Fuerst in many ways represents the ideal candidate for the new procedure.
"An ideal candidate might include an older individual who has severe arthritis and is at a moderate activity level," Dr. James W. Brodsky, clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, told the Saturday Evening Post. "There's no question that the procedure is offering significant hope: excellent pain relief with the advantage over fusion of preservation of motion in the ankle joint."
The decision of fusion versus replacement, however, remains the subject of intense scientific investigation, and the decision depends on the proper selection of patients.
"Clearly, some patients are far better off with fusion than with ankle replacement," says Dr. Brodsky. "Fusions are strong, stable, permanent, and provide excellent reliable and predictable relief of pain, which is the most important factor in treating arthritis. But one of the drawbacks of the procedure is the possibility that fusion may increase the mechanical load on the adjacent joints over many years."
If you are interested in exploring the options, Brodsky recommends utilizing the online resources available at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (www.aofas.org) or calling (800) 235-4855 to learn more about the procedures and to help locate an experienced surgeon in your area.
For Carl Fuerst, ankle replacement was simply the best choice. Four years later, he enjoys an active, pain-free life.
"From my perspective, the surgery has worked out wonderfully," reports Fuerst. "I don't know if everyone has the same results. I do know that when I began to look into it, I talked to various people who underwent the surgery and who offered insights into the benefits that they received. Subsequently, many people have been in touch with me over the last few years, and I can only tell them that it has worked very well for me. I would hope that it worked as well for them."
Readers interested in learning more about the procedure and Carl's experiences may contact him via email at Cjfuerst@aol.com.
Source: The Saturday Evening Post. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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