My Story
Many years ago, I injured my right ankle but never had it examined. In 2008, the doctor said it had probably been cracked or broken. I had no problems with it,
until I reached my forties.
During the years 1998 to 2008, my ankle slowly became less flexible. There was some swelling on the outer ankle bone, and it became increasingly difficult
to walk with the foot in a normal position. Just before surgery, I was walkig with the right foot at a nearly 30 degree angle, outwards.
There was some pain, usually after a long day at work, where I had to walk on concrete floors, or when I moved the foot "the wrong way".
My general practitioner prescribed a medication used for arthritis, Arthrotec, I used Celadrin cream at night, and took glucosamine tablets.
At the 2008 examination, the orthopaedic specialist said that the ankle had actually fused itself, with bone growing over the joint. This accounted for the
misshapen ankle bone and the awkward walking position.
After consultation with the surgeon, who specializes in ankle surgery, I decided to have the surgery done.
The specialist's report in March 2008 states that, "A history of bilateral ankle injuries....no inflammatory arthropathy or risk factors for avascular necrosis.
He presents what appears to be bilateral talar collapse. On the right side he has severe collapse with a varus tilt in the tibial talar joint and arthrosis of
the subtalar joint. He is in hindfoot varus position, with compensatory hindfoot valgus in the subtalar joint. He has exhausted conservative management."
Preoperative diagnosis: "Severe right ankle arthrosis and subtalar arthrosis with collapsed talar body."