Foot & ankle
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In order to analyze the value of operative treatment for tarsometatarsal injuries, 31 consecutive fracture-dislocation injuries from 1975 to 1988, and 11 cases of undislocated injuries were reviewed. Forty patients (41 injuries) could be contacted. The average follow up was 5 years. ⋯ Initially undislocated injuries had a better prognosis, with 8 of 11 having excellent or good results, and none receiving pension. These injuries should be treated aggressively with open reduction and fixation when there is any displacement. Despite this treatment, one-half of patients with dislocated injuries as well as one-fourth of those with initially undislocated injuries will still suffer from pain and permanent disability probably due to soft tissue damage and instability.