Abstract
Introduction: Unstable Lisfranc (tarsometatarsal) joint injuries are increasingly being treated by open reduction and internal fixation.
Hypothesis: A good outcome is achievable by anatomical reduction and internal fixation of these injuries.
Methods: This was a retrospective outcome-analysis involving 21 patients. Six were treated non-operatively. There sere eight ligamentous and seven ligamentous/osseous injuries.
The patients’ outcomes were assessed with the use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and the long-form Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) score.
Results: The average follow-up was11 months. One patient developed a post-operative infection, and another developed a deep-vein thrombosis. The average AOFAS score was 71 and the average MFA score was 32. The study group as a whole sustained their injuries through low-energy trauma, therefore comparison with other studies should take this into account.
Conclusions: Follow-up in this study was short an this was reflected in the scoring. Longer follow-up will allow a greater evaluation of final outcome.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor A. J. Thurston. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Surgery, Wellington School of Medicine, PO Box 7343, Wellington South, New Zealand
