Ankle Allograft VS fusion - Foot Problems Message Board

girlwithbadankl · 05-09-2009, 12:23 AM

I have been on a long journey reading these posts and also finding how to treat my end-stage ankle arthritis. I'm 44 yrs. old with 3 young kids. Last year my ankle started hurting and now it's the size of an elephant and can't walk anymore. Debridement did not work. I'm really miffed because I appealed my case all the way to the state and my doctor who is a pioneer of the procedure, wrote a very compelling letter stating that a fusion would leave me crippled. The decision was to uphold Blue Cross's decision because an allograft would be no more successful than a fusion which I don't want to have due to other foot issues. So, I was wondering if anyone out there can compare/contrast their results of having an ankle allograft vs a fusion. If you've had a fusion, how has your life changed? Thanks.

K_Lana · 05-09-2009, 06:32 AM

What was the allograft going to be for? I have BC/BS and they at first denied my autograft for OATS. I had to appeal a few times and then finally they would agree after much work on my part. THere was someone on this board that had an allograft and the insurance paid everything Except for the actually allograft, in this case it was bone. So, the majority of the surgery was still covered. That might be an option you could look into.
Man, I thought that at the state level most of these are in favor of the patient. That really sucks.

DPart · 05-09-2009, 07:03 AM

I have an ankle fussion and I am certantly not crippled. I can walk fine and am active. It beats being in pain. All os that I saw said that the allogragh would not last and would only lessen pain a bit. With my job (teacher) I would be having the fussion 2 to 3 years down the road anyway. The recovery is long but not as long as OATS. From what I have read on this board I am glad I went with fussion.

Darryl

akirka · 05-11-2009, 10:14 AM

I'll throw my two cents in. I had an autograph, not allograph but it feels great and I basically have no pain. Yeah, it took 9 months to recover but that's small potatotes really. Reading this board it seems that OATS is not very successful/hard recovery but I would read the posts carefully. A lot of OATS people here have had additional reconstruction of tendons/ligaments and that is was is really hampering their recoveries. Most of the people having problems will not say that their grafts have failed, actually they are well incorporated. It's other ankle issues that are holding them back. So I think a graft is a good option. I had BCBS and they covered it all. Maybe the donor tissue they may not? I think someone paid $7,000 out of pocket for their donor tissue but that not a huge price for getting your foot back. We pay a lot more for a car and that doesn't really compare!! I've heard people who have had fusion say that they were out of pain and felt good so I also know that it is a good last option. But fusion can cause other joints to wear irregularly - like your knee, hip, so I think OATS is a better first option. I would keep fighting BCBS on it. Maybe even go ahead with the surgery and then let the chips fall where they may .... When it's all over, BCBS can't take your foot away!!

Abby

I don't know where you are at in CA, but Dr. Bertil Smith in San Diego assisted in my OATS surgery. Maybe he can help you.

girlwithbadankl · 05-12-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPart

I have an ankle fussion and I am certantly not crippled. I can walk fine and am active. It beats being in pain. All os that I saw said that the allogragh would not last and would only lessen pain a bit. With my job (teacher) I would be having the fussion 2 to 3 years down the road anyway. The recovery is long but not as long as OATS. From what I have read on this board I am glad I went with fussion.

Darryl

Darryl,

Did you have a triple athrodesis? That's what I would require.