A prospective study on functional outcome of various modalities of treatment of midfoot injuries

Introduction: Midfoot injuries are highly uncommon injuries, often due to high-energy trauma. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of various modalities of treatment of midfoot injuries.
Methods: Prospective single centre study, conducted for a period of 24 months in a rural secondary level hospital, which included 40 patients aged between 18 and 62 years, with midfoot injuries. Final outcome analysis included demographic, injury and treatment characteristics.
Results: Forty patients with 40 midfoot injuries were included. The majority of patients suffered high-energy trauma. Mean AOFAS score among patients treated by operative methods was 68.5 while in those treated conservatively was 78.8.Mean AOFAS score among patients with Lisfranc joint injuries was 67.6 while in those with tarsal bone injuries was 74.2. Mean AOFAS score was 72.22 (Range 51 - 85). Primary arthrodesis was performed in neglected injuries. Concomitant injuries were associated with poorer functional outcome. Superficial skin infection, Screw breakage (Implant Failure), Post traumatic arthritis and flat foot were the post operative complications encountered.
Conclusions: Injuries of the midfoot have mid- to long-term effects on quality of life after trauma. Restoration of anatomic configuration is the cornerstone of treating midfoot injuries and is the most important factor in predicting the functional outcome of these patients.