doctor who would attempt it. He said he’d have to turn the whole ankle, botched replacement and all, so that my foot would be flat on the ground. So, as you can see by the image, I am now wearing an external fixator and will be for another 3 months. SO, sufficed to say, I know EXACTLY what you are going through and will be going through if you go forward with it. I cannot tell you what to do but I can give you this: now, with the turning of my fixator screws almost done, I am seeing a foot flat on the floor for the first time in over a decade. I cannot tell you how good that feels both physically and mentally! Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help! Keep on keepin’ on, DPM
Wow
. As you know, we cannot give medical advice, which in this case is good because I wouldn't know where to start with your options. Considering the short amount of experience you have with the new doctor, could you get another opinion what the tests show and options available? I've read that the fusion can potentially increase the longevity of the prosthesis. I'm tagging in this reply because I don't know if he had the fusion. Please feel free to keep us posted in you learn anything more or if you have questions. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
Oh my goodness,
! What an ordeal it sounds like you've been going through. I am so sorry to hear about the surprise doctor visit when you were imaging the thrill of driving again and enjoying the beautiful county park. What a frustrating appointment it sounds like it was. (Although, it sounds like your gut was trying to warn you. Isn't it annoying when our brains convince us otherwise?) I am very curious to hear how you're feeling about it all, and, if you're interested in a second opinion that Richard mentioned. Did Dr. New give you any idea or indication why his prognosis was so different?
We do appreciate you coming back and sharing your update with us, but boy oh boy do I wish it was a more positive one for you. We are still here for you, and I'm really hoping that you'll get some helpful input and information to make your decision as easy as possible. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
