Severe midfoot fracture-dislocation treated with external biplanar mini-fixator and limited internal fixation

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of external biplanar mini-fixator and limited internal fixation in treatment of severe midfoot fracture-dislocation.Methods Eight patients with severe midfoot fracture-dislocation were admitted from May 2009 to August 2012.They were 6 men and 2 women,28 to 57 years of age (average,35.4 years).According to the Gustilo classification,there were one type Ⅱand 7 cases of type Ⅲ.Two cases of midfoot fracture were complicated with dislocation of the transverse tarsal joint,4 with dislocation of the tarsometatarsal joint,and 2 with dislocation of both the transverse tarsal joint and the tarsometatarsal joint.The external biplanar mini-fixator was applied to stabilize and maintain lengths of the medial and lateral columns and normal geometry of the foot arch after reduction of the fracture-dislocation.K-wires were used if limited internal fixation was necessary.The external fixator was removed at 12 to 16 weeks postoperatively.The clinical treatment efficacy was assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale and the visual analogue scale (VAS).Results The patients were followed up for an average of 13.4 months (from 10 to 24 months).Postoperative radiological films showed fine reduction of the fractures and dislocations.No reduction was lost after removal of external and internal fixations.They were able to walk independently and had good functional recovery of the injured feet without traumatic arthritis during the follow-up period.Their average AOFAS scores were 65.8 at 3 months after operation,71.3 at 6 months and 80.6 at 12 months; the average VAS scores were 7.5 at 3 months,4.3 at 6 months,and 1.2 at 12 months,respectively.Conclusion In treatment of severe midfoot fracture-dislocation,external biplanar mini-fixator combined with limited internal fixation can perfectly reconstruct and maintain the medial and lateral columns and normal geometry of the foot arch,preventing functional disability caused by foot malformation. Key words: Foot injuries; Fractures, bone; Dislocation; External fixators