PLA screw fixation of Lisfranc injuries

Fourteen patients with Lisfranc injuries were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with PLA absorbable screw fixation by a single surgeon. From one to four PLA screws were used in each case (average two). In four patients, K-wires were inserted and removed at six weeks following surgery for instability of the fourth and/or fifth tarsometatarsal joints. Average follow-up was 20 months (range, three to 45 months). No patient was noted to have a soft tissue reaction to the screws. No evidence of osteolysis was noted on any of the follow-up X-rays at the screw sites. No loss of reduction was noted in any follow-up X-rays compared to immediate postoperative radiographs. The use of absorbable screws in this small series was found to be safe, without reaction and obviated the need for screw removal at short-term follow-up.