You will probably know when you are ready for a fusion. My post-traumatic arthritis was so severe that I could not walk with extreme pain and short of amputation - this seems like the best solution. Since the last surgery (7 of 7) I have had no pain - but I am not weight bearing for another 2 months. I am confident that this will eliminate the pain, I am just curious about how much mobility I will have at the end of recovery. Since I have been off pain meds - I am having moments of clarity and wish to return to the air soon