[Diagnosis and treatment of tarsometatarsal joint injury]

To review the diagnosis, treatment method, and surgical technique of tarsometatarsal joint injury.

Recent literature concerning tarsometatarsal joint injury was reviewed and analyzed in terms of anatomy, injury mechanism, classification, diagnosis, management principle and methods, and surgical techniques.

It could be difficult to diagnose tarsometatarsal joint injury, and subtle injury was more difficult to diagnose with a high rate of missed diagnosis. Fairly accurate diagnosis of tarsometatarsal joint injury could be made based on medical history, symptoms and signs, and necessary imaging examinations. For the patient of partial ligament rupture caused by subtle or non-displacement injury, a cast for immobilization could be adopted; the patients of instable injury should be treated with open reduction and internal fixation. For the patients of complete dislocation and severe comminuted fractures, arthrodesis should be suggested.

The diagnosis and management of tarsometatarsal joint injury is complicated. The treatment method of tarsometatarsal joint injury has evoked controversy. Surgeons should choose the optimal treatment method and surgical technique according to the injury type, radiological manifestation, and classification so as to obtain the best clinical outcome.