ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the safety, efficacy and preliminary clinical application of the single plantar approach or in combination with the dorsalis pedis approach in the treatment of Lisfranc injury with poor dorsalis pedis soft tissue, metatarsal avulsion fracture or complicated multi-column lesions.Methods:(1) Six fresh cadaveric specimens of adult foot were collected and dissected through the plantar approach in order to determine the skin incision of the plantar approach and the safe area for plate-screw internal fixation, including start-stop points and courses of plantar nerves, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments, followed by plate-screw fixation on the specimens. (2) After feasibility of the plantar approach was confirmed by our anatomical study, it was used to treat the 3 patients who were admitted to Department of Orthopedics, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between September 2020 and November 2021 for Lisfranc injury with severe necrosis due to dorsalis pedis skin contusion or metatarsal base avulsion fracture. They were 2 males and one female, with an average age of 51 years (from 34 to 68 years). The preliminary clinical efficacy was evaluated in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS), midfoot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons (AOFAS), Maryland score, Kofoed score, fracture healing at the last follow-up and postoperative complications.Results:(1) Regarding the anatomical exposure range, the metatarsal side of the first metatarsal wedge joint was exposed medially and the metatarsal side of the third metatarsal wedge joint was exposed laterally; the peroneus longus tendon, Lisfranc plantar ligament and interosseous ligament were explored. X-ray films after the simulated operation showed satisfactory plate positions. (2) As for the preliminary clinical application, all patients were followed up for 6 to 14 months (mean, 11 months). At the last follow-up, the VAS score ranged from 0 to 1 (mean, 0.5), AOFAS score from 85 to 92 (mean, 89), Maryland score from 93 to 96 (mean, 95), and Kofoed score from 92 to 95 (mean, 94). There were no early complications such as fascial compartment syndrome, skin necrosis or infection. All fractures got united, with no complications like traumatic arthritis, muscle atrophy or screw loosening.Conclusion:Testified by the anatomical study, the plantar approach can be used to treat Lisfranc injury with poor dorsalis pedis soft tissue, metatarsal avulsion fracture or complicated multi-column lesions, leading to safe, effective and satisfactory clinical outcomes.