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How long does it take for a subtalar fusion to heal?

By James Austin

How long does it take for a subtalar fusion to heal?

You should plan on at least 10 to 12 weeks of recovery before returning to normal activities. Be sure and discuss any return to work with your surgeon. It can take up to one year to feel the full benefits of subtalar fusion. Most patients make a good recovery from subtalar fusion.

What are the risks of ankle fusion surgery?

The risks of ankle fusion include:

  • Infection.
  • Damage to nearby nerves.
  • Bleeding.
  • Blood clot.
  • The bones not joining together properly.
  • Misalignment of the bones.
  • New arthritis in nearby joints (very common)

How successful is subtalar fusion?

Background: Isolated subtalar arthrodesis is generally successful, with reported fusion rates of 84% to 100%.

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.

Can you run with a 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.

Does subtalar fusion work?

The metalwork usually stays in the foot for the rest of your life. Subtalar fusion has been shown to surgically work in up to 85-95% of cases. However the patient satisfaction resulting from this surgery is a more realistic 80-85%.

Can you run after subtalar fusion?

What is the success rate of ankle fusion?

In studies ranging in size from 12 to 101 patients, rates of successful primary ankle fusion of 80–100% have been reported earlier. In other studies ranging from 5 to 62 patients, substantial pain relief ranging from 80 to 100% was reported after successful fusion.

Should I have subtalar fusion?

Doctors will make sure to try all non-surgical treatments first. 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.

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.

Why does my subtalar joint hurt?

The subtalar joint is an important joint in the ankle that is susceptible to injury. Trauma including untreated ankle sprains is the most common cause of subtalar joint pain and arthritis. Pain is typically localized near the heel and aggravated by walking.

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.

What is 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.

What is the function of the subtalar joint?

The subtalar joint is located just below the ankle joint between the talus bone and the calcaneus (heel) bone. The main job of the subtalar joint is to allow for side-to-side movement of the foot and ankle.

What is the difference between supination and subtalar flexion?

Supination involves eversion as the arch is lifted and the midfoot rolls to the side. The subtalar joint plays no role in either dorsal or plantar flexion. Trauma to the region.

What are the symptoms of subtalar problems?

Those with subtalar problems typically complain of pain along the outer side of the foot just below the ankle. Subtalar pain may be mistaken for ankle pain. Patients with subtalar joint problems frequently limp, favor the painless other foot, and notice swelling in this region.