Bilateral tarsometatarsal joint injuries: An unusual mechanism producing unusual variants

Abstract

Tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint injuries are rare but potentially devastating conditions requiring anatomical reduction and internal fixation or arthrodesis. We describe an unusual mechanism involving forced eversion and dorsiflexion on both fully supinated feet resulting in bilateral tarsometatarsal joint injury. The injury pattern involved incongruity between the medial and middle columns extending between the cuneiform bones with associated fracture of the cuboid on the right and the cuboid, os calcis and talus on the left. Operative fixation is discussed and the clinical outcome was good at 4 years post-operatively. We believe this introduces an additional and potentially serious mechanism of injury and pattern of ligamentous and osseous disruption into the pantheon of injuries classed as Lisfranc, which surgeons should be aware of. Furthermore, we recommend attention to the mechanism of injury in consideration with classification to aid in operative reduction and fixation.