Ankle fusion?

Most recent posts discussion ankle fusion are from a few years ago.

Broke my ankle (trimalleolar) about 13 months ago. Recovery has stalled the last few months. Pain is manageable but impact can still be pretty uncomfortable. Long days on my feet still have much inflammation. Current range of motion is only about 10 degrees. I participate in nearly all the same activities as I did before the accident but with slower pace and/or altered techniques and decreased enjoyment. Basically it's still quite a burden on my daily life.

Dr. suggested ankle fusion as a way to just move on from the accident and chronic discomfort. Already showing signs of arthritis (and an increase from 6 months ago). Dr. suggested I would be a candidate for fusion in 10-20 years anyway even if my recovery was better than expected now. He seems to think it's a matter of time and tolerance before I go that route.

Any success stories? Or horror stories? I'd like to live an active life for the foreseeable future. Running or biking again already seems unattainable so maybe the fusion would be an improvement?

Cheers.
Jason

Check into ankle distraction arthroplasty. My ankle was in the same situation as yours about two years after an ankle fracture. My original orthopedic surgeon had the same outlook as your doctor: go as long as you can until you can no longer tolerate the pain, then get the ankle fused. I moved on from that doctor and went to this group at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York: https://www.hss.edu/limblengthening.asp. Rozbruch and Fragomen have performed ankle distraction arthroplasties on more than a few climbers, and Rozbruch's name in particular shows up in a number of old threads on MP. Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore also has a group that specializes in this procedure: https://mdmercy.com/centers-of-excellence/orthopedics-bone-and-joint/institute-for-foot-and-ankle-reconstruction?sc_lang=en. It's a long rehab process (12-15 months), but I've been virtually pain free since having the procedure. No more running for me, but I climb and hike as much as I want with very few limitations.

I would avoid surgery until it is absolutely necessary, I've seen them not work and you cant un-do the surgery.  There are a couple options for pain management.  http://arizonaafo.com is a style of brace that although bulky, reduces ankle motion much like a fusion.  You can take it off to rehab and gain range of motion when you don't want to protect it.  Also rocker bottom shoes also help reduce ankle motions while walking and thus less stress and pain while healing.  Ligaments and tendons take a long time to heal (years).  Good luck

Anyone on here have recommendations for good ankle doctors in Colorado Springs, CO?

Dr. Drewrote:

Anyone on here have recommendations for good ankle doctors in Colorado Springs, CO?

Not in the springs but I had my ankle replaced by Dr. Daniel Moon in Denver.