Primary arthrodesis versus open reduction internal fixation for complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations: a retrospective study comparing functional and radiological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this retrospective study were to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of primary arthrodesis and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for the treatment of complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 39 patients treated for a complete Lisfranc fracture dislocation, defined as Myerson types A and C2, over a period of 8 years at a level 1 trauma centre was performed. Of these, 18 underwent primary arthrodesis, and 21 ORIF. The primary outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, the validated Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire functional tool, and the secondary outcome was the radiological Wilppula classification of anatomical reduction. RESULTS: Significantly better functional outcomes were seen in the primary arthrodesis group. These patients had a mean Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire score of 30.1 points, compared with 45.1 for the ORIF group (P = 0.017). Similarly, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 71.8 points in the fusion group versus 62.5 in the ORIF group (P = 0.14). Functional outcome was dependent on the quality of final reduction (P < 0.001). Primary arthrodesis achieved good initial reduction in 83% cases compared to 62% with ORIF (P = 0.138). There was a loss of reduction quality of 47% in the ORIF group over time. CONCLUSION: Primary arthrodesis for complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations resulted in improved functional outcomes and quality of reduction compared to open reduction and internal fixation.

Osteosarcoma in New Zealand: an outcome study comparing survival rates between 1981-1987 and 1994-1999.

AIMS: To review the data and outcome of patients with osteosarcoma in New Zealand from 1994 to 1999 and to compare this to data retrieved from a similar study from 1981 to 1987. METHODS: Data from 1994-1999 was obtained from the New Zealand Cancer Registry; raw data was also retrieved from the 1981-1987 study. RESULTS: There were 96 cases in the 1981-1987 cohort and 84 cases in the 1994-1999 cohort. Overall, 5-year survival from osteosarcoma improved from 32.3% to 44.0% between the cohorts. When the cohorts were compared, there was a trend toward improved outcome in most subgroups CONCLUSIONS: The outcome in patients with osteosarcoma in New Zealand has improved over the study period and is similar to that seen in the overseas literature.