Ankle self fusing after injury

Foot care
1

Hello,

I had my injury and fracture in September 2017 followed my ORIF surgery with 6 screws and two plates was initially doing well and full weight bearing after three months. In February 2018 I was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis and metal work had to be removed, further to this the doctors also mentioned that have had severe damage to the cartilage in the ankle joint and that a fusion is the best option for a pain free joint. My upward and downward movement is severely restricted and stiff.

4 weeks after metalwork was removed I then travelled abroad and to seek the opinion of another orthopaedic specialist and they mentioned that the ankle joint was fusing by itself and that I may not need a further surgery.

Has anyone here had any experience of a self fusing joint? Is it risky to allow the joint to self fuse without surgical intervention? Are there any alternatives which would work like stem cell therapy?

I am a 26 year old male.

Thanks

2

My first thought would be to ask the second physician if the fusion currently is going in a direction that may be more difficult for you to walk . Sometimes the surgeon can clean out debrie metalal/plates and support proper ankle support appropiate to help guide the damaged area in place for better fusing as well as sometimes a bone graft can be used for better results. Nothing as difficult as ankle becoming stiff swelling swollen can cause nerve issues down the line if not repaired correctly.

My ankle was fused and was in a cast for several months as tendons were torn too which increased the healing time .

Every case is different I am not a med doc just a little experience sharing with you to let you know your not alone.

take care.