3rd time the charm?

[Keith]

I am looking in to my third OCD surgery. My first two were done by general Orthopedic surgeons, which I am second guessing now. I wish I would have been to a foot and ankle specialist from the beginning. Anyways, after unsuccessful MF surgery in 2011 and 2014,  I went back to the original surgeon who suggested I let him fuse my ankle. I asked him if there were another option. He said he did know, but he would refer me to a podiatrist who is more familiar with ankles  WHY didn't you do that before??? I trusted that you had a good understanding of ankles when I came to you! Either way I saw the new Doc who said my only good option is either a donor graft or fusion. At 34 years old, I will avoid fusion at all costs! SO, donor graft it will be. This is based on the size and location (talus shoulder) defect. I was hoping BC or Denovo would have worked, but he does not feel confident that it will work based on size and location.  I am not looking forward to another recovery period, but I want to be able to walk without pain or even lessened pain!

[casper1955]

I am two years post op on Micro fracture done by an orthopedist at a major university that specializes in foot and ankle surgery.  He does not do shoulders, knees or hips.  I would not allow a podiatrist to perform surgery to repair an OCD problem.

I am 62 years old an also would not allow anyone to do a fusion on my ankle.  It would have to be so bad that I could not walk and would be thinking about removing the ankle before I would fuse.  The limited range of motion after a fusion is not something I am willing to accept.  I quit running after my MF surgery but am not willing to quit any other activities.

[Keith]

Maybe podiatrist isn't the right title for him. Here are some of his credentials
Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery - Foot Surgery
Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery - Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery

Areas of special interest
Total ankle replacement
Ankle arthroscopy
Brostrom ankle stabilization
Flatfoot and high arch foot reconstruction
Cartilage Restoration
Revision surgery

Education
2007 Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center, Des Moines, IA

Residency
Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph - Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

Fellowships
University of Washington / Harborview Medical Center - AO Foot and Ankle

[Keith]

So I had the procedure near the end of July. I was in a splint and ace wrap for two weeks. Then the stitches came out and I was placed in a hard cast for 4 week. Today, I had the cast cut off and was placed in a walking boot, however, I can not bear weight for another 2 weeks at least. The pain and swelling were less than my previous microfracture surgeries- which surprised me. So, I now have 2 screws holding the plate 2 screws holding the bone that was cut to get access and a screw holding the donor bone section in place. I essentially had the whole talus shoulder removed and replaced. I am looking forward to getting to walk again and hopefully with more comfort than I've had in years.

[ocdnetadmin]

Goodluck Keith. Rooting for your return to a normal-ish life