Clinical Outcomes of Fiber-Tape Flexible Fixation for Chronic Lisfranc Injuries.

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical procedures for chronic Lisfranc injuries are controversial. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical outcomes of fiber tape fixation for chronic Lisfranc injuries under early full weightbearing protocols.

METHODS

This study included 11 feet from 10 patients who underwent fiber tape fixation for chronic Lisfranc injuries (undiagnosed for more than 6 weeks from injuries). All patients were allowed full weightbearing with normal shoes 4 weeks after the surgery. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated with a first cuneiform (C1)-second metatarsal (M2) distance from weightbearing anteroposterior plain foot radiography.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 12 months (IQR, 12-16). The median C1-M2 distance improved significantly from 3.3 mm (IQR, 2.9-5.2) to 1.6 mm (IQR, 1.5-2.2). The pain, physical functioning, social functioning, shoe-related, and general health subscales of SAFE-Q improved significantly after the surgery, whereas the sports subscale did not reach statistical significance (P = .063). Five patients, who regularly participated in sports activities, were able to return to their preinjury sport level by 12 months. There were no complications, such as infection, nerve or tendon injuries, or hardware-related discomfort, in the entire cohort.

CONCLUSION

The fiber tape fixation device under early full weightbearing protocols led to short-term improvements in pain, function, and radiographic stability for chronic Lisfranc injuries, with no observed complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.