ABSTRACT
The current classifications of "Lisfranc injury" can be purely ligamentous (low-grade midfoot sprains) or involve the osseous and articular structures (high-grade Lisfranc fracture displacements). The first type is often difficult to detect. If these patients are not properly treated, long-term disability can result. The rate of missed or delayed diagnoses has ranged from 13% to 24%, primarily owing to the subtlety of the radiographic findings. This is relatively more common in cases of subtle ligamentous injury (19%). The aim of the present report was to provide a new technique for missed or delayed Lisfranc injury without degenerative local signs. The Lisfranc ligament complex reconstruction is performed with a gracilis tendon graft and is protected by temporary screw fixation. We performed this technique in 3 patients. All 3 patients obtained good results, have been able to resume their previous activities, and have stated they would undergo this type of procedure again. The minimum follow-up length was 2 years.
Subject(s)
Foot Joints/injuries , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Gracilis Muscle/transplantation , Ligaments, Articular/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Surgical Flaps/transplantation , Adult , Bone Screws , Chronic Disease , Delayed Diagnosis , Diagnostic Errors , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Foot Joints/diagnostic imaging , Foot Joints/surgery , Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation , Gracilis Muscle/blood supply , Humans , Ligaments, Articular/diagnostic imaging , Ligaments, Articular/injuries , Sampling Studies , Surgical Flaps/blood supply , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gastrocnemius shortening causes an equinus deformity that may clinically manifest in foot disorders, including metatarsalgia. We use this term to describe pain localized to the metatarsal heads. The purposes of this prospective study were to review the effect of medial gastrocnemius proximal release on ankle dorsiflexion and assess the outcome of this technique on pain and functional limitations in patients who have mechanical metatarsalgia and isolated gastrocnemius shortening. METHODS: We prospectively followed a consecutive series of 78 feet in 52 patients with metatarsalgia who had an isolated gastrocnemius contracture assessed with the Silfverskiöld test. Surgical release was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scales. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative values of VAS and AOFAS were 7.4 and 46.8, respectively. After 3 months postoperatively, the values were 3.0 and 81.7, and 6 months after surgery these values were 3.5 and 83.6. No patient worsened clinically. There were no major complications. Thirty-six patients (69.2%) were completely satisfied with the results of the surgery. Preoperatively, ankle dorsiflexion with the knee straight was -17.5 degrees, which improved to 2.5 degrees at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: We believe proximal medial gastrocnemius recession is an alternate procedure to treat selected patients with mechanical metatarsalgia and gastrocnemius shortening. It had acceptable morbidity and cosmetic results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.
