recovering from surgery

[KHH]

I was diagnosed with a talar dome lesion after an MRI about 7 months after my initial injury.  After 6 weeks on crutches the pain was still prominent.  My podiatrist, who was highly recommended, then performed surgery.  He explained that he had to remove "dead" bone from my talis and did a bone graft from my lower fibia.  Again, I was on crutches for two months. For the past two weeks, I've now been bearing weight on my ankle wearing an "air cast".  Even with a bone growth stimulator, I'm experiencing the same pain I had prior to the surgery, also experiencing a "popping sensation" same as before surgery.  Before the podiatrist took me off the crutches after the surgery, he said the X-rays looked "good"(no MRI ordered).  I go back to see him Tuesday, supposedly to get rid of the cast and to start PT.  I'm discouraged that the same pain and "popping" sensations indicate the surgery didn't work.  I would appreciate any insight from people who have had similar experiences.

[ocdnetadmin]

Hey KHH, who exactly was your podiatrist?

Also.. the tibia bone graft. What exactly did he do? Can you describe in more detail please?

Re: bone growth stimulator - there is no evidence that these work. I had a doctor recommend one also but the cost was about $5000? And there's a possibility my doctor just wanted more money.

as for surgery: very rarely do surgeries "work" in my opinion. You have to really lower your expectations when it comes to surgeries for this kind of injury. I'd recommend giving it more time. Keep us updated on the PT and stay focused. We can help you reevaluate after PT. Stay patient and stay strong.

[KHH]

I went to my podiatrist yesterday, and he reassured me that the xrays indicate new bone growth.  He claimed that the pain is normal and even the popping sensation is related to normal scar tissue formation.  I'm not sure why he took a bone graft from my tibia, but he also noted that xrays of the bone graft area show healing, and that is indicative of healthy bone replenishment.  I now am wearing a lace-up brace, and the aircast boot is in my closet!  I start PT next week.  Wish me luck!

[brandielou]

Hi KHH!

I had a long ordeal with my OCD of the talus & just underwent a bone transplant for it (similar to OATS) and had the scope last year. I had changed specialists after the first basically began to shrug his shoulders because he couldn't fix it and the specialist he referred me too (and his other OCD patients too) said he couldn't fix it.

The bone growth technique can work, my first specialist was going to attempt to remove pieces, change cartilage placement & stimulate growth but it was a total failure. My second specialist said that typically what is done (to stimulate) that growth is small holes drilled into the bone. Mine bone was also ruled to be dead so we moved ahead with my transplant.

My opinion is that if it keeps bother you, request a CT Scan. My first specialist only ordered an MRI and after reviewing the x-rays and MRI, my second specialist could tell where the injury was that you can only see 3 sides of the bone and needed to see all of the sides.  The side that couldn't be see without a CT was behind another bone.  That's where my lesion was, so the scope really didn't do anything because they couldn't even get to the injury without breaking that bone.  The CT made a HUGE, HUGE difference.