Airline Pilot Central Forums - Ankle Fusion Surgery

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Ankle Fusion Surgery

Anyone currently flying or know someone that has had an ankle fusion surgery?

Artificial Ankle Joint

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopus (Post 2310597)

Anyone currently flying or know someone that has had an ankle fusion surgery?

I had a STAR Ankle joint replacement surgery in 2010 with some complications. Currently it is doing ok with plenty of range of motion. I occasionally fly a tail wheel but I am purposely staying out of the airplane because I am trying to preserve the joint. Crosswind landings no problem though. Currently flying a King Air 200 and a light twin. Although ankle fusion is the gold standard in the medical community, I’m not sure if that’s true for pilots and I would like to know if anybody is flying with a fused ankle as well. I know that if I have to have surgery again they will be fusing my ankle. Right now statistics are stating that 80% of patients with artificial ankle joints have revision surgery from 10 to 15 years. Obviously I’m getting close to living on borrowed time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopus (Post 2310597)

Anyone currently flying or know someone that has had an ankle fusion surgery?

I know of a pilot who flew at AirCal before they were bought out by AA. He was in a GA accident and, IIRC, he continued his airline flying. I don't think he had ankle fusion surgery but do remember him having no flexibility at all in his ankles. I used to work with others who know him.