Additional Questions and Answers Posted to "Ask the Ertls" at ErtlReconstruction.com

Tony Barr

Description

Title:

Additional Questions and Answers Posted to "Ask the Ertls" at ErtlReconstruction.com

Creator:

Tony Barr

Date:

4/18/2006

Text:

1) I HAVE A SYMES AMPUTATION AT THE END OF MY TIBIA AND FIBULA. I HAD
BONE SPURS REMOVED, THEY LEFT THE FIBULA LONGER AND IT HAS SNAPPED AND WILL
NEED SURGERY. IS THE ERTL PROCEDURE AN OPTION FOR ME?
 
2) I had the unfortunate situation of having a chondroblastoma destroy my
talus bone. The tumor was so large, I was told that it had shattered the
bone like an egg shell. I was givin an ankle fusion, almost two years ago.
The surgery did not take. I was then informed that I could either try to
have another ankle fusion or have an amputation. I decieded to have the
amputation. In that decision I came along the ERTL procedure, and I have
to say it seems like the best decision.
 
3) I am an AK almost 3 yrs now due to a motorcycle accident. I am 44 yrs
old male and in average shape, My limb was left a little too long and I have
problems fitting different components. But I have been going thru physical
therapy to get more strength out of my limb. My physical therapist has told
me I am at the point that I can not get any more strength due to the muscle
will flop around the femur giving me pain when in flops back and forth.
 
 
 When I walk I have a very noticeable limp due to the femur moving back and
forth. My prosthetist has told me that I am at the top 10% of what an AK can
do right now. My therapist has told me that I am at about 60% of where
someone my age and health should be at. He has told me about the Ertl
procedure and what he feels it will give me.

 4) I work as an electrician in the shops doing maintenance work, getting up
and down off the floor and climbing over the machines. My question will the
Ertl reconstruction give me better control walking without a limp, and more
strength due to the muscles are attached to the end of the femur ?

The big question is how much more gain will I get? And is it worth the time
and effort to go thru the rehabilitating all over again?

5) I do not have any real pain in my limb or bone spurs. But I am concerned
about how I will be in 10-15 yrs if I leave my limb as it is, or will it be
a lot better for me in the long haul to have it done?

Answers and replies from Dr. Jan Ertl and Dr. William Ertl posted on
< <URL Redacted>> www.ErtlReconstruction.com. Ask the
Ertls link !

Additional Physicians added to Ertl Physicians List.

Tony Barr

Barr Foundation

www.oandp.com/barr


                          

Citation

Tony Barr, “Additional Questions and Answers Posted to "Ask the Ertls" at ErtlReconstruction.com,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/226579.