November 1, 2016
One of the questions I get asked most often from patients with severe ankle arthritis is “will I be able to do sports after a fusion?”. Many are surprised when I say that they should be able to. An ankle fusion is an excellent operation with regards to pain relief and improvement in function.
You don’t have to take my word for it, here is what a patient of mine has to say about his bilateral ankle fusions.
My New Ankle Joints!
By mid 2014 my ankle joints on both feet had become severely damaged by arthritis after a lifetime of playing sports such as running, football, squash and tennis. The ankle bones had grown grotesquely out of shape to compensate for the arthritic damage.
On consultation, Mr Malik recommended ankle fusions on both feet. In October 2014 I underwent the first procedure on my right ankle and after eight weeks of non-weight bearing, and rigorously following his recuperation instructions, I moved on to an air cast boot for four weeks duration. Three months after the operation I was walking normally again without assistance.
A month later in February 2015, I underwent the same procedure for the other ankle. In many ways, the recuperation period was harder with this one, as there could be a tendency to cut corners. The temptation resisted, I subsequently proceeded to undergo physiotherapy under a professional recommended by Mr Malik, and commenced swimming and then low impact activity like cycling. By August 2015, I was playing tennis again and by October, 2015 exactly a year after the first operation, I felt I was back to my best. 12 months later, I get no pains or aches from either ankle and at the age of 58 I am playing the best tennis of my life, with absolutely no restriction to my movements.
I would highly recommend Mr Malik, and the ankle fusion procedure he conducted on me, but I really would really like to emphasise the importance of following to the letter his post operation instructions.
Warren Lomax November 2016
Playing tennis after having both ankles fused
If you have an ankle injury, and would like to have a consultation with our orthopaedic surgeon, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can book an appointment online, or you can call us at 0203 7956053.
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I’m a patient who had both ankles fused and I’ve played sports all my life from football, basketball, and tennis. I’ve followed the proper recovery process and both ankles fused successfully. The CONS to playing sports is I can’t run, pivot, stop/go, redirect, balance issues, transfer body weight, or be competitive. However, with self-determination, understand what you can do versus can’t do, keep an open mental mind which is the hardest, and try not to over compensate. I play tennis today at 63yrs. old and enjoy the all-around exercise it provides but the physical competitiveness takes a serious beating, mentally. If you played sports all of your life fused ankle joints won’t restrict you as much you think? Good luck!!!
i had an ankle microfracture and ankle arthoscopy on my right ankle in the space of 2 years, my ankle is much worse than it was especcially after the microfracture. I am losing patience, i am 24 years old and i need to get back to semi pro football (soccer). what is the best recommendation i should do because i have limited movement and everytime i try and play sport my ankle is functioning only up to 40 percent with a lot of pain. This has made my life very hard and torrid.
Hey Sean. I had a pretty horrific motorcycle crash some years ago, leaving my left talus / ankle in many pieces. It was put back together, but is now at the stage where the pain and limited movement point to an ankle fusion. I seems such a final step in the fight to keep active, and was very worried it would be very restricting. It’s great to hear stories of people who, with determination, carry on with active lifestyles. Well done mate.
I’ve just been told that I need either an ankle replacement or fusion due to having a avascular necrosis of the talus bone. My head tells me the ankle replacement would be the better option but after reading your amazing story / recovery, I really don’t which route to take !!!
Hi, I am judo instructor/player and PT. shattered my ankle (tibia) last year, then had the pins removed as my body rejected them and still in a lot of pain with early stage arthritis, We are looking at ankle fusion and delighted to hear of your recovery. I wonder if I could fight again?
Orthopaedic Outpatient Department 30 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 6PU
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