I had a sub-talar fusion 19 mths. ago. It is only 10% fused and every step is painful. I will have to have the screw removed and this time the Dr. is going to use an external fixation device. It looks disguisting! Has anyone ever had one of these? It seems to me that the rods that will be sticking out of my foot would have open sores around them..or that the skin would try to close over them. I have no choice, I have to have this done, but I am dreading it. Id like to hear from anyone who has had one of these. Thanks much.