Hello, this is my first post and was interested in any insight you may be willing to provide. I was in a car accident April 2, 2007. I had a displaced comminuted calcaneus fracture. I had orif on April 9th. 10 screws and no plate. At the time, the Dr. said it tore away about 10% of the cartilage above the calcaneus. So it was intra-articular I believe. Anyway, continuing pain and difficulty walking, standing etc. I went for second opinion to Mercy Hospital Specialist in Maryland. Here's my dilemma: I am in Florida and surgeon who operated on foot says you have subluxed peroneal tendon but don't need a fusion. Dr. in Maryland says you need a fusion and tendon repair. I am scared to death of a subtalar fusion as I am afraid of more problems with other joints later. I am 41. Also, how much does this limit mobility. I know about the inversion/eversion issue but keep thinking what if all I need is the tendon fixed. I am scheduled for surgery in Maryland Dec. 19. Is fusion surgery inevetable? I have not walked pain free since the accident. I have no numbness, burning, or anything just hurts to weightbear. Any advice on how I can discern the two problems? Thank you in advance,
Chris

Hi Chris and welcome.

I wouldn't say that the fusion is inevitable, but I would say that it's very common with the type of injury that you had. Very common.

Subtalar joint (stj) fusions are well tolerated by most patients. They heal well and really don't limit your activities to a great degree. Now let me qualify the term activity. That'd be pedestrian activities. So you're not going to be a great soccer player or basketball player. Sorry, but your NBA days would be coming to a close.

An isolated stj fusion does work well. I think if the CT scan or MRI said it was badly damaged, the fusion is going to be your best option.

Jeff