Saw ankle specialist today..

Hi Everyone

So I went to an ankle specialist today (Surgeon who specializes in my type of injury repair), and I think we have some options for pain relief. First of all, he wants to wait 2 years post op to consider anything, so my next appointment is October 12. (October 10 was the day of the wreck and will be 2 years).

Options:

Minimal: He thinks the plate on the fibula is too long, and the hardware can be safely removed because the long plate is likely causing a lot of pain. Also he would repair the tendon

More invasive: Options include ankle fusion, and he thinks I might be a candidate for an ankle replacement. (he has apparently done hundreds of them), but he has only been a doctor for 5 years  and is young, so I'm not sure.

He also said the recent strain is likely due to driving, and he wants me to wear brace full time- and also ice at night and elevate, so I will do that.

Lots of things to think through, I would be at least 4-6 weeks non weight bearing or driving with either surgical option... not sure it is worth it. Anyway, just wanted to update everyone!

Mel

Wow, that is a lot to think about.  Did he say anything about a molded Arizona brace?  My hubby has one of those because he doesn't want to go through another surgery right now.  It doesn't keep him 100% pain free but it helps immensely.

betsygee said:

 
Wow, that is a lot to think about.  Did he say anything about a molded Arizona brace?  My hubby has one of those because he doesn't want to go through another surgery right now.  It doesn't keep him 100% pain free but it helps immensely.

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Never heard of that. Where do you get one?

Nebula, I don't know what you had done, but I'd ask a lot of questions about fusion. My understanding of fusing any joint is that motion can be greatly affected and as the ankle is a ball and socket joint, you want to be able to move it freely.  A finger not bending is one thing, an ankle is a  whole different animal. Just my opinion after having numerous orthopedic injuries.  Good luck.

The doctor would prescribe it and then a prosthetist would mould one to your foot. No idea if it would work in your situation but it might be worth asking your doc.

KokoMonster said:

 
Nebula, I don't know what you had done, but I'd ask a lot of questions about fusion. My understanding of fusing any joint is that motion can be greatly affected and as the ankle is a ball and socket joint, you want to be able to move it freely.  A finger not bending is one thing, an ankle is a  whole different animal. Just my opinion after having numerous orthopedic injuries.  Good luck.

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Koko,

The short answer is, I had a bad car accdient almost 2 years ago... broke both legs tib/fib. Right was open fracture............. have 2 plates, 16 screws in that one.

That doesn't sound fun. Glad you're doing better.

Nebula, I do hope you get some relief. Sending lots of prayers your way. :nod:

Got fitted for the Arizona Brace today. WOW

I can tell just by the casting, it offered instant pain relief. High hopes for the brace (it should be done in about 10 days)

Nebula said:

Got fitted for the Arizona Brace today. WOW

I can tell just by the casting, it offered instant pain relief. High hopes for the brace (it should be done in about 10 days)

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Oh that's cool! I hope it works for you. Hubby's has really made a difference for him.

In Orthopedic Surgery I would be happy to have a younger one. They are usually more interested in minimally invasive surgery and adapt better to new surgeries for their patients. Older ones may have more experience, but are  sometimes stuck in their old school ways. I work for surgeons, I have one 20 yrs out of med school, one 15 yrs out, one 13 yrs out and one that is 6 yrs out. They all take courses and do CME, but the youngest one is more likely to pursue something new.

It works!! I would say at least 80% pain relief

though it was plain black and boring. I had to jazz it up... And I had to buy wider shoes, that only came in black so I jazzed them up too. It has to be broken in, right now it is very stiff and somewhat uncomfortable. But it will get better, so I am told.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

Oh that's great news.  Good job on jazzing it up!      Shoes are a problem--my hubby wears mostly Crocs because they're wide enough to accommodate the brace.  

I hope it gives you enough relief that you can avoid fusion or other surgery.  

It has worked so well for pain relief, he is ordering me one for the other ankle!

Nebula said:

 
It has worked so well for pain relief, he is ordering me one for the other ankle!

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That's great.  So glad they're working for you.