Hi! I'm a 27 yr old female who has had a problem w/ my left ankle since high school. I was a cheerleader and took gymnastics so I always just thought I had a "weak ankle". It would swell, get a sharp pain in it, was instable, and certain activities like running, dancing, or single leg calf raises were difficult to do w/out discomfort. This past Fall, I went to an orthopaedic surgeon who did an MRI and said I had a huge OCD, 18mm, to my left medial talus and that I would need an OATS graft but he did not know how to do that procedure. He recommended I search for someone on the internet who might specialize in it. He said he did not want to go in and scope/drill as he was afraid I would be more symptomatic afterwards and still require an OATS graft. I found Dr. John Kennedy w/ The Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC who pretty much specializes in it. He called me and said due to the size of the lesion and that I was still relatively young, the OATS graft would be the best way as anything else would ultimately fail. I live in Indiana so going to NYC was going to be difficult and he did not take my insurance so I found another surgeon in the Chicago area, Dr. Jeffrey Senall w/ OAD who performed my surgery on June 9th of this year. They had to perform an osteotomy of medial malleolus (sp?) or pretty much saw thru/break the end of my tibia bone to access the talus where they cleaned out the defected caritlage and bone. Then, they made a 2-3 inch incision in my left knee and took out two graft plugs of cartilage of which they placed in my ankle joint and then screwed back the bone. I had staples in my knee (9) and ankle (11). My entire left leg was wrapped w/ bandages, compression wraps, etc. for 4 days post op which made it difficult to do anything as I couldn't bend my knee at all. At my 4 day post op appt, they put me in a lower leg cast for 6 weeks NWB (non weight bearing). And they immediately had me doing my own physical therapy w/ my knee which I do 2x a day. I already have most of range of motion back in it and my incision is healing nicely. It hurts to lift it still with the weight of the cast. I am only at 4.5 wks and am so ready for this cast to come off. I had my staples removed at 2 wks so I no longer felt like Frankenstein. I must say it hasn't been the easiest road, overall. The pain is tolerable...it's more a huge discomfort of anything. Sleeping has been really difficult as I find it hard to get comfortable but I'm a light sleeper. I have had episodes where I get really hot, nauseous, and a bit faintish but the doctor thinks I'm sensitive to the medication. One of the hardest things is that being immobile can be mentally challenging as you feel cooped up all day and a bit trapped. I wouldn't recommend this surgery for anyone that won't have people to help them. My husband has been really great through all of this and my mom and sister help out and try to keep me company which helps the mental aspect. I had to have people help me shower, go to the bathroom, etc. I am so ready to be back to normal. I did take off work for 6 weeks as I don't see how anyone is comfortable enough going back to work. I still get swelling in my leg when I'm upright for longer periods. I get my cast off next Friday and then will be in a boot for another 3-6 wks PWB. I will also start physical therapy of my knee and ankle in 2 wks. I pray all of this was worth it as I couldn't imagine going through this again. I will keep everyone posted on my progress though and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. I know I wrote a lot but I just wanted to provide my experience with people in case it is of any help. Best of luck to everyone,
Meg