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The final result of the treatment of distal intra-articular radius fractures depends both on the accuracy of the fracture reduction and on the presence of additional carpal injuries. In particular, lesions of the intrinsic ligaments usually lead to severe degenerative damage of the wrist joint if they are missed primarily. With the introduction of wrist arthroscopy, these tears can be evaluated and treated earlier. Since 1993 arthroscopically assisted treatment has been performed in 23 patients with distal intra-articular fractures of the radius (mainly C-fractures according to the AO classification system or group VII and VIII fractures according to Frykman). Scapholunate (SL) tears were found in 11 patients (47.8%), 7 of whom showed marked instability intraoperatively and were stabilised at the time of surgery.

T he anatomy of the mortise of the Lisfranc joint between the medial and lateral cuneiforms was studied in detail, with particular reference to features which may predispose to injury. In 33 consecutive patients with Lisfranc injuries we measured, from conventional radiographs, the medial depth of the mortise (A), the lateral depth (B) and the length of the second metatarsal (C). MRI was used to confirm the diagnosis. We calculated the mean depth of the mortise (A+B)/2, and the variables of the lever arm as follows: C/A, C/B and C/mean depth. The data were compared with those obtained in 84 cadaver feet with no previous injury of the Lisfranc joint complex. Statistical analysis used Student's two-sample t-test at the 5% error level and forward stepwise logistic regression. The mean medial depth of the mortise was found to be significantly less in patients with Lisfranc injuries than in the control group. Stepwise logistic regression identified only this depth as a significant risk factor for Lisfranc injuries. The odds of being in the injury group is 0.52 (approximately half) that of being a control if the medial depth of the mortise is increased by 1 mm, after adjusting for the other variables in the model. Our findings show that the mortise in patients with injuries to the Lisfranc joint is shallower than in the control group and the shallower it is the greater is the risk of injury. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 2002;84-B:981-5. The tarsometatarsal joint of the foot (Lisfranc joint) consists of the distal row of tarsal bones, the medial, intermediate , and lateral cuneiforms and the cuboid, which articulate with the bases of the five metatarsals. It is S-shaped and is divided into three columns, with three distinct arches. 1,2 Of the three arches, the horizontal arch is anchored by the base of the second metatarsal, which is recessed into a 'mortise' between the medial and lateral cuneiforms (Fig. 1), and stabilises the joint. 2,3 Intermetatarsal and thin dorsal ligaments connect the second, third, fourth and fifth metatarsals, and the tarso-metatarsal joint is further stabilised by the strongest of the ligamentous structures, the plantar tarsometatarsal ligaments. There is no intermetatarsal ligament between the bases of the first and second metatarsals. The main stabilis-ing structure of the tarsometatarsal joint is a Y-shaped interosseous ligament (Lisfranc's ligament). This extends on the plantar surface from the lateral aspect of the medial cuneiform to the medial aspect of the base of the second Fig. 1 Anatomical specimen of a left foot. It was dissected in an oblique axial plane showing the position of the second metatarsal base in the mortise between the medial and lateral cuneiform.

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Since 1993, we have treated 30 patients with acute intra-articular distal radius fractures using arthroscopic assistance. Concomitant lesions of the intrinsic scapholunate (SL) ligaments were diagnosed in 12 patients (40%). Using the grading system of Geissler et al. [13], the identified lesions included a single grade I tear, three grade II, six grade III, and two grade IV. The grade III and IV lesions were accompanied by intraoperative findings of marked instability. Therefore operative stabilization was performed by temporary scapholunate and scaphocapitate arthrodesis. Seven patients in this group (87.5%) were followed up clinically and radiologically for an average of 3 years postoperatively. Clinical examination included range of motion and a subjective questionnaire concerning pain and ability to work. Objective grip strength was measured using a Jamar-tester and compared to the contralateral wrist. Radiological evaluation consisted of posteroanterior and lateral views and of stress views in radial and ulnar deviation. Data were evaluated by the scoring systems of Jakim et al. [21], Cooney et al. [5] and by the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley [12], as modified by Sarmiento et al. [36]. An excellent result was present in 100% of our patients by the Gartland and Werley system, in 86% by that of Jakim et al., and in 60% by that of Cooney et al. Based on a subjective questionnaire, all of the patients had an excellent or good result.