Background: The Lisfranc joint is an intricate podiatric medical structure that when injured can prove difficult to treat. No consensus has been established on optimal surgical management for this injury. It is widely debated whether open reduction and internal fixation or primary arthrodesis provides better outcomes for patients. Although literature has been published on this subject, no generalized guidelines have been created. The goal of this study was to analyze high-level meta-analyses to draw conclusions about surgical interventions for Lisfranc joint injuries.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to analyze outcomes of meta-analyses from January 1, 2016, to August 31, 2021. Only high-level evidence that reported at least one of the following outcomes was included: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score, visual analog scale score, total complication rate, hardware removal rate, revision surgery rate, and secondary procedure rate.
Results: Six articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were then analyzed. For all of the outcome measures, primary arthrodesis was equal or superior to open reduction and internal fixation.
Conclusions: We recommend primary arthrodesis over open reduction and internal fixation for adult Lisfranc injuries.