Ankle fusion.Any experiences of this procedure?

Please do your research before you go to your GP and find an orthopaedic consultant who deals specifically with ankles as some do.

TARs have been on the market for around 30 years now and if it did not work at least one could fall back on an ankle fusion.

A fusion may relieve pain but it can be difficult for eg driving if it is the left ankle and one does not have an automatic car.

A lot depends on what part of the country you live- I personally prefer orthopaedic hospitals where one can find expertise for the majority of orthopaedic problems but please research the consultant- he is not the one having the surgery so it must be right.

I would endorse the advice above - I had my foot treated by an orthopaedic consultant who did not specialise in feet and things did not go well. I went on to be referred to Oswestry - I don't know where you live but they are a centre of orthopaedic excellence for the midlands, with specialists in different bits

I would google it all and see what you find.

I was offered a foot fusion which I declined as my research showed that the outcomes could be problematical. I do not know whether this also applies to ankle fusions.

Thanks for that.As it happens it's his left foot that is the worst,but we now have an automartic car.He spent a lot of time driving diesel vans which were heavy onthe clutch so at least driving is much easier for him now.We will do some research into surgeons, so he can go well informed if he decides to go down this route.In the meantime whilst not obese by any means he is big boned ,broad build body type.Think rugby -which probably accounts for a lot!As it is he's she'd over a stone since Xmas and is aiming for at least another 1/2 hoping that will help ,plus wearing ankle supports at all times.A lot to consider,but although we know a couple of people who've been offered the same op,don't know anyone who's actually had it.A lot to think about.

From what I know ankle replacement is still in its early stages and the longer you can wait the more successful/simple the operation will become. I agree about finding a specialist. Have you tried contacting Arthritis Research UK they have an excellent website and lots of information.

Will do that thanks Trisher.Yes ankle surgery seems relatively new compared to hips and knees.He's really not keen on anything invasive,and his physio pointed out the slight limp he would be left with could then throw up later hip problems.But I'd still like him to try to get a referral to the right specialist,even to be told surgery is not the best option.We can't afford to go privately,and realistically could take ages so I'm encouraging him to go back to the GP.

I don't know about ankle fusion, but a neighbour had an ankle replacement at age 74. In spite of excellent care, physio etc, it has never been really successful.
The wound took ages to heal.
Sorry to be so negative, just realistic.

A lot depends why he is considering an ankle replacement. For pain relief it is excellent but not if he wants to go for long walks etc.

Ankle replacements first came on the market in the early 1970's but very few foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons appeared to learn the technique.

My sister has had both ankles done. One didn't work well and had to be redone. She is now fine with no pain.

Interestingly DH has just come in and said he's been talking to someone who knows someone who had an ankle fusion first about 10 years ago ,and whilst limiting movement it cured the pain.They then had an ankle replacement in the other ankle more recently and have had far more trouble as a result of that.But then my mum had a hip replacement and it was very succesful ,whereas an aunt had complications. It does seem ankle joints are trickier though.

Hi, I had my foot fused, a talonavicular fusion, due to having previously broken the navicular bone which did not heal and arthritis set in. I struggled to walk only a few yards as each step was very painful.
The operation was successful in that I am pain free but of course the foot doesn’t flex as much, putting on trousers or tights is a comedy act! I also find that my balance is affected over rough ground.
The down side of the op is the long recovery, 6 weeks totally non weight bearing followed by another 6 weeks in an air cast. Would I do it again... yes to be free of the pain.

Thanks for that feedback Jude.Have just passed on to my DH.He's says he may have rethink his wardrobe of he goes ahead.Never thought about the practical implications of getting dressed! But the more he knows about not just the surgery but living with a fused ankle the better.He has an appointment in a couple of weeks with the GP to discuss referral, and will keep doing our research.We appreciate your reply.