I just hit the 1 year mark and thought I would post an update.
I just want to state that due to this forum and other forums, I was able to research the risks of moving forward with my surgery, and it is what it is. I can swim, but I cannot walk or hike more than 1 mile without significant pain (I do however wince through a few miles...)
My surgery overall went very well, good healing, no infection, looks very well aligned to the knee, and the Wright Infinity device is nicely attached to the bone. I am pretty comfortable most of the time, when I am not doing anything. I went forward with the surgery to be able to hike, and be more active. Not a big ask, no court sport or running desires.
From about the 3 - 4 month point I began having a lot of trouble with weight bearing activities. I had a scope clean out and there was lots of scar tissue in the joint but there was space and no apparent bone impingement. THIS IS NON WEIGHT BEARING VIEW.
I had an evaluation at 9 months, and a full leg weight bearing xray which showed that from the ankle to the knee was nicely aligned but from the ankle to the knee showed a curve. So, do to the limitations of the methodology of the infinity process where the CT is a non weight bearing imaging, it was not picked up before the surgery, or the surgery may not have been recommended (according to some clinical trial data to correct varus deformity using osteotomy that I have found from 2009). I understand that if this varus deformity had been found, there is nothing that the surgeons could have done during the TAR surgery because they have to stick with the Wright protocol to place the device in alignment to the knee.
So, since the offer that the Dr. gave me at 9 months was an osteotomy to shim my leg and straighten it. To say the least, I am not eager to do that. Yes, I am making a pitch for an overall body evaluation (full length leg xray) before recommending this surgery.
My plan at this time is to get fitted for an orthotic/prosthetic AOF to take the load off my ankle so that I can do what I would like to do. (Unfortunately, I think this solution could have been implemented before the surgery, and the TAR may not have been indicated if the full exam had been done) I see this as a very exciting solution to my dilemma, although it will be very expensive. I am looking at the ExoSym device, and will start that process at the end of December.
I am truly excited, and fully accept my condition which is clearly worse than before the surgery unless I do nothing...
Wish me luck on my non surgical journey to getting back to walking!