How long does subtalar fusion surgery take?
Subtalar fusion is usually performed under general anaesthetic. It usually takes about 90 minutes. Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) on the outside of your ankle. They will clean and clear any damaged joint surfaces and fix your joint together using one or two screws through the back of your heel.
How is a subtalar fusion done?
Subtalar fusion is most often performed through an incision on the outer side of the foot. The joint surfaces are prepared by removing all cartilage and correcting all deformity. The bone surfaces are roughened to stimulate bleeding.
Is subtalar joint fusion painful?
This joint lies beneath the ankle joint and allows side to side movement of the heel bone. Pain from this joint is often worst when walking over uneven ground.
How long are you non weight bearing after subtalar fusion?
If you have had an ankle fusion, it is very likely that you will remain non-weight bearing on the operated leg for at least six weeks after the surgery. This means you cannot walk on the operated leg, you will need to hop. Your foot and ankle will either be put in a cast or a splint after the surgery.
Will I be able to run after subtalar fusion?
Can you run after subtalar fusion? It will be 1 1/2 to 4 months before you can put full weight on the leg. Full healing and resuming normal activities will take about a full year. Running after an ankle fusion is not advised.
Should I have subtalar fusion?
Persons should only get subtalar fusion if the pain still exists after exhausting other pain management recommendations. There should also be obvious damage to the subtalar joint that prevents simple movement.
Do you walk with a limp after ankle fusion?
Will I walk with a limp after ankle fusion? Ankle fusion will change how you walk. But with proper shoes, most patients do not limp. A fused ankle does not usually result in a fully rigid foot.
Will I walk with a limp after ankle fusion?
Ankle fusion surgery impacts ankle mobility and will probably limit activities like running and jumping. Walking after ankle fusion surgery becomes pain free, and most people eventually walk without a limp. Ankle fusion surgery is irreversible.
What is the purpose of subtalar fusion surgery?
Subtalar fusion is performed to either correct rigid, painful deformities or instability of the subtalar joint, or to remove painful arthritis of this joint. During surgery, this joint between the talus bone above and calcaneus bone below is removed as the joint surfaces are fixed together.
When do you need a subtalar ankle fusion?
Loose ankle ligaments allow too much motion in the subtalar joint which can chew up the cartilage in the joint. This is why they want to fuse the joint. This problem of loose ankle ligaments is very common. It usually begins when you turn your ankle or sustain some other injury, usually when you’re younger.
Is there a replacement for the subtalar joint?
Patients with subtalar arthritis have pain that is noted on the side of the ankle/hindfoot and have more difficulty with uneven ground, grass, or gravel. There is no replacement option for this joint and the most effective method to surgically treat arthritis of this joint is a fusion.
How long does it take for subtalar fusion to heal?
The goal is to get rid of the pain by not allowing any movement of the area. How long are you non weight bearing after an ankle fusion? How long does it take for a subtalar fusion to heal? Can you run after subtalar fusion? It will be 1 1/2 to 4 months before you can put full weight on the leg.