Comminuted mid-foot fractures are uncommon. Maintenance of the length and alignment of the medial column, with restoration of articular surface congruity, is associated with improved outcomes. Conventional surgery has utilised open or closed reduction with K-wire fixation, percutaneous techniques, ORIF, external fixation or a combination of these methods. In 2003 temporary bridge plating of the medial column was described to reconstruct and stabilise the medial column. The added advantage of locking plates is the use of angle-stable fixation. We present our experience with temporary locking plates in complex mid-foot fractures. Prospective audit database of 12 patients over a 6 year period (2003-2009). 5 males 7 females mean age 41.9. Mechanism of injury: 11 high-energy injuries (6 falls from height, 5 RTCs), 1 low energy injury. Fracture type: All involved the medial column - 12 fracture dislocations of the medial column. 4 concomitant injuries to the lateral column. All underwent ORIF, realignment, and stabilisation with locking plates across the mid-foot.Introduction
Materials and methods
