Subtalar fusion - to have or not to have??

[the-2-ds]

I'm looking for anyone that can give me any information on subtalar fusions, the good the bad and the ugly!! My boyfriend has been told by one surgeon he needs to have this done asap (after falling from a height some 13months ago and fracturing his bilateral calcaneals, the left being shattered.) He has regained mobility altho not as good as previous, can only walk short distances and requires frequent pain relief with usually little to no effect. After getting a second opinion another surgeon told us that he will need to have it done but wait as long as he possibly can, by using cortisone injections, orthotics etc.. He has now been told he is developing early onset arthritis (which we suspected). He has previously had surgery for an impindgement which was moderately successful, after the surgeon telling him that would be the cure to all his problems. I can not find any information on the long term effects of a subtalar fusion, ie what restrictions if any he will have (asides from the inward/outward movement of the foot) etc. Its a huge decision to know what to do and to anyone that has been in this situation we would value your advice/input.:confused:

[gowie77]

have you considered SCENAR treatment? i believe if you have your ankle fused, it can affect other joints down the line, mainly the knee.

[unregistered]

With regards to a Subtalar Fusion this will leave you with no side ways movement of the ankle but still with good up and down movement. The Subtalar fusion isn't as bad for limited movement as a tibiotalar fusion. By having a subtalar fusion it should remove alot or all of the pain and will stabilize the foot. I would make sure a foot and ankle specialist operates and not just a general orthopaedic surgeon. There are some very good surgeons both in Melbourne and Sydney.
Good luck with your decision.
Judy