My father is a 57 year old smoker and underwent an unsuccessful attempt at an ankle fusion last April. Due to the failure of the opperation, there is discussion of doing an additional fusion that would include the traditional use of a bone graft taken from the pelvic bone. My father is very apprehensive about the surgery, and is contemplating living out his life on an ankle that will last only a year or two more. If anyone knows of any alternatives, or if anyone has undergone a similar surgery, please share any information you can. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!