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- Talk
- 21/09/2021
- UK
Elective Removal of Metalwork following Lisfranc Injury Fixation: Results of a National Concensus Survey of Practicev
Description
This presentation, delivered by Louise McMenemy, discusses the elective removal of metalwork following Lisfranc injuries and the results of a national consensus survey among foot and ankle surgeons and trauma surgeons. The purpose of the survey was to assess current practices regarding whether metalwork is routinely removed or retained after Lisfranc injury fixation, the rationale behind these choices, and the timing of such procedures.
The findings reveal a substantial debate in the medical community about the optimal management of Lisfranc injuries, which are complex foot injuries. The survey, which received responses from 205 surgeons, indicated that two-thirds routinely retain metalwork post-operation, primarily due to patient factors and concerns over midfoot biomechanics.
Most surgeons cited reasons for metalwork removal, such as improving biomechanics and preventing complications during potential future surgeries. The median time for metalwork removal, when performed, was around five months postoperatively, but there was significant variability in practice. It was noted that a considerable portion of the community expresses interest in ongoing research into this area, highlighting a need for further investigation through randomized controlled trials.
Subsequent dialogue between McMenemy and colleagues addressed practitioner-patient communication regarding metalwork removal, the balance of evidence supporting different approaches, and the comparison of surgical practices in the UK versus the US. Overall, the presentation emphasizes the lack of consensus on the management of Lisfranc metalwork, suggesting that this area of orthopedic research warrants further exploration.