Early Outcomes of Lisfranc Injuries Treated with Arthrex InternalBrace: A Case Series

Introduction: The treatment of Lisfranc injuries continues to evolve with time. The purpose of this study was to report early outcomes of patients with Lisfranc ligamentous injuries treated with the Arthrex InternalBrace, which has benefits to other previously described techniques.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively identified 15 adult patients with Lisfranc injuries that were treated via open reduction internal fixation with the Arthrex InternalBrace (Naples, Fl). These patients were identified at two separate United States institutions between 2019 and 2022. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, and concomitant foot injuries were recorded. Outcomes were assessed by return-to-work or sport and time to weight-bearing. Secondary complications or revision surgeries were noted.

Results: The mean patient age was 35 years. Eight patients had isolated Lisfranc ligamentous injuries and seven had additional intercuneiform instability, which required a supplemental limb of the fixation device. The most common mechanism of injury was a cutting/pivoting maneuver (n = 5) followed by fall (n = 4). The mean radiographic follow-up time was 7.3 months. The average time to weight-bearing as tolerated was 6.6 weeks (± 2.2). The average time to return-to-work/sport as tolerated was 14.1 weeks (± 3.6). Only two minor complications were noted at follow-up but no major complications or revision surgeries occurred.

Conclusions: The outcomes of this case series suggest that the Arthrex InternalBrace is a viable option when performing open reduction and internal fixation of Lisfranc ligamentous injuries. Future prospective studies are needed to directly compare this device with alternative fixation methods.