Objective: Lisfranc joint injury is a rare injury and can be easily missed at the initial treatment. Once ignored, late reduction is very difficult and requires extensive dissection. Surgical outcome is not as good as in the case of an early reduction. The aim of this cohort study was to analyze the midterm clinical and radiographic outcomes of staged reduction and fixation in a consecutive series of patients with old Lisfranc injuries.Methods: Fifteen patients (16 feet) with missed Lisfranc injuries were treated with staged reduction. Mean duration between injury and surgery was 4.8 months (3-8 months). In the first stage, an external fixator was applied across the Lisfranc joint or/and Chopart joint and distraction was done at 1-2 mm/day. In the second staged, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were done and we were able to reduce all the fractures and dislocations.Results: The mean duration between two surgeries was 3.2 weeks (range, 2.5-4.5 weeks). Anatomic reduction was obtained in all 15 patients. At the last follow-up point, 7 feet had good functional results, 5 feet fair, and 4 feet poor functional results. In the 4 patients who achieved poor functional results, 2 cases were due to severe injuries to the articular surface and tissue scaring; 2 cases were due to loss of reduction. For the 4 feet with poor functional results, 2 were scheduled for secondary arthrodesis during the follow-up. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Midfoot Scale (AOFAS) scores for these patients were 75.8 points (range, 43-98 points). The pain visual analog scale (VAS) was 3.1 points at the final follow-up. Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that staged reduction and extra-articular fixation should be considered for old Lisfranc injuries with a good reduction, firm stability, and low risk of intraoperative fracture and soft tissue complications.

Background Open pilon fractures combined with sizeable segmental bone defects are rare, difficult to treat, and often result in the loss of ankle joint function. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical outcomes in patients with open pilon fractures and sizeable segmental bone defects treated by limited ORIF combined with an Ilizarov external fixator. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of open pilon fractures with sizeable segmental bone defects treated by limited ORIF combined with the Ilizarov external fixator strategy between July 2014 and August 2019. All patients were included for assessments of fracture healing and infection rates. Ankle functional outcomes were assessed in all patients according to the Paley criteria and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) at least 24 months post-injury. Results All patients were followed up for a mean of 41.09 months. The mean bone defect size was 5.64 ± 1.21 cm. The average EFI and BTI were 1.56 ± 0.28 months/cm and 11.12 ± 0.74 days/cm, respectively. According to the Paley evaluation system, the success rate of ankle joint reconstruction was 64% (7/11). The mean score based on the AOFAS functional assessment was 77.73 ± 8.87. Five patients showed posttraumatic arthritis, one of whom required ankle arthrodesis. Three patients developed pin site infections, and one patient developed a deep infection after bone grafting. Conclusion The strategy of limited ORIF combined with an Ilizarov external fixator can restore ankle function in most patients with complex open tibial pilon fractures. Ankle stiffness, pin tract infection, and traumatic arthritis were the most common complications associated with this therapy.