subtalar fusion - Foot Problems Message Board

Carol41 · 08-17-2007, 03:21 PM

I had an accident when I was 18, and sprained my right ankle badly. It has been progressively getting worse over the years. I am 66 now, and my ankle is swollen all the time and I have a lot of pain. I am scheduled for subtalar fusion on September 7th. I have heard a lot of negative feed back on the surgery. Has anyone my age had a good outcome? Is it worth being on crutches for 3 months? Do the screws they put in always have to be taken out eventually?

hootyhoo · 08-17-2007, 05:41 PM

i broke my ankle...from tibia fibula right to the ankle bone at age 19...i'm 56...so perhaps similar surgery? i also am wondering about recovery...i know i'm in bed for 8 weeks...surgery on the 29th of august....i'll keep you informed...i have NO swelling now..but have had pain for quite some time..maybe 10 years...the last three awful...they say bone rubbing against bone. pain meds do nothing.

penybobeny · 08-18-2007, 01:16 AM

Hi there...

Surgical screws are not always removed, it all depends on many factors... some people have to have them removed because they cause pain (the head of the screw is not always flush with the bone and can 'pinch' or rub surrounding tissue) while others have no problem and keep those screws exactly where they are. If the screws do have to be removed it is a small proceedure and will not effect the outcome of your fusion in the least.

Also, while you see alot of 'horror' stories in the threads about proceedures gone wrong, there are just as many if not more with wonderful outcomes... the difference... those with the bad outcomes (myself included) tend to be much more vocal about it and are online often, where those with a great outcome usually post a time or two after their recovery then move on with their lives.

Being in your 50's does not mean that you will have bad outcomes... chances are very strong that the two of you will be a couple of the ones with wonderful outcomes who will post a few times after it is all over then be out golfing and dancing and enjoying life too much to spend much time posting anymore.

For right now, just relax as best you can, take long bubble baths and pamper yourselves. Stock up the freezer with foods that are easy to prepare for when you are getting better and take the time that you will be 'out of action' to do the things that a busy life never let you do. Paint... sketch... knit... read those books that have been waiting for the time and you will find that the time will pass quickly.

Good luck and please let us know how things go.