Ankle Replacement and Ankle Fusion: Surgery and Recovery

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Daniel Thuillier looks at the options to treat severe ankle pain from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to surgery including ankle replacement and ankle fusion. Recorded on 05/23/2019. [7/2019] [Show ID: 34797]
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[@barrytaylor760]

I have had both ankle joints replaced , one in may 2019 and the other in Feb 2020 and I couldn't be more delighted , no pain anymore , working again ,just no problems at all and I am 70

[@cicigardner2593]

Do you recommend it to 41 woman who has severe arthritis in both ankles due to old injuries?!!

[@barrytaylor760]

Yes don't have any doubts , i am totally pain free and walking very well , working on steps ,ladders and just really made massive difference to what was a grim day , everyday .

[@jethrox827]

I'm presently getting scans and tosing up between fusion or replacement. I'm 61 and fear a replacement will need more surgery when it wears out in 10 yrs also whether my tendons are strong enough to hold it in place also in the back of my mind I'd be thinking if I do more cardio exercise I'd be wearing out the poly in the joint faster and need another op before 10 yrs . So I'm thinking just to get a fusion and be done with it. Do you have any advice that might set me straight?

[@paulcruz2141]

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[@ekalbkr]

At 69,recently diagnosed with "end stage" ankle issue, due to injury 50 years ago. Doc says I'm very likely a good candidate but may require a realignment surgery prior to replacement. I've been busy gathering as much information as I can on replacement. I found this video to be very helpful and reassuring. Highly recommend your search leans on recent information - more than a few years ago may be out of date. I've been miserable the last 3 or 4 years. I think the time has come to get it done.

[@peachmelba9333]

Wishing well healing to you. I had an avulsion fracture of left ankle 43 years ago- presented at Urgent Care center- told it was only a severe sprain- the next week I was told by Affiliated hospital No- Fractured- but never operated - never casted- now with ensuing arthritic changes what to do? I'm being braced to limit more breakdown- lost 1/2 ;my body weight due to Bariatric surgery- but a little too late to do right thing now & at 70+ years my healing might be pee- poor. Couldn't use a knee scooter for 3 months without detoriating knee replacements. So here I be- trying for a better life quality and running into a brick wall- so keeping on keeping on. And an update- it is Fusion time for Me- tomorrow morning- after examining my options- it's the RIGHT TIME, I'VE MADE MY CHOICE, No Tears, No Fears, my remaining Earthly time shall improve.

[@Wheres_Bobby]

Thank you for the very helpful information.

[@PhillyJohnny]

I just turned 42, and I was give the choice of Ankle Fusion or Ankle Replacement today. I had a very bad injury (fall) in 2009 (broken fibula, fractured ankle) where rods and screws were placed inside. Meloxicam was doing a great job with arthritis until recently. Now it's terrible pain again. This is a great video for someone deciding like myself.

[@stevehill4002]

What did you go with? My ankle was bone on bone for over 10 years and I had no movement up and down so my Dr. Highly recommended a fusion I'm so glad I listened to him.

[@garyhale1213]

I'm very curious what you decided to do I'm about to be 44 and I hope that they give me the choice between an ankle replacement besides just a fusion

[@garyhale1213]

@@stevehill4002 are you going to be able to build your calf or is it just going to be jelly for the rest of your life?

[@PhillyJohnny]

@@garyhale1213 Hi Gary, I was lucky to be referred to a very respected Dr. in this field who works with the Philadelphia Eagles. His suggestion to me was hold off on any surgery for as long as I can, and then when the times comes we will do an ankle replacement. If I were to get an ankle replacement at 42, it wouldn't last me the rest of my life, so he felt the timing of it is critical. He said it's only natural for an arthritis medicine to be less effective over time, and he suggested if the pain is really bad we'll try an injection in the ankle and see if that gives me relief. To be honest, it must have just been an inflammation because the medicine is working again. When the time comes, I'll go for the replacement. I felt good about our plan. I've been dealing with this pain since 2009 (limping, back problems, walking problems, etc) so I can hang on for a few more years no problem. Without hesitation it seems like he prefers a replacement over the fusion when the situation allows it. Hope this helps a bit.

[@gumunduringigumundsson9344]

Congratulations and thanks for your genius and hard work and staying focused and awesome. Inspiring indeed!

[@pennymarler810]

I found this video really helpful. I am 5 months after having a talonavicular fusion for arthritis and I can't walk a step without pain because of the changed biomechanics, despite being a physio mobilising and stretching it every day. I am now facing further surgery to correct this plus an ankle replacement. Not wanting to go through this pain and immobility again, I was going to decline further surgery until watching this video, so thank you very much.

[@dukedominick7005]

I guess Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@tsolomon9358]

I've had two total right ankle arthroplasties due to arthritis. One in 2004 and the second in 2018. With the second, MRSA was introduced during the surgery and several surgeries, a serial flap, and reduction surgery and three years of therapy I'm back to almost normal. If anyone is thinking about this I can give you first hand experience.

[@georginahart311]

Thank you for this very helpful and reassuring talk. I am 58 and had a fracture 30 years ago whilst canoeing in France. I am going to have an ankle replacement with the NHS at Bristol Southmead Hospital under Mr Winson, in February. Looking forward to less pain and more physical activity.

[@ShefferJoe]

how did it go Georgina?

[@simoncritchley7466]

Hi Georgina, Just reading your message 2 years after you posted it. I was just wondering how your procedure went. I am looking at having the same operation ( probably at Salisbury) Still weighing up options so any update as to how you are getting on with it now would be appreciated. Thanks Simon

[@GabeCuello]

I was curious to learn more about ankle replacement and found this video... This is the same doctor (Dr. Thuillier) who removed my bone spurs 2 days ago. How fortunate I am to have had him perform the surgery. If I do go with ankle replacement in the future, I would go back to him.

[@eulareid4366]

Thank you this was very interesting.

[@malcolmbirkett1347]

Good information in this video. I'm 56 and eventually will need a ankle joint replacement as 20 years ago suffered a major trauma. Managing pain at the moment with paracetamol and ibuprofen.

[@superunknown747]

Great video, thank you. I had an ankle fusion 17 years ago. It was very beneficial for a long time, but now I'm getting quite significant pain from the surrounding joints. Need to look into what can be done next. I'm now 48 and hoping to be pain free again!

[@johnhughes9193]

Thank you for a very reasoned and expert video about ankle replacements. I may be on the way to get one in the near future :(

[@ricanryker6441]

Thank you you confirmed not to have reconstructions I'm now 100% on below the knee amputation, I just can't undergo another skeptical surgery, just want to be pain free after tendon ligament & fusion repair thank you!

[@ashoksarwade9236]

Great video

[@tontubecb]

Very interesting video which opens up new options...I am 50; I was born with bilateral "equin varus" feet. Went through triple arthrodesys surgery at 25 for my right foot that was then painful. 25yrs later the right foot is really paining daily. I am wondering what to do in order to not end up in a rolling chair and keep decent level of activity.

[@shebear6367]

Is it possible to do a fusion should a replacement not work? I’m 55 years old, RA for 20 years, had a bad sprain 17 months ago, resulting in more arthritis in the ankle joint, plantar fasciitis, heel spur, tx with cortisone x3 and PT - have had three cortisone in ankle in three years. Thank you.

[@threefive2954]

I'm 51 yrs old soon I will see my Dr about my full ankle replacement I pray it all works out

[@user-sy9qv4mb2q]

I had a fusion 4 months ago, went this route due to also having drop foot post trauma. I wish I had seen your video before.

[@zccmasipa2905]

Thank you very much for the education. I was involved in a car accident 2007 since then my ankle is forever in pain n sweeling. I had open fractured ankle. I honestly need help

[@MrCraigblaze]

Thanks for the Upload !! XD

[@robbiegreen769]

Due to have ankle replacement in 2 months, your review has taken a ton of stress off me, I had a total knee replacement in march which has been fantastic so hopefully the ankle will have a similar outcome, thank you for your marvelous film.

[@barrytaylor760]

I've had both ankles replaced with Wright medical infinity joints , I'm England , great results

[@garyhale1213]

So if you have had an infection in your lower tibular would that be a zero chance that you would say yes for an ankle replacement if it were you sir? What percentage of infection do you think it's possible that it would come back? Would you say if the ankle replacement doesn't work then you must have a bologna amputation?

[@SilverQuartz13]

I'm 32 and I have had ankle fusion due issue from my cerebral palsy but I am unhappy with the result. I'm walking worse and I was curious if it would be possible to have an ankle replacement?

[@sharilou3357]

I had my first ankle replacement at 41and a revision around 44. Both failed. I am about to have a whole new replacement. 🤞

[@garyhale1213]

I'm sorry to hear that Shari, buy revision what are you saying that failed?

[@sharilou3357]

@@garyhale1213 the ankle replacement is loose so they are putting a whole different one in.

[@alzirapascoal8116]

How much is the operation for ankle function?

[@timbrooks2134]

i had a bad RTA and Both Ankle now need fusion Or Repacement , im was 68 when i had the RTA, im now 70. i m in the UK Nhs only offer Fusion ? on Both . but i don,t wont That, i loved Dancing etc , . what do you thank of having Fusion on Both.. Thank you, Tim

[@vickijo2343]

I had ankle fusion 4 years ago but have never had a day since without pain, am now facing more surgery. I am feeling major anxiety as whether this will ever work. the pain is actually so much worse than my original arthritis pain...im at a loss

[@margotgray3330]

Sorry to hear that Vicki. Can you tell me what was the original injury and what procedure and post operative care/physio did you have. Had my ankle fusion last Wednesday and just home in boot.

[@deborahlawhorn4233]

Wow my husband had it a year ago still not completey mobile. Had a rough time. I sure hope it's betta better. We ended up in the hospital 18 days.

[@abdulgaffarshaikh826]

It's possible in India because my daughter is 15year old and same problem her surgeon says for cut ancle not other way plz guide me main problem is( soft tissue sarcoma)

[@janetingacollins6409]

Is there such a thing as cartilage replacement ?

[@notatroll78]

No there is a suregery called mosaicplasty and is for small to mid suze cartillage injuries that the surgeon get some cartillage and bone from none weight bearing part of knee then transform it to the part with problem i have to go through this surgery so i learned about it

[@jamiemcmanis6598]

I have to get ankle replacement in a few weeks not looking forward to it broken bones

[@lorny4u]

How are you getting on with it. I'm 2 days post op.

[@henryhester1897]

I got the Zimmer with Dr Lew Schon. One quick upper revision was necessary at two months as my weak tibia had not locked onto the prosthetic. I had previously had both a ankle fusion AND subtalar fusion which was taken down by Schon. Things are good, still fragile a three months from revision. Walking in a boot. So... I had two fusions then the replacement. X world champ skateboarder. 🤪

[@stevehill4002]

I'm trying to decide if I should get a fusion or replacement?

[@henryhester1897]

R M I’m getting better slowly. I was in a stiff plastic brace until recently (today) I’ve been fitted with a Richie Articulating lower brace. It’s a slow heal for me but things are progressing.

[@FlyenNun1]

Hoping this works for you. I was wondering if an ankle replacement was possible after a fusion. X Champ Skateboarder. When nondoubt your ankles took a beating. If it's not to much to ask, How old were you when you had either surgery? Did you have 2 opinions before decision(s)? I'm 56yr old and surgeon feels I'm at the end if the road for anymore ankle surgery fixes. So he's saying ankle replacement when I I can't deal with pain and instability. ? Curious did they have to do ligament repair as, well as ankle replacement if necessary?+

[@doughenke1489]

@@stevehill4002 after watching this... now leaning towards TAR. iam 61yrs old

[@stevehill4002]

@@doughenke1489 I ended up getting an ankle fusion June 29th 2020. My reason was I had no motion up and down and I thought with a TAR id get that back which unfortunately it wouldn't. I am 100% happy with my fusion.

[@chankirathore3926]

How much price ankle replesment

[@garyhale1213]

Average 30,000 US

[@Cricelia]

Is he single? lol

[@mathengemuthoni]

Yes

[@peeweelewis893]

😂

[@tatatatadanil5987]

Halow pk doctor

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हिंदी

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H.