Lisfranc fracture or dislocation surgery corrects injuries in the series of small bones.
What is it?
A Lisfranc fracture or dislocation is an injury in the middle of the foot resulting from falls, trauma or dropped objects. The Lisfranc ligaments form the connection between these small bones. Failure to address this injury increases the chance of arthritis.
What should I do to prepare?
Before receiving surgery, the patient should consult with a physician or surgeon to determine if this surgery is the proper course of action. X-rays and other diagnostic imaging techniques are used to develop a treatment plan. Medication plans and fasting routines may be necessary depending on the surgeon’s guidelines. Lisfranc surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, but the patient should be prepared to remain at the hospital for post-surgical evaluation. Additionally, the patient should arrange travel accommodations in advance.
What happens during the process?
General or local anesthesia is used to prepare the foot region for operation. When the anesthetic effects are felt, the surgeon makes the first incision between the first and second toes. The surgeon will realign the affected metatarsals, and if the damage is extensive, other incisions will be made to help access the bones. After an x-ray image is used to confirm that the metatarsals are in proper alignment, screws and plates are used to hold the bones in place.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Risks for Lisfranc surgery, include but are not limited to improper anesthesia, infections, nerve damage, excessive bleeding, an inability of the wound to heal, and bone fractures. Undergoing this surgery does not guarantee a full recovery and it is possible that the patient will experience stiffness in the middle foot region and the later development of arthritis.
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