Midfoot fractures: patterns of injury and predictors of stability
Patel, Serena Piper, Danielle Fenton, Paul
Patel, Serena
Piper, Danielle
Fenton, Paul
Affiliation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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Publication date
2024-12-22
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Abstract
Background: Lisfranc injuries describe a spectrum of midfoot and tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) trauma ranging from purely ligamentous to multiple fracture-dislocations. Lisfranc injuries represent 0.2 % of all fractures and are seen predictably, with mechanisms involving a fall from height, crushing, or torsion. Diagnosis can be challenging, with approximately 20 % of cases being missed, and relies upon clinical acumen and proficient image interpretation. Whilst multiple classification systems have described Lisfranc injuries using a 3-column concept, these add zero prognostic value and are therefore rarely used clinically. Furthermore, existing literature on diagnosis and management is limited to retrospective small series.
Methods: We present a review of 161 midfoot injuries, with the aim of highlighting characteristics of radiological instability and indication for operative management. CT scans and weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing X-rays were reviewed for features of joint instability. These features included metatarsal base, cuneiform and cuboid fractures, tarsometatarsal joint subluxation or dislocation and C1-MT2 diastasis. The subsequent "stable" and "unstable" injury groups were then compared to identify statistically significant indicators for instability.
Results: Avulsion and intra-articular fractures of the medial, middle, or lateral column were all suggestive of instability. Although these appeared in multiple combinations, 95 % involved the middle column. Concomitant inter-cuneiform and cuboid fractures were additional indicators of instability. In cases of uncertain midfoot instability, weight-bearing radiographs were of value with 14.2 % demonstrating a diastasis of C1-MT2 >2 mm.
Conclusion: We propose the need for a new classification of midfoot injuries which emphasises the diagnosis of instability and guides surgical management. We propose that, based on non-weight-bearing X-ray and CT scans, these injuries can be initially classified as "stable", "unstable", or "stability uncertain". Weight-bearing X-rays are a safe and reliable method of detecting instability in the "stability uncertain" group. Fractures of the medial column and cuneiform on initial imaging were suggestive of midfoot instability.
Citation
Patel S, Piper D, Fenton P. Midfoot fractures: Patterns of injury and predictors of stability. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2024 Dec 22;61:102874. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2024.102874.
Type
Article