title: The injuries to the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints: A review of the surgical management by internal fixation, arthrodesis and arthroplasty.
abstract: The surgical management to the injuries of the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints is controversial. We briefly review the anatomical characteristics to the injuries, the diagnosis, as well as the individualized treatment of the injuries of the fourth and fifth TMT joints by open reduction and internal fixation, TMT arthrodesis and arthroplasty. We conclude that open reduction and internal fixation is the recommended option for acute injuries, while arthrodesis can be used in cases of malunion of the fourth and fifth TMT joints with gross pain or arthritic changes and obvious structural deformity. Arthroplasty is an effective salvage operation mainly used in high-demand patients with severe TMT arthritis. Finally, we propose a recommended treatment algorithm (based on the literature and our experience), taking into account the specific indications for internal fixation, TMT arthrodesis and arthroplasty to optimize the individualized treatment. Data sources/Study selection Data from survey reports, descriptive, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies published from 2002 to 2012 on the topic of the injuries to the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joint on human and radiography studies were included. Data Extraction The data was extracted from online resources of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, US National Library of Medicine, The MEDLINE. Conclusion It is important to comprehend the specific anatomical characteristics and grasp the strict indications, advantages and disadvantages of the ORIF, TMT arthrodesis and arthroplasty to optimize the individualized treatment of the fourth and fifth TMT joints injuries in a maximum extent.
authors.affiliation: Xiao Yu, Department of Orthopedics Centre, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China.
authors.forename: Xiao
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Qing-jiang Pang, Department of Orthopedics Centre, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang, China.
authors.forename: Qing-Jiang
authors.initials: QJ
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.affiliation: Guang-rong Yu, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 20065, China.
authors.forename: Guang-Rong
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Yu
keywords: Arthrodesis; Arthroplasty; Open reduction and internal fixation; Tarsometatarsal joint