[Pelvic limb damage control following a complex foot injury. Case report]

More than 20% of the tarsometatarsal joint injuries (Lisfranc injuries) occur during motor vehicle accidents. This kind of trauma is infrequent and in 50% of cases closed reduction is used. A 18 year-old male patient sustained a high-energy trauma resulting in a Gustilo and Anderson III B open Lisfranc fracture dislocation of the left foot. Surgical debridement, open reduction and internal fixation, and immediate skin coverage were performed. The secondary complication rate may decrease with stringent treatment adherence and proper care of severe orthopedic injuries. Treatment of the latter, including bone and soft tissue injuries (skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascias, musculotendinous junctions, ligaments, periosteum, and neurovascular structures) should follow a multidisciplinary protocol: extensive debridement of nonviable tissue, eradication of infections, and tissue reconstruction or coverage. Thus, any orthopedic surgeon should possess basic knowledge of this protocol. Proper management, using the right technique in each case, and the right timing of treatment are of the utmost importance.