Susan Currie, aged 70, had total ankle replacement carried out by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Martin Klinke of The London Foot and Ankle Centre.
Describe your ankle problem
Arthritis runs in my family. My right ankle was always prone to becoming painful after I had been walking, but you tend to get on with it and not worry too much. But we were walking in New Zealand in winter 2006 and at that point, it became very painful indeed. It is extremely debilitating living with that sort of pain every day. Just going out shopping, I would have to be dropped at the shop door because walking there would be unbearable. It became very restricting on my life and what I was able to do.
Why did you choose total ankle replacement surgery?
I was advised that I would need to have an ankle fusion, but a friend knew someone who had a very successful ankle replacement operation. I was keen to keep as much mobility as possible and went to see the surgeon who had carried out that operation, Martin Klinke at The London Foot and Ankle Centre. I had a hip replacement operation which had worked well and was interested in the same solution for my ankle.
How did you feel straight after surgery?
I can honestly say that I didn’t ever suffer any terrible pain or much discomfort. I felt perfectly comfortable after surgery and spent three nights in hospital before returning home. You spend the first ten days in a plastercast, then return to hospital to have your ankle checked and are then given an Aircast boot, a lightweight, removable plastic cast.
Two to six weeks after surgery
My wound healed pretty much immediately. You are not allowed to weight bear in the first six weeks after surgery and must wear your Aircast boot, even at night. I borrowed a wheelchair and was able to scoot around the ground floor of our converted barn very well. At the time, it seemed a bit boring having six weeks without being able to walk. But when you look back, it isn’t really that long and I was thoroughly comfortable all the time.
Six weeks to three months after surgery
At around six weeks, I was able to do short trips, like seeing friends at my local golf club and just putting a little weight on my ankle. I am not aware of having a replacement ankle and I am able to move it in the same way as my left ankle. By two months, I was able to walk around in my house quite well and safely. You feel quite vulnerable when you go out – everybody seems to be whizzing about and you worry about taking a knock – but you just take things at your own pace and put your Airboot back on for safety.
Three months and beyond
I had arm crutches left over from a hip operation which I intended to use but I found it easier to just walk slowly and build up my muscles. Seven months after my operation, I reached a real benchmark, completing a whole round of golf. Our golf course is on the South Downs and is four miles long and that involves walking across uneven ground. I completed it comfortably and didn’t have the slightest pain or aching afterwards. My ankle gave me no problems at all. I’m extremely grateful that ankle replacement surgery has developed to make this possible. I have six grandchildren under the age of seven and this enables me to stay active and keep up with them.
What would your advice be to anyone considering total ankle replacement surgery?
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend ankle replacement surgery. If you have reached a stage when you can’t do basic every day chores and activities and are living with persistent pain, you should consider ankle replacement. I wasn’t in any pain or discomfort at any stage and the process of recovery was very straightforward and relatively short. It was undoubtedly worthwhile as a way of being free from pain and able to enjoy walking again.
