Ankle Fusion vs Ankle Replacment
I'm in an AFO brace for my left ankle as well as a soft cast every other month. The ankle pain is getting worse and limiting me more and more.
Saw my podiatrist yesterday and mentioned the help and support that I have found here.
He fears that I would not get long term relief from an ankle fusion so suggested that I post the question here to folks that know PsA. Has an ankle fusion helped you?
I had a rheumatology appointment today. My rheumatologist would prefer an ankle replacement at a university hospital once my PsA is under better control.
So...here I am, asking you kind and supportive folks of your experience with these procedures 😀 I wish I could send out "thank you notes" with chocolate enclosed! Just know that my thanks comes with this post!
That is a pretty hefty decision,
. I hope you get lots of responses from the community. I have no experience with this, but I think I would want to know how much ankle fusion would limit my daily activities and I would then want to compare that with the success rates of ankle replacement /how long the replacement will last. If you opt for ankle fusion, can you get ankle replacement later if necessary? I am thrilled this community has been such a great source of support for you and that your doctor recognizes the value in that. Keep us posted if you don't mind. I would love to hear what you decide and how the surgery goes. Regardless, it sounds like you will eventually be pain-free, which must be such a relief. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) Thanks, Lori, for the encouragement. Decision making is not my forte. I often have a pile of clothes on the bed just trying to decide on what to wear LOL Who knew having PsA would come with so many decisions to make!
Hi @Mary Lynn. I can sympathize with what you are going through. I have been having a lot of trouble out of my left ankle. It is so painful. Do you know that we have a Facebook website as well? You can go to psoriatic-arthritisdotcom on Facebook and post your question there as well to get more responses. If you would like for one of us to do it for you please let us know and we would be happy to do so. Gentle hugs sent your way. Vickie W., Team Member
, I am sorry that your left ankle is painful. If one considers that our feet and ankles are our foundation for every step it's so exhausting and limiting if each step brings pain and discomfort. OUCH.
I would welcome having my question posted to Facebook. Thank you for offering. I decided many years ago for a variety of reasons not to set up my own Facebook page. I might have been born in the wrong era 😀 Give me note cards, stamps and a slim line telephone and I am good to go!
hi, I had my first ankle fusion (TT) in 2002, it was great for 20yrs until I needed the ST fusion in the same foot, I believe if I hadn’t needed to have the 2nd type it would still be going strong, let me try to explain, when you have a fusion it causes stress on the other joints and bones of the foot, they have to work so much harder, it also depends on which type of fusion you have too. An ankle replacement can last up to 10 years or more. There is a Facebook group I joined ‘Ankle Joint Fusion’ there are many people in the group that can give advice and share their own experiences with you. I’ve had my fair share or problems with fusions (I’ve had seven!) but I have a few medical issues that work against me and my bones are definitely not the best 😉 The thing to remember about groups though, the people who have had very successful fusions aren’t sitting at a device so you may get a lot more ‘it didn’t work for me’ stories than happy endings. I hope this helps a little for you 😊
, this does help. Thank you! I will research the TT fusion and the ST fusion. My doctor did mention that a fusion would stress the bones in my mid foot, which already hurts🙁
I have never had a fusion but have had large joints replaced with good results and great pain relief.
I had heard however that an ankle replacement doesn't have the sound track record of hip and knee replacements.
Do you ever feel between a rock and a hard place? Boy, doing nothing leaves me in pain but a surgical procedure would carry risks.
I had to smile when I read that those most unhappy with their ankle fusions likely were complaining. Human nature!
Thanks again for your input and I wish you less pain and bones that behave!
