西南医院踝关节融合(重返跑道！踝关节融合手术后患者成功马拉松完赛)

Introduction

For active individuals suffering from debilitating ankle arthritis, the thought of returning to their favorite activities may seem impossible. However, with advancements in surgical techniques, ankle fusion has become a promising option for patients seeking pain relief and improved function. And for one patient at Southwest Hospital in Chongqing, China, ankle fusion not only allowed him to return to running, but he even completed a marathon after the procedure.

The Procedure

Ankle fusion, or arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that involves fusing the bones of the ankle joint together using screws or plates. This eliminates the joint’s range of motion, effectively reducing pain and preventing further joint damage. The procedure is typically recommended for patients with advanced ankle arthritis or those who have experienced multiple ankle fractures.

The patient at Southwest Hospital underwent ankle fusion in his mid-30s after years of suffering from arthritis and persistent ankle pain. The procedure was performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon using minimally invasive techniques.

The Recovery

After the surgery, the patient worked closely with a physical therapist to regain strength and mobility in his ankle. He gradually increased his activity level, starting with basic exercises and eventually returning to running. Though there were some limitations in his range of motion due to the fusion, the patient reported significant improvement in his pain and overall function.

The Marathon

Several months after his ankle fusion surgery, the patient made the decision to challenge himself by training for a marathon. He worked closely with a coach to develop a training plan that took into account his limitations and incorporated strength training exercises to compensate for the reduced range of motion in his ankle.

Through months of dedicated training, the patient completed the marathon with an impressive time of just over three hours. He reported feeling some discomfort in his ankle during the race, but it did not hinder his ability to finish.

Conclusion

The success story of this Southwest Hospital patient highlights the promising results of ankle fusion for those suffering from debilitating ankle arthritis. While the procedure does come with some limitations in range of motion, it can provide significant pain relief and improved function. And for some, like this patient, it may even allow them to return to their favorite activities and challenge themselves to achieve new goals.