Outcomes of Lisfranc Injuries Treated with a New Flexible Fixation Technique: A Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Objectives Ligamentous Lisfranc injuries are devastating injuries that can lead to complications and difficulty returning to work and sports. Controversy exists over the preferred method of treatment for purely ligamentous injuries. The study aims to evaluate early postoperative complications and time to return to work/play in patients with ligamentous Lisfranc injuries who underwent ORIF using flexible fixation. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on nine patients who underwent ORIF with flexible fixation using the InternalBrace (Arthrex Naples, FL) for ligamentous Lisfranc injuries. Patients were evaluated at 2- weeks, 6- weeks, and 12- weeks postoperatively with radiographs at 6- weeks, 12- weeks, and 24- weeks postoperatively. Results The average follow-up time was 6.6 months (SD = 5.1), the average time to unrestricted weight-bearing was 6.8 weeks (n=9), and the average time to return to work/sport as tolerated was 14.3 weeks (n=7). The only complication noted at the 2-week follow-up was hypersensitivity along the foot [1 (11%)], resolved by the 12-week follow-up. No radiographic hardware complications were noted at either 6-week or 12-week postoperative x-rays. Conclusions Flexible fixation using the InternalBrace (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is an effective procedure for patients with ligamentous Lisfranc injuries. The present study found no early postoperative complications, and the time to return to work/sport was comparable to other methods of ORIF reported in the literature.