Isolated lateral tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis: a case report

There are few references in the literature to an isolated lateral tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis. Most references include it as a component of a Lisfranc's joint arthrodesis, which usually involves arthrodesis of at least the intermediate tarsometatarsal joint. A case report involving the treatment of an isolated lateral tarsometatarsal joint arthrosis is presented. Dowel grafting of the fourth and fifth metatarsocuboid joints was initially attempted but resulted in nonunion. Revisional inlay bone grafting afforded solid arthrodesis in this case. Although there are some detrimental biomechanical effects of the procedure, they do not outweigh the need to alleviate the debilitating symptoms that can be associated with degenerative arthritis of the lateral tarsometatarsal joint.