I was wondering if anyone out there has had an ankle fusion. If so, are you able to cycle standing on the pedals for hills? Are you able to push your physical limits on the bike the way you could before the fusion?
Thanks
It is unlikely there is anyone on this forum who has had an ankle fusion. Not a very fun procedure - I assume you have a pretty bad ankle. Have you had any discussion with your surgeon about some of the new total ankle joint replacements? They aren’t great and don’t have a long track record, but might be a good option for you if you want to continue cycling.
i have no knowledge of this but did want to point out that you asked a perfectly acceptable health question on a public forum. You asked about a specific procedure / diagnosis.
You didn’t say (like many people) “gee my ankle hurts, what should i do?”
A guy at work just had it done, he has been in pain for the past couple of years or so with a ankle issues, anyhow he had the surgery back in August, he was in a none walking cast for about 6 weeks then they put him in a walking boot for a similar amount of time. He said after the surgery he was in a lot of pain, he was off work for about a month or so, he is an engineer so not too physical, at first he had this little rolling cart that he could put his bad side on by resting his knee on and scoot around like that. He told me he is still having lots of pain even now, he sometimes comes into the office late as he hasn’t been able to sleep due to the pain. I asked him if he spoke to his doctor about this and apparently it is quite normal to feel so much pain. He cannot move the ankle too much and he said after when he gets the boot off and get more mobile he will not be able to move his foot up and down, so he said he will have to relearn how to walk especially up and down hills etc. He hopes to be out of the walking boot by the end of this year. It certainly doesn’t appear to be a simple and easy surgery by any means but after the way he was hobbling around I just hope it works out for him but it is not something to consider lightly from what I have seen with this guy, as for riding a bike from the way he explains things he is just happy to be able to walk pain free when this is all over and done with but I suspect that is still a few months away yet. Cheers LA Rob
I’d be very interested to find out what you hear about this. A good friend of mine is dealing with the same problem. He basically can’t do anything that involves running or walking for very long (and he’s only 39). All he wants to do is be able to walk pain free and bike.
I was wondering if anyone out there has had an ankle fusion. If so, are you able to cycle standing on the pedals for hills? Are you able to push your physical limits on the bike the way you could before the fusion?
Thanks
I do not know any cyclists that have had an ankle fusion. One thing is certain, if you are fused in the appropriate position, your ankle will be fixed at a 90% angle. It will likely create a fairly significant asymmetry in function. You will certainly be able to push your physical limits with an ankle fusion, but your limits will likely be hit sooner and will be different than prior to surgery. Before you commit to any ankle surgery (fusion or joint replacement) you have to be 100% sure that this is the last resort. If you would like to test drive the functionality of an ankle fusion, see if your doctor will fit you with a rigid ankle foot orthosis or one of the custom made ankle braces. This will lock your ankle at 90% and will simulate the loss of motion you will have with the fusion. In fact, I would recommend to consider that as a conservative option if not done already. Good luck and don’t rush into this. It cannot be undone.
I work for an orthopedic compnay that makes the products used to fuse ankles (amongst other things), and I see this procedure get done a couple times a month. As previoulsy noted it is almost always a last resort, and usually see it being done on patients who are just expecting basic ambulation. There are a ton of early intervention options that can prevent, or hopefully stave off, the necessity for a fusion. As someone else said even a total ankle replacement will give you better function, but probably will not last forever given your activity level. Fusion following a total ankle failure can be tricky as there is less native bone to work with, but might give you more years on the bike. My advice is don’t expect very much in terms of function from a fused ankle, and exhaust every other option before going that route.
I am a former triathlete with a fused right ankle; tibia talus. The surgery is very painful post- op. However, the results can end a life of pain once the two bone surfaces have knitted together. With the surgery one will also be left with a leg length discrepancy (surgeon removes surfaces on both bones). Post surgery and rehab. one is left with a fair amount of foot flexibility in the forefoot. The challenge for me was not cycling but the other two events. With your ankle at 90 degrees, swimming is hindered as the fused ankle provides little if any propulsion. The run becomes challenging too. The loss of ankle motion coupled with new leg length discrepancy makes running fast and/or far problematic, especially up or down hill or of camber surfaces.
I realize I will probably not be able to run. I will miss that very very much. As far as cycling goes are you able to push it - especially up hills?
Yes in a relative way. I have never been as good at hills as I am from an endurance perspective. And, as I mentioned earlier, if the fusion is tibia-talus, one is left with sufficient flexibility in the affected foot to cycle with power and efficiency, with the caveat of proper shoe-cleat-pedal interface to the bike, etc.
Do you think you will be able to cycle until you are very old - > 85 years old?
Yes, I am planning on it! But I am the sort that tries to stay in the here and now. With regards to running, I was running 6 minute miles before I stopped participating in triathlons. By the way, this is, of course, my experience with rt ankle fusion. Talk with your orthopod for all of the details and/or risks!
Did you participate in any triathlons when you had your ankle fused?
Yes, for 10 years. My rt. ankle required fusion when I was in my late teens due to a major trauma.
Thanks for sharing with me. To be honest I am really depressed about the whole thing. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and that it could be a lot worse. But…
vimbike,
I am a 45 year old triathlete and recently found out that I have advanced arthritis in my left ankle. The first surgeon I saw suggested fusing my ankle , tibia talus. I did get a couple more opinions and may try some reconstruction of my foot as well as some cartilage grafting - however, a fusion may be coming down the road.
In particular, can you address your ability to run a little bit more? I’ve heard mixed things about being able to run with a fused ankle. I’m a strong athlete and could maintain a pretty good pace, but you mention having difficulty with hills and with running longer distances.
I had my ankle fused way back in 1996. I do a lot of speedskating (mostly short-track ice), a lot of road bike riding and some down-hill skiing. In the years before the fusion I ran 15 marathons (2hr 54min). And while I can still run, my surgeon suggests that I don’t. As my sub-talus (sp) joint now dose the work of the fused ankle and distance running my cause it to fail.
http://www.mdmercy.com/...ritis/allograft.html
I don’t think insurance wants to pay for this because it has a high failure rate. But, if it were my ankle, I’d do it twice, even three times, if neccesary, to get it to take.
There is also TAR and some devices have replacement surfaces. Run it until the wheels fall off.
We can rebuild him, we have the technology. You don’t want to be the last guy on the block with an ankle fusion.
Hi I’m a 50 yr old male,I had an ankle bone fusion done 7 mths ago due to having 2 historic fractures that had been diagnosed and healed but with arthritis between the injury ,I have had considerable pain post op but now is settling down,I go to the gym and use the bike,and yes I can get up off the pedals,cross trainer and rowing machine,I haven’t tried to jog yet but that’s my next challenge,although stiff and painful my ankle is improving and hopefully over the next few mths I will be painfree
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Hey, totes I understand…
How are you coping with the situation these days?
I am about to go for one also, we can commiserate together.
I was distressed that locating people with fusions are difficult to find in most activity forums.
Where are you up to?