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I would like to know people's experience with TAR

Posted by strongnuiloa @strongnuiloa, Mar 18 7:25pm

I'm told I need Total Ankle Replacement. I am reluctant because of the long recovery time and concerns about whether I would have a successful outcome. Can anyone share knowledge and experience?

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loll | @loll | Mar 19 6:47am

I had ankle replacement surgery about 11 years ago. The outcome was good and it helped me be able to walk much more than before. It was a rough recovery similar to knee replacements but given time and exercise / PT things got better.
Back then my surgeon said that ankle replacement is like knee replacement, just upside down!
My ankle problems were related to a bicycle accident years before.
When I had the surgery the protocols were still being developed here in Minnesota. That of course has changed with time.
Now in my mid 70's I probably will need a revision on the ankle since some bone spurs have developed.
I haven’t looked at it for a long time but there is a big ankle replacement group on Facebook that might be interesting.

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1 reply
strongnuiloa | @strongnuiloa | Mar 19 4:10pm
In reply to @loll "I had ankle replacement surgery about 11 years ago. The outcome was good and it helped..." + (show)
@loll

I had ankle replacement surgery about 11 years ago. The outcome was good and it helped me be able to walk much more than before. It was a rough recovery similar to knee replacements but given time and exercise / PT things got better.
Back then my surgeon said that ankle replacement is like knee replacement, just upside down!
My ankle problems were related to a bicycle accident years before.
When I had the surgery the protocols were still being developed here in Minnesota. That of course has changed with time.
Now in my mid 70's I probably will need a revision on the ankle since some bone spurs have developed.
I haven’t looked at it for a long time but there is a big ankle replacement group on Facebook that might be interesting.

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Thank you for responding.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Mar 20 12:23pm

I don't think the medical community has developed a reliable total ankle replacement. Unlike the knee, the ankle is an extremely complex joint. By comparison, the knee, shoulder, and hip are very simple joints, with few moving parts, ligaments, tendons, etc.

I'd do a lot of research and ask the surgeon a lot of questions before doing a TAR, especially on the expected outcomes.

I've had both big toe joints fused to correct bunions and arthritic spurs. It is technically possible to replace the joint, but the outcomes are usually bad, or the joint only lasts a short time.

Sorry I don't have more encouraging news. But it's just my opinion, so most certainly get some others, including a second medical opinion.

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1 reply
strongnuiloa | @strongnuiloa | Mar 20 8:49pm
In reply to @heyjoe415 "I don't think the medical community has developed a reliable total ankle replacement. Unlike the knee,..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

I don't think the medical community has developed a reliable total ankle replacement. Unlike the knee, the ankle is an extremely complex joint. By comparison, the knee, shoulder, and hip are very simple joints, with few moving parts, ligaments, tendons, etc.

I'd do a lot of research and ask the surgeon a lot of questions before doing a TAR, especially on the expected outcomes.

I've had both big toe joints fused to correct bunions and arthritic spurs. It is technically possible to replace the joint, but the outcomes are usually bad, or the joint only lasts a short time.

Sorry I don't have more encouraging news. But it's just my opinion, so most certainly get some others, including a second medical opinion.

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Thank you. I am very ambivalent.

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Mar 21 6:47am
In reply to @strongnuiloa "Thank you. I am very ambivalent." + (show)
@strongnuiloa

Thank you. I am very ambivalent.

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You're welcome. And I'm sorry, I wish I believed differently. The joints that are replaced successfully - knee, shoulder, hip - are anatomically uncomplicated. In fact shoulder and hip replacements are usually 100% anatomically correct, with the exception of reverse shoulder replacement. None of the operations involve a quick recovery, and all require extensive rehab, but when all that is done, outcomes are good.

The ankle by comparison is extremely complex. It moves in multi-directions including up and down and sideways. I had a good friend with ankle problems, and he resolved to continue PT and live with it as best as possible.

I've had both knees replaced with much success, and a lotta work, and had my big toe joints fused, not replaced. Thankfully my ankles are ok. There is a procedure to fuse the tibia to the talus in the ankle, but that seems extreme and would certainly affect gait. Essentially it fuses the lower leg bone to the foot. That doesn't sound good to me.

All the best friend.

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