Fracture and Dislocation of Lisfranc Joint: Treatment with Screw and Kirschner Wire / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze the clinical results of screws and Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation in patients with fracture dislocation of Lisfranc joint and the consequence of screw breakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients underwent Lisfranc joint open reduction and removal of internal fixators from January 2007 to December 2011. Forty-nine cases (81.7%) underwent operations with screw alone, and 11 cases (18.3%) underwent operations with both screws and K-wires. Type of internal fixators, duration of internal fixator removal, breakage of internal fixators and satisfaction with reduction were investigated. Additionally, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scales were analyzed. RESULTS: The internal fixator was broken in 5 cases (8.3%). The average duration of instrument removal was 154 days in the non-broken screw group and 268.6 days in the broken screw group (p<0.05). The average AOFAS midfoot scale was 77.4 in the non-broken screw group and 74.2 in the broken screw group. The most commonly damaged portion was the first tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint. CONCLUSION: Treatment with screws and K-wires was effective in patients with fracture dislocation of Lisfranc joint. The appropriate time for screw removal should be considered.

Arthroscopic Assessment of Intra-Articular Lesion after Surgery for Rotational Ankle Fracture

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report findings of exploratory arthroscopic assessment performed in conjunction with removal of internal fixation device placed in the initial surgery for rotational ankle fracture. METHODS: A total of 53 patients (33 male, 20 female) who underwent surgery for rotational ankle fracture between November 2002 and February 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients gave consent to the exploratory arthroscopic surgery for the removal of internal fixation devices placed in the initial surgery. Lauge-Hansen classification system of ankle fractures was assessed for all patients. Intra-articular lesions (osteochondral lesion, loose body, and fibrosis) were evaluated via ankle arthroscopy. Comparative analysis was then performed between radiological classification of ankle fracture/patient's symptoms and arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Lauge-Hansen classification system of ankle fractures included supination-external rotation type (n = 35), pronation-external rotation type (n = 9), and pronation-abduction type (n = 9). A total of 33 patients exhibited symptoms of pain or discomfort while walking whereas 20 exhibited no symptoms. Arthroscopic findings included abnormal findings around the syndesmosis area (n = 35), intra-articular fibrosis (n = 51), osteochondral lesions of the talus (n = 33), loose bodies (n = 6), synovitis (n = 13), and anterior bony impingement syndrome (n = 3). Intra-articular fibrosis was seen in 31 of symptomatic patients (93.9%). Pain or discomfort with activity caused by soft tissue impingement with meniscus-like intra-articular fibrosis were found in 19 patients. There was statistical significance (p = 0.02) between symptoms (pain and discomfort) and the findings of meniscus-like fibrosis compared to the group without any symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic examination combined with treatment of intra-articular fibrosis arising from ankle fracture surgery may help improve surgical outcomes.