Anatomy of the Lateral Plantar Ligaments of the Transverse Metatarsal Arch

Serious injuries of Lisfranc joint: A retrospective multicenter study of 141 patients

INTRODUCTION

Lisfranc joint injuries are common and often underdiagnosed. They occur during trauma of various mechanisms, high or low energy. Their management is difficult because of the wide spectrum of lesions and the management of associated lesions, particularly in the emergency stage. Their surgical treatment remains controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the management of Lisfranc injuries and to study their clinical, functional and radiologic evolution. We also wanted to assess the consequences of these lesions on the patient's quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study of 141 patients over 16 years at the time of the trauma. The patients included had presented a Lisfranc injury from January 2010 to June 2018. The epidemiological characteristics, the type of osteosynthesis, and the immediate and radiographic results at the last follow-up were collected. Functional assessment was analyzed by telephone review using the SF12, FAAM and AOFAS scores.

RESULTS

An associated M2 base fracture was found in almost 50 % of cases. A closed reduction and fixation was made in 25 % of cases. There was 69 % pins fixation. The reduction was not anatomical in 1/3 of the cases and was more difficult to achieve with an associated fracture. The FAAM score was statistically superior in the patients with internal fixation by screws compared to the treatment by pins. We found 18 % early complications. At least 1 year after the injury, C2M2 osteoarthritis was found in 45 % of patients.

DISCUSSION

Contrary to what is recommended in the literature, this study reported a high rate of osteosynthesis by pins whereas screws and plates were more recommended. Open reduction was also recommended and was the strategy of choice in this study. An M2 fracture was often associated with Lisfranc dislocations. The quality of reduction was essential and was better with open reduction and screw fixation.

Midfoot width changes after first metatarsal osteotomy in hallux valgus surgery: A biomechanical effect?

Hallux valgus is a challenging pathology characterized by a valgus deformity in the metatarsophalangeal area of the first ray. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of first metatarsal osteotomy on the relationship between midfoot bones in patients with hallux valgus. The sample consisted of patients from the orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinic who underwent surgical treatment for hallux valgus. Preoperative and postoperative X-rays were compared regarding the width of the midfoot and the tarsometatarsal joint. The sample consisted of 17 women, with 22 feet assessed in each group. The distance from the medial cuneiform to the cuboid, the distance from the intermediate cuneiform to the cuboid, the distance between the first and fifth metatarsals, and the distance between the second and fifth metatarsals reduced significantly between pre- and postoperative assessments. Hallux valgus correction through osteotomy of the first metatarsal leads to a structural change in the midfoot. Further studies should determine whether these changes persist over time.

The Role of the Transverse Arch in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

BACKGROUND

The transverse arch (TA) has recently been shown to significantly increase the intrinsic stiffness of the midfoot when coupled with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex deformity that ultimately results in a loss of stiffness and collapse of the MLA. The role of the TA has not been investigated in patients diagnosed with this disorder using weightbearing CT (WBCT). Therefore, this study aims to answer the following questions: (1) Is the curvature of the TA decreased in PCFD? (2) Where within the midfoot does TA curvature flattening happen in PCFD?

METHODS

A retrospective review of weightbearing CT images was conducted for 32 PCFD and 32 control feet. The TA curvature was assessed both indirectly using previously described methods and directly using a novel measurement termed the transverse arch plantar (TAP) angle that assesses the angle formed between the first, second, and fifth metatarsals in the coronal plane. Location of TA collapse was also assessed in the coronal plane.

RESULTS

The TAP angle was significantly higher in PCFD (mean 115.2 degrees, SD 10.7) than in the control group (mean 100.8 degrees, SD 7.9) (P < .001). No difference was found using the calculated normalized TA curvature between PCFD (mean 17.1, SD 4.8) and controls (mean 18.3, SD 4.0) (P = .266). Location of collapse along the TA in PCFD was most significant at the second metatarsal and medial cuneiform.

CONCLUSION

The TA is more collapsed in PCFD compared to controls. This collapse was most substantial between the plantar medial cuneiform and the plantar second metatarsal. This may represent a location of uncoupling of the TA and MLA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case control.

Association of Fusion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and Pes Planus Deformity Correction

BACKGROUND

There has been scant investigation on the relationship between the distal aspect of the medial longitudinal arch and pes planus deformity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the reduction and stabilization of the distal aspect of the medial longitudinal arch through fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) can subsequently improve pes planus deformity parameters. This could be useful in both further understanding the role of the distal medial longitudinal arch in patients with pes planus and planning operative intervention in patients with multifactorial medial longitudinal arch problems.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken between January 2011 and October 2021, including patients undergoing first MTPJ fusion with a pes planus deformity on weightbearing preoperative radiographs. These were compared to postoperative images, and multiple pes planus measurements were taken for comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 511 operations were identified for further analysis, with 48 feet meeting the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant reduction identified between the pre- and postoperative measurements of Meary angle (3.75 degrees, 95% CI 2.9-6.47 degrees) and talonavicular coverage angle (1.48 degrees, 95% CI 1.09-3.44 degrees). There was a statistically significant increase between the pre- and postoperative measurements of calcaneal pitch angle (2.32 degrees, 95% CI 0.24-4.41 degrees) and medial cuneiform height (1.25 mm, 95% CI 0.6-1.92 mm). Reduced intermetatarsal angle was significantly associated with an increase in first MTPJ angle postfusion. Many of the measurements made were found "almost perfectly" reproducible by the Landis and Koch description.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that fusion of the first MTPJ is associated with improvement of medial longitudinal arch parameters of a pes planus deformity but not to levels considered to be clinically normal. Therefore, the distal aspect of the medial longitudinal arch could, to some degree, be a feature in the pes planus deformity etiology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case control study.

Surgical controversies and current concepts in Lisfranc injuries

INTRODUCTION

Lisfranc injuries, not as rare as previously reported, range from ligamentous to complex fracture-dislocations. Anatomical studies have identified a complex of discrete structures, and defined the anatomical characteristics of the Lisfranc joint.

SOURCES OF DATA

A narrative evidence-based review encompassed and analyzed published systematic reviews. Outcomes included clinical and surgical decision-making, including clinical-presentation, diagnosis, pathological-assessment, surgical-management techniques and indications, post-surgical care and comparative outcomes.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Better understanding of the Lisfranc complex anatomy aids surgical treatment and tactics. Prognosis is related to injury severity, estimated by the number of foot columns affected. Surgical outcome is determined by anatomical reduction for most fixation and fusion techniques. Appropriate treatment allows return to sport, improving outcome scores.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Identification of Lisfranc injuries may be improved by imaging modalities such as weight-bearing computer tomography. Recent evidence supports dorsal plate fixation as a result of better quality of reduction. In complex injuries, the use of combined techniques such as trans-articular screw and plate fixation has been associated with poorer outcomes, and fusion may instead offer greater benefits.

GROWING POINTS

Open reduction is mandatory if closed reduction fails, highlighting the importance of understanding surgical anatomy. If anatomical reduction is achieved, acute arthrodesis is a safe alternative to open reduction internal fixation in selected patients, as demonstrated by comparable outcomes in subgroup analysis.

AREAS FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

The current controversies in surgical treatment remain around techniques and outcomes, as randomized controlled trials are infrequent.

Lisfranc Arthrodesis in Posttraumatic Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries at the tarsometatarsal joint represent a wide array of painful malunions ranging from isolated instability to complex three-dimensional deformities with rapid development of posttraumatic arthritis. Deformity correction and arthrodesis of the symptomatic joints leads to significant pain reduction and functional improvement provided that realignment of the anatomic axes is achieved. Arthrodesis should be limited to the first to third tarsometatarsal joints, whereas interposition arthroplasty is preferred for symptomatic arthritis of the fourth to fifth tarsometatarsal joints. For complex deformities and instability, the intercuneiform and naviculocuneiform joints may need to be included into corrective fusion.

Clinical outcomes of Tightrope system in the treatment of purely ligamentous Lisfranc injuries

Background

Purely ligamentous Lisfranc injuries are mainly caused by low energy damage and often require surgical treatment. There are several operative techniques for rigid fixation to solve this problem clinically. This study evaluated the effect of using the Tightrope system to reconstruct the Lisfranc ligament for elastic fixation.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 11 cases with purely ligamentous Lisfranc injuries treated with the Tightrope system from 2016 to 2019, including 8 male and 3 female. X-ray was performed regularly after operation to measure the distance between the first and second metatarsal joint and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate pain relief. American orthopedic foot & ankle society (AOFAS) and Maryland foot score were recorded at the last follow-up.

Results

The average follow-up time was 20.5 months (range, 17–24). There was statistically significant difference in the distance between the first and second metatarsal joint and VAS score at 3 months, 6 months, and the last follow-up when compared with preoperative values (P < 0.05).Mean of postoperative AOFAS mid-foot scale and Maryland foot score were 92.4 ± 4.3, 94.1 ± 3.5, respectively. The Tightrope system was not removed and the foot obtained better biomechanical stability. No complications occurred during the operation.

Conclusion

Tightrope system in the treatment of purely ligamentous Lisfranc injuries can stabilize the tarsometatarsal joint and achieve satisfactory effect.

Fractures of the Base of the Fifth Metatarsal Bone: A Critical Analysis Review

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Fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal (PFMT) are one of the most common foot injuries, accounting for 61% to 78% of all foot fractures, but full consensus on their classification, diagnosis, and treatment has not yet been reached.

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The most commonly accepted classification is that of Lawrence and Botte, who divided the location of PFMT fractures into 3 zones with respect to their healing potential.

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Avulsion fractures of the tuberosity of the base (zone 1) generally heal well, and nonoperative treatment is commonly recommended.

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Internal fixation may be considered for displaced fractures that extend into the fourth-fifth intermetatarsal joint (zone 2) as well as for nondisplaced fractures in athletes or high-demand patients, with the aims of reducing the healing time and expediting return to sport or work.

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Stress fractures of the proximal diaphysis (zone 3) are preferably treated operatively, particularly in the presence of signs of delayed union. With nonoperative treatment, supportive measures such as ultrasonography or external/extracorporeal shockwave therapy have been demonstrated to have limited potential for the enhancement of fracture-healing.

Sports-Related Lisfranc Injuries and Recognition of Lisfranc Variants: Surgical Strategies for Stabilization

Much has changed since Lisfranc described lesions at the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint in 1815. What was considered an osseous high-energy condition nowadays is understood as myriad possible presentations, occurring in minor and inconspicuous traumas. Advancements in diagnostics of Lisfranc injury allow recognizing many variants of this trauma presentation, most of them with a focus on ligaments. This perception shifted trends in surgical planning, especially for implants and fixation techniques. These revolutions established a new and evolving universe around TMT lesions, different from what was known only a few years ago and still not enough to completely settle the disease scenario.

Updates on Lisfranc Complex Injuries

Lisfranc injuries are a disruption of one or more of the tarsometatarsal joints and have an estimated incidence of 1/55 000 people. However, the total number of Lisfranc injuries could be underreported, because almost 20% of these injuries are initially missed. Because of the relative infrequency of these injuries, the current literature is inconsistent in regard to proper treatment. This article provides a review of Lisfranc complex injuries including relevant anatomy, diagnosis, treatment, classifications, operative approaches, and outcomes and complications. Based on existing evidence, it also proposes an algorithm the authors prefer for the evaluation and treatment of Lisfranc complex injuries.

How to Identify Unstable Lisfranc Injuries? Review of Diagnostic Strategies and Algorithm Proposal

"Misdiagnosed Lisfranc injuries can be as high as 50%, leading to chronic pain, functional impairment, and posttraumatic arthritis. Subtle or incomplete lesions are the most problematic group for an adequate diagnosis. Conventional non-weight-bearing radiographs can overlook up to 30% of unstable cases. Abduction stress radiographs and anteroposterior monopodial comparative weight-bearing radiographic views are very useful to identify instability. Computed tomography gives detailed information about fracture patterns and comminution. MRI can predict instability but it is expensive and not readily available in the acute setting."

Morphological features of the lateral plantar ligament of the transverse metatarsal arch

The aim of this study was to elucidate the morphological characteristics of the lateral Lisfranc ligament in a large sample. This investigation examined 100 legs from 50 cadavers. Each of the lower limbs was dissected to identify the plantar aspect of the transverse metatarsal arch, and morphological characteristics of the lateral plantar ligament were assessed, including the length, width, and thickness of the fiber bundles. The majority of plantar ligaments originated from the base of M5 and the plantar aspect of the lateral cuneiform (LC). The lateral plantar ligament could be classified into three types: Type I, a band-like fiber bundle originating from the base of M5 to the LC (41%); Type II, originating from the base of M5 and the plantar aspect of LC and mostly connected the blending the fiber bundles of the tibialis posterior (TP) and long plantar ligament (LPL) (21%); and Type III, with no ligaments originating from the base of M5 and plantar aspect of the LC (38%). The morphological characteristics of Type I lateral plantar ligament were as follows: length, 31.8 ± 3.7 mm; width, 2.3 ± 1.0 mm; and thickness, 0.2 ± 0.3 mm. The morphology of the lateral plantar ligament showed variation, originating from the base of M5 and the plantar aspect of LC most commonly, but this was not the case in 38% of limbs. The findings suggest that the lateral plantar ligament might play a role in the transverse tarsal arch, indicating a cooperative mechanism with the TP and LPL.

Lisfranc fleck sign: characteristics and clinical outcomes following fixation using a percutaneous position Lisfranc screw

BACKGROUND

Avulsion of the Lisfranc ligament, fleck sign, results in unstable Lisfranc injuries. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of Lisfranc injuries with fleck sign and the clinical and radiological outcomes following closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation.

METHODS

All consecutive operatively managed Lisfranc injuries with fleck sign were reviewed from 2016 to 2018. The injury pattern and characteristics of Lisfranc fleck sign were reviewed based on the preoperative CT scan. Postoperative complications besides radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) pain, American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) midfoot scale, and foot function index (FFI).

RESULTS

Thirty patients (20 males; mean age, 36.9 ± 17.0; range, 12-69 years) with mean follow-up 16.9 ± 7.4 (range, 6-31) months were enrolled. Among 12 cases with avulsed Lisfranc ligament from the second metatarsal base, only two cases had isolated second metatarsal base fracture in plantar medial part while others had concomitant avulsion fracture of plantar aspect of the adjacent third and/or fourth metatarsal base. Mean of postoperative VAS pain, AOFAS midfoot scale, and FFI were 1.03 ± 0.29, 91.43 ± 1.43, 24.43 ± 6.66, respectively. We had seven (23.3%) removal of screws, two (6.6%) broken screws, four (13.3%) pulled-out screws, and six (20%) lost reductions in the final follow-up with good clinical functions.

CONCLUSION

Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of the Lisfranc injuries with fleck sign by a single position screw could be a good surgical option with reliable and predictable outcomes without needing to remove the hardware, routinely.