Bonnie Said:

Has any one here had ankle replacement surgery or ankle fusion?

We Answered:

I had an ankle replacement done just last August. So far so good. I have NO pain and am doing pretty much what I want to. I am 64 yrs old and walking the last 3-4 yrs has been very tough. I live in Canada and the system here would not provide the surgery for 2-3 yrs. I went to Switzerland to have it done because I was told that the only devise approved by the FDA is inferior to those available elsewhere in the world.

Dan Said:

Where can I get FREE KNEE SURGERY DONATED by a physician, clinic, hospital or research facility?

We Answered:

Knee replacement surgery is very expensive and you may need to apply for medical assistance through your county medicaid agency. You may get some relief from injections of medication in the knee. You might consider the research study at: University of South Alabama - Mobile Alabama 36688-0002 / 1 (251) 460-6101
Hyalgan is a synthetic joint fluid made from rooster combs which is indicated mild to moderate arthritis. It is administered as a knee injection given once a week for 3-5 weeks. Hyalgan has been shown to provide improved shock absorption, cartilage nutrition, and pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Hyalgan candidates have mild to moderate arthritis with significant knee pain and wish to avoid surgery. The ongoing study involves evaluating patients with either 3 or 5 injections of Hyalgan. Enrolled patients are randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) 5 weekly injections of Hyalgan or 2) 3 weekly injections of Hyalgan + 2 weekly injections of saline. Both the patient and physician are blinded to which group the patient is assigned. The USA Sports Medicine & Joint Reconstruction doctors hope to determine which injection regimen is superior in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. If you are interested in this study contact the Sports Medicine/Joint Restoration Service staff.
http://usacartilage.southalabama.edu/res…

Contact UAB Center for Joint Replacement
510 20th Street South | FOT 930 | Birmingham, Alabama 35294
Phone: 205-934-4668

Attend the upcoming Patient Education Seminar:
Enjoy Life without Hip and Knee Pain
April 26, 2004 - 10:00am
June 28,2004 - 10:00am
October 25, 2004 - 10:00am
All seminars are held at the Kirklin Clinic
Call 205-975-6500 to register
http://www.uabjointcenter.com/seminars.h…

Claire Said:

hAS ANYONE OUT THERE HAD ankle replacement surgery? how did it go?

We Answered:

Hi Hughie
I haven't had surgery but am probably in a similar situation to yourself. From my initial research (and I'm certainly no expert) it would seem that the general outcome for ankle operations are generally successful. I have been recommended by one consultant to have an ankle fusion but am now aware that it may be possible to have an ankle replacement instead. The viabilty of this alternative will probably depend upon the nature of each individual's complaint. Maybe try for a second opinion yourself. I have recently spoken to a lady who has had akle replacement surgery......she was very pleased with the result and encouraged me to press ahead with that option

Best wishes
kevin

Erica Said:

where is the best place to go in the United States for ankle replacement surgerey?

We Answered:

Take a look at the great info here: http://search.yahoo.com/search?search=to… There are several pages of results. Good luck.

Claude Said:

Ankle replacement,I have an artificial ankle replacement coming up, Any advice, any complications?

We Answered:

I have not personally had an ankle replacement, but I believe your doctor is recommending the right thing. Always make sure it will help you out in the long run.

Ankle Replacement Facts: http://www.myanklereplacement.com/DePuy/…

Sandra Said:

I having and ankle surgery and im really scared because it take 10s hours?

We Answered:

it's normal to be scared of any kind of surgery. that's a long surgery but if it's needed it's better to get it out of the way now than to wait and let it get worse. surgery will go fast. you may feel like you lost a day because of the medication they use to keep you asleep but you will be ok. you will have your friends there when you wake up. just express to them that you really would feel comfortable if at least someone stayed at the hospital in case the doctors need someone to relay information too...


hope that helps a little...be strong!!!