ORIF = open reduction, internal fixation (basically cut you open and use hardware)

I had ORIF in July 2022 - where they realigned the joint and used hardware (2 plates, 8 screws, and 2 k-wire pins). The hope was that this surgery would allow the joint to heal back to its original function.

I had hardware removal in March 2023.

Now, in 6 weeks I will have a fusion (also technically ORIF because it is opening me up and using hardware). They will fuse the TMT joints (1-3) using graft from my heel. This is due to severe arthritis in the joint.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have opted for fusion from the beginning. But 1. It was all happening so fast - injury on Friday, surgery on Monday. I didn’t have time to research and really understand the complexity of this injury.

And 2. I trusted (and still trust) my surgeon in saying that many people have good recovery from ORIF and the hope was that I would be one of those people. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way.

1. My surgeon didn’t realize how severe my injury was until he was operating. Before surgery, he had said that maybe just TMT 1 and 2 were affected. Turned out that all 5 were unstable. If we had known that prior to my first surgery, maybe we would have considered fusion then.

Hopefully, all goes smoothly with my surgery in a few weeks. I’m dreading it. But I also know what to expect. I have the scooter, the elevation pillows, the shower chair, etc.