For those that are new or frankly can't remember (it's even hard for me at this point), here are a few bullet points outlining my Lisfranc/ankle problems in the first half of this year (2018):
- January 2018 - Right foot Lisfranc fusion after a prior Lisranc ORIF in Sept. 2016
- Jan-Feb 2018 - Non-weight bearing for 4 weeks to partial weight bearing in a boot for 4 weeks
- Feb-March 2018 - Weight-bearing in a boot for 4 weeks
- March 2018 onward - Walking without any boot or crutches. Hardware in both right and left feet from fusion surgeries in Jan 2018 and March 2017, respectively.
With a Lisfranc fusion in both my left and right feet by January 2018, I was finally feeling better than I had previously felt in the past 4 years. The recovery from my right foot fusion (Jan. 2018) was considerably better than Lisfranc surgery recoveries in the past.
I have been doing well the past 8-10 months. All my hardware has been removed from both feet and I feel great. As far as getting back to physical activities, I hike, bike, and even do a bit of running. But the biggest positive aspect has been my ability to get back living and just do normal things.
Fusion was the right choice for me, and from my experience/research I think it is the right option for many Lisfranc injuries. I have been through ORIF surgies in both feet prior to ultimately opting for fusions in both feet. ORIF failed for me, but doesn't necessarily mean it will fail for everyone. As I detailed in a previous post, the mechanism and type of Lisfranc injury will delineate the best type of treatment/surgery for the injury. Talk to your doctor, get multiple opinions, and do your own research. My journey was long and still continues. I hope that by sharing my story, and knowledge I gained along the way, I can help others going through their own Lisfranc saga. By no means should anyone take my experience and extrapolate it as what will happen to them. Every injury is different, and there is no one broad answer to a persons recovery. The most important take away I can give is to be your own advocate, stay positive, and get treatment as soon as you can. No matter what type of Lisfranc injury, the prognosis is always better if the diagnosis and treatment begin as soon as possible.
I have been doing well the past 8-10 months. All my hardware has been removed from both feet and I feel great. As far as getting back to physical activities, I hike, bike, and even do a bit of running. But the biggest positive aspect has been my ability to get back living and just do normal things.
Fusion was the right choice for me, and from my experience/research I think it is the right option for many Lisfranc injuries. I have been through ORIF surgies in both feet prior to ultimately opting for fusions in both feet. ORIF failed for me, but doesn't necessarily mean it will fail for everyone. As I detailed in a previous post, the mechanism and type of Lisfranc injury will delineate the best type of treatment/surgery for the injury. Talk to your doctor, get multiple opinions, and do your own research. My journey was long and still continues. I hope that by sharing my story, and knowledge I gained along the way, I can help others going through their own Lisfranc saga. By no means should anyone take my experience and extrapolate it as what will happen to them. Every injury is different, and there is no one broad answer to a persons recovery. The most important take away I can give is to be your own advocate, stay positive, and get treatment as soon as you can. No matter what type of Lisfranc injury, the prognosis is always better if the diagnosis and treatment begin as soon as possible.
