Sgt.Null's surgery

[sgt.null]

What Is Ankle Fusion?

Three bones make up the ankle joint -- the lower end of the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (small bone of the lower leg), and the talus (bone that fits into the socket formed by the tibia and fibula). The talus rests on the heelbone. Articular cartilage lines the inside of the ankle joint. Normally, the cartilage is about a quarter of an inch thick. If injury occurs, or if the cartilage is damaged by arthritis, pain can be quite severe.

An ankle fusion is a surgical procedure that removes the surfaces of the ankle joint for the purpose of promoting a fusion between the tibia and the talus. "Fusion" refers to bones growing together

The Open Method

•an incision is made to open the skin and access the joint
•the joint is opened
•a surgical saw is used to remove articular cartilage surfaces
•once the articular cartilage is removed, the body will heal by fusing the joint
•the cuts must be precise so that the bones are at the proper angle when they are brought together to fuse
•screws and sometimes plates are used to hold bones together until they fuse
•usually screws or pins are under the skin and not removed
•in some cases, an external fixator (pins on outside of skin) can be used

Who Is a Candidate for Ankle Fusion?

Patients who have severe ankle damage from arthritis or past injury may be candidates for ankle fusion. Candidates usually have ankle pain that is unrelenting even after being treated with medications or other treatment options. When pain is so severe that it interferes with walking and usual daily activities.

The Benefits and Risks of Ankle Fusion

The goal of ankle fusion is to relieve pain and restore function to the affected ankle. Though some may be concerned that there is motion lost with a fusion, many patients tend to forget that they have already lost range of motion in the severely damaged ankle.

A fusion should last a lifetime compared to an ankle replacement, which may wear out at some point.

Pros:

•pain relief
•the fused joint is stable again
•patients will be able to bear weight on the fused joint without pain
•ability to walk and perform usual activities is restored

Cons:

•there is loss of flexibility and motion with a fused joint
•slight possibility of wound healing complications

There are potential complications, as with any surgery. There may be risks associated with anesthesia, as well as risk of nerve or blood vessel injury, post-op infection, nonunion (bones don't fuse), and malunion (bones heal in the wrong position). If nonunion or malunion occurs, another surgery may be required.

Recovering from Ankle Fusion

The operated leg is wrapped in a padded plaster cast after surgery. After 2 weeks, a shorter cast replaces the padded plaster cast. The patient cannot bear weight on the ankle for 8 to 12 weeks, at which time there should be x-ray evidence of fusing.

Keeping your leg elevated is important to prevent or reduce leg swelling. Crutches are usually necessary while the patient refrains from putting weight on the ankle. X-rays, taken often, will show if the fusion is becoming stronger and solid. At that point, the patient is allowed to put more weight on the ankle as she walks. Some patients may want special shoe inserts to help them walk more normally, while many simply wear flat shoes and do just fine.

special bonus complication

Since my original injury was a horrific staph infection, there is a small chance that the staph infection could reoccur.

[aliantha]

I wondered about that last bit, Sarge, as soon as I saw that post-op infection was a possible complication. Aieee. Hope it goes smoothly for you. Do you have a date yet?

[Cagliostro]

Ali - he already has a wife and is happily married.

Oh, and by the way Null, when is the surgery scheduled for?

[sindatur]

Good Luck Sarge, I hope all goes smoothly

[wayfriend]

Get better sarge. You're needed.

[aliantha]

Get better sarge. You're needed.

Seconded.

Cag, on the other hand...

[sgt.null]

thank you for the kind words and prayers!

monday is the day. this coming monday. 8 in the morning.

julie was going to just drop me off and head to work - which i was ok with. i will be out like a light. but the nurse basically shamed her into staying.

i will be staying at the hospital at least a day for recovery - so if anyone wants to visit?

ali - julie will be there as noted, but you are welcome to join us.

[sindatur]

Get better sarge. You're needed.

Seconded.

Cag, on the other hand...

Eh, if Cag hadn't gotten there first, I would've made the same comment, I was all set to, until I discovered he already had

[sgt.null]

it was a fastball straight down the middle.

[aliantha]

Since you added the , and since there's a general piling-on happening, I'll share with y'all my initial reaction to Cag's comment:

Come over here and let me help you with that pain in the @ss you're being.

ali (who's a little cranky today, altho she still loves you all )

[Lefdmae Deemalr Effaeldm]

Get better, Sarge

Yes, joining the piling-on.

[Shaun das Schaf]

Good luck Sarge! All in the land of mythical Oz are wishing for a successful, non-infectious surgery and a swift, bearable recovery

[sgt.null]

thanks. i have a feeling it is going to hurt quite a bit. i already want more drugs...

[Sorus]

Best wishes for a fast recovery!

[sgt.null]

thank you 8-12 weeks is the usual recovery. i will be stir-crazy by then.

[Sorus]

Ye gods. Better stock up on the comic books.

[sgt.null]

Ye gods. Better stock up on the comic books.

on the first of march bedrock is having a half off sale on back issues. so i will be sending julie with a list.

[mrsnull]

Ye gods. Better stock up on the comic books.

on the first of march bedrock is having a half off sale on back issues. so i will be sending julie with a list.

Everyone wish me luck on that one.

He goes in Monday at 7:00am. No idea how long the surgery takes, but I will update everyone when I can. {Sarge says he will be asking someone here to post it after I text them.}

Prayers are appreciated!

[lorin]

good luck and feel better.

did you see this new reality show about Comic Book Men? www.amctv.com/shows/comic-book-men

thought of you.

[Cagliostro]

Since you added the , and since there's a general piling-on happening, I'll share with y'all my initial reaction to Cag's comment:

Come over here and let me help you with that pain in the @ss you're being.

ali (who's a little cranky today, altho she still loves you all )

Right back atcha, even if you're mean.