Ankle fusion - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

warhawkmom · 08-09-2006, 08:01 PM

My son is 18 years old and has mild cp. He had his heel cord lengthened in
February along with a procedure where they took a piece of bone and tried
to correct his flat feet. That didn't work very well and now we are
having to consider having an ankle fusion. He is a little concerned and
asked me to post here to see if anyone has had to deal with this procedure
and what luck they had with it. Thanks for your help!!

searchingsam · 11-17-2006, 05:32 PM

Dear Warhawkmom,

You mention your son having flat feet and there has been a failed attempt to correct this with surgery. Does this mean your son has the ability to walk as you say his CP is mild? If he can walk is he in need of a walking frame?
If he is walking what experience has he had with insteps? I cared for a CP child who had very flat feet, but once he had insteps this made an incredible difference to his walking. Fusion of your sons ankles will inhibit somewhat various movements, but more info is needed about the extent of movement he has and what activities he is capable of and involved in.
I notice this is an old post, so I hope you are well and that your son hasn't had fusion yet. Sadly, I know how confusion it is for those caring for CP individuals to know what is the best thing to do at times; and the 'professional' can be far from helpful.
Agape,
searchingsam.

ErinCP · 12-06-2006, 01:30 AM

Hi,

I have had both of these things done, but didn't find either to improve my feet much.

warhawkmom · 12-08-2006, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the response. Yes he is able to walk, and he walks well. He has a sway to his gait and sometimes he holds on to the person he is with to keep
from falling. He has had AFO's and they rub terrible blisters, even after many
adjustments. He hasn't had the fusion yet. We saw a Fasciatrist and she
did an MRI and found he also has mild spinal stenosis so he will go back to
physical therapy and I am hoping they might help us with his feet situation.