Clinical efficacy analysis of elastic fixation for isolated ligamentous Lisfranc injuries
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Elastic fixation represents a novel approach to managing Lisfranc injuries. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of elastic fixation for such injuries using imaging, clinical evaluation indices, and plantar pressure analysis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 15 patients with isolated ligamentous Lisfranc injuries who underwent elastic fixation between October 2022 and July 2024.Follow-up lasted ≥ 6 months. Weight-bearing foot X-rays were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively to assess joint reduction, degeneration, and implant stability. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and Foot Function Index (FFI) were collected preoperatively and at 1-6 months postoperatively. Plantar pressure distribution was also measured. RESULTS: Imaging showed stable reduction of the tarsometatarsal joints without degeneration or implant failure in all patients. Clinical scores improved significantly: AOFAS scores from 37.6 ± 6.75 to 92.9 ± 0.96 (P < 0.0001), and FFI from 151.7 ± 9.31 to 10.1 ± 2.59 (P < 0.0001) by 6 months postoperatively. Plantar pressure analysis revealed the affected foot's pressure contribution increased from 20.4% preoperatively to 50.4% at 6 months postoperatively. By 2 months postoperatively, pressure distribution between both feet was balanced (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this highly selected cohort, elastic fixation achieved excellent short-term functional recovery and allowed early weight-bearing. Owing to the small sample and short follow-up, these findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive. Larger, longer-term studies are required to validate the safety and generalisability of the technique across broader patient populations.
Source: BMC Surgery
Authors: Yang Liu, Hao Wan, Wen Lu, Xiao-lin Ding
Institution: Shandong First Medical University
Language: English
Topic: Foot and Ankle Surgery
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W4417017769