Subtalor Joint fusion
Hi,
I was recently diagnosed with a right subtalor joint that is arthritic and deformed. I am 34 years old and my ankles have bothered me since I was a little girl. In my mid-20’s the outside of my right ankle became consistently swollen and painful. The pain is worse after exercise or walking on uneven surfaces. After seeing a couple of podiatrists and an OS that was not a foot specialist I was told I have minor arthritic changes and that there was not a whole lot other than orthotics that they could do. I was told about ankle fusion but did not want to go down that path.
THis month I saw a foot surgeon who said my subtalor joint should be fused. I was told this would not limit me much and that I would be able to continue my job as an airline pilot with no complications after recovery. I am looking for a second opinion and some insight on this. I will do anything to get rid of the pain! I am looking for someone that lives in the Los Angeles area.Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
4 comments
Vivian Abrams DPM
I recommend you go to the website of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Click on RESOURCES and then select FIND A MEMBER. Then choose either by state city or zip code. Good luck.P.S. Has anyone recommended a Richie type brace?
Sherri Trunzo
I had my subtalar joint fused when I was 20 years old. I was very athletic as a child and even in high school. My ankle started hurting when I was 15 and I went to a docter and he said it was tendinitis. Not only was he wrong but if he had caught it then then it could have been corrected before my growth plates stopped growing. Anyway, by the time I was 19 I could hardly walk. My foot was severely arthritic and I was in severe pain. After many docters apt. I was told I had to get my foot fused. I was very scared but I couldn’t life in severe pain anymore. At the time I lived in Virgina and had the best podiatrist and orthopedic do my sugery and it was the best decision ever. I am now 27 and live in the LA area and live a normal life and no one can tell I have a foot deformity. I highly recommend the surgery but just make sure you have a good docter. I can give you my docter’s info. if you are willing to travel to the east coast but I’m sure there are good docters nearby you too. Good luck and if you have any questions about the surgery you can write me. Sherri
Michael Yelds
Hi Stephanie
I had my right subtalar joint fused after an accident in 2015. My surgeon (in Austalia) gave me much the same advice as to post-operative limitations. Since then, I have been enjoying a relatively pain-free existance. I can tell you (for what its worth) that having the fusion certainly changed my life. I am no longer relying on medication to control the pain, and I am now able, for the first time since the accident, to stand on my toes without agonising pain. I might also add, my family certainly appreciates the change, too. I hope this has helped in some way. I know you were after responses from people in the Los Angeles area, but I thought an opinion from someone who has had the procedure my help, even if they do come from Australia.
Kristopher Hale
My Dr has said for years that I need a subtalor joint fusion. I’d rather have my foot cut off about 5 inches above the ankle because from what I understand I will keep having joints fused until I reach my toes. I can’t stand the pain. I don’t know if I should do the subtalor joint fusion or not. I’ve had one fusion and not sure if a second oen would help or not.