Can I benefit from triple arthrodesis? My ankle is semi spontaneously fused and I have cronic pain

08/10/08

Carol

It is my right ankle. I had a very successful total right knee replacement 1 year ago. Since then my ankle pain has greatly increased and it (ankle) seems to be further out of alignment. My right hip was diagnosed as moderate RA & osteoarthritis 2 years ago and I know it has gotten to the severe stage now. I had a sucessful total left hip replacement 2 years ago and would not hesitate to have the right one replaced, but I don't know if I should do that now and wait to have my ankle fused later or do the ankle first. The orthopod who did my knee & hip does not do ankles and the orthopod who would do the ankle fusion does not do hips. I need an answer that is in my best interest, not theirs... I do not want to add more medication for pain either. I have been living with JRA for over 40 years and developed OA over the past 10. I am 56 years old now and still in good health. I would like to be more physically active!

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Answers (2)

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Ellen

Hi Carol,

I see that you asked this question quite a while ago. I have a couple reactions. i have not had knee problems, but have had a lot of ankle/foot problems. From what I know, the triple fusion is a LONG process, can take up to a year to go through it. Talk about not being active .... I had tendon problems, among other problems, and had tendon reconstruction a year ago. Though my ankle has healed well, there is still other foot trouble holding me back, so I'm compensating with a recumbent bike, because I still can't take long walks. However, a year ago I couldnt stand for 10 minutes without pain to do the dishes! I'm a lot better now ... can be on my feet for maybe an hour.

One thing I did, which might help you, is I got an AFO (ankle-foot orthotic) custom made. The orthopedist I was arguing with (he didn't think surgery was necessary, or even maybe helpful) didn't come up with the idea, I did, after talking with someone who had had the triple arth. 6 months before and was still in a walking cast (yes, 6 months). We both chose the front row in an auditorium so people wouldn't have to trip over our feet! She told me she'd worn an AFO for 2 years before having the surgery. I ended up using mine for 2.5 years before it stopped helping. I had adult-acquired flat foot (but I never had good arches at all), pain inside the ankle, under the ankle (medial malleolus) bone, but also previous inflammation in 5th toe joint, neuroma, that kind of stuff. Now I have some trouble with plantar fasciitis and have to be careful how much I walk. Some how, the clock is never really turned back. But I'd investigate braces before surgery myself. Wish the AFO still worked! I walked all over the place with it....even for miles!

Hope this helps!

Ellen (57, RA, FM, Enbrel, Celebrex, omeprazole, and other stuff as needed)