subtalar fusion or triple arthrodesis

[tim and kim]

Hello everyone! I have been reading the back posts for most of the
weekend. What a great group it seems to be. Our story-husband (Tim)
overjumped his motorcycle and "pulverized" hisleft talus Nov 2008.
Surg. with 4 screws to hold everything together. xrays show the talus
healing BUT he is in a great deal of pain if he walks and his ankle
looks different (fat and misshaped). Last visit to doc (July 2 2009)
the xray shows arthritis on his subtalar.


Pain=bottom of the heel as well as outside of foot towards the bottom
under the bone that sticks out. Is this where some of you had your
pain? Did the surg. help this pain?

My question to the group is this------------which surg. will be best?
subtalar fusion or triple arthrodesis? Doc has said subtalar fusion.
He did not say anything about the triple one. We found out about it
due to much research.

Tim cannot work if he is non-weight bearing. His job is an on the feet
kind of job. He may be able to get disability again but the question
is if he will be able to keep his job since the FMLA is only good once
a year. We want him to have this be his LAST surg. so want to make
sure we do the correct thing in the long run.

I am setting up a second opinion as soon as the office opens today.

Thank you for you time!

Kim

[Frank]

Hi Kim and Tim,

Sounds like Tim is in a tough situation. I think that you are setting
up a second opinion is essential in your situation. It would seem to
me the only way to suggest the proper surgery is through a total
medical assessment of the ankle, so I think you are on the right
path. I empathize with Tim's job situation - I am also on my feet all
day at work and I am recovering from a tibio-talar fusion on 6-23. I
am very worried about going back to work too soon or if I will even be
able to perform as before. Only time will tell. Good luck.

Frank

[tertia]

Hi Kim & Tim,

I think the second opinion is the best thing you can do. Also, you
can ask around to see which doc to go to for the second opinion. I'm
not sure where you are but I'm sure that lots of members of the group
will be able to suggest doctors to visit for that.

Best of luck to Tim... and you!!!!

Tertia