An old mismanaged Lisfranc injury treated by gradual deformity correction followed by the second-stage internal fixation

The Lisfranc fracture-dislocation of the foot is uncommon and diagnosis is often missed. The Lisfranc joint involves the articulation between medial cuneiform and base of the second metatarsal and is considered a keystone to structural integrity to the midfoot. The articulation has a stabilization effect on longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot. A neglected or untreated injury to the Lisfranc joint can lead to secondary arthritis and significant morbidity and disability. We present a case of a neglected Lisfranc fracture-dislocation in a 28-year-old female patient who presented 3 months after injury. A staged treatment of distraction with an Ilizarov ring fixator followed in the second stage by the removal of ring fixator and internal fixation with K wires was performed. There was complete relief of pain and a good functional outcome at 3 months after treatment.