Dear ezo:

i have had the triple performed on my left foot. Let me first say that I underwent this procedure waaaaay back in th early 70s, so i'm certain that much has changed and improved since my experience.

I had developed such difficulty walking because of multiple malformations with that foot, (causing me to walk on the extreme interior of the foot), that massive swelling and red streaks up the leg was common. It became almost impossible to be on my feet for more than a few minutes at any one time.

I had the procedure performed and, frankly, it was hellish. Mind you, we're talking 30 years ago. I was in the hospital 6 days and in an old plaster cast for months. Two foot-length pins were inserted the length of the foot and remained in place, (sticking out between my toes), for a bout 6 weeks. Pain, of the harsh degree, was fairly constant for weeks after the operation and fairly common for months. It was almost 6 months before I was in a brace and putting weight on the foot.

My situation may have been worsened by the fact that my ankle on that side was also immobile due to defect.

Long term, however, I must say that the procedure has done well. Once I started walking again and got through the healing, the foot has held up for 30 years with little pain. Naturally, I have very little movement in that foot or ankle, but it is functional and relatively pain free.

Again, the brutality of the surgery would have lessened over the decades. I have had numerous other ortho surgeries and can attest to the fact that they have made great strides in technique over the years. I have no first-hand experience with a comparison of this procedure today with my experience then, but believe that it is "survivable" and potentially very effective.