Delayed Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Missed, Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of delayed presentation (at least 6 weeks from the time of injury) of low-energy Lisfranc injuries limited to the first and second tarsometatarsal joints treated with open reduction internal fixation.

8 patients with an average age at surgery of 39.8 years were retrospectively reviewed with a mean time to surgery from injury of 15.1 (range of 6.3 to 31.1) weeks. We used radiographic measurements, physical examination, SF-12 scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, VAS scores and return to work or sports as outcome measures. Patients were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation as opposed to a formal arthrodesis with a variety of internal fixation. All 8 patients were available for follow-up and outcome reporting at an average of 3.1 years (minimum 2.0) postoperatively.

The mean VAS improved from 8.5 to 2.8 postoperatively. The mean postoperative physical and mental SF-12 scores were 46.8 and 57.1, respectively. The mean postoperative overall and sports FAAM scores were 75.4 and 65.9, respectively. There were no radiographic signs of a late diastasis at the Lisfranc joint. All patients including 2 workers compensation cases returned to work and all were able to return to their prior sporting activity.

A delayed open reduction internal fixation of patients with missed, low-energy Lisfranc injury was performed and resulted in decreased pain. In this series, a fair to good functional outcome was observed, and the ability to return to work or previous sport was possible for all patients studied.

Level IV, retrospective case series.