Reconstructive Shelf Arthroplasty as a Salvage Procedure for Complex Fifth Tarsometatarsal Joint Complex Injuries: A Case Review and Discussion
High-energy cuboid fractures are rare injuries that are commonly associated with other midfoot trauma. With displacement, operative intervention is critical to restore articular congruity and the length of the lateral column. Failure to achieve this predisposes patients to posttraumatic arthritis and deformity, often necessitating secondary procedures. Although primary open reduction and internal fixation is the standard of care for these injuries, at times the traditional principles of fracture fixation cannot be applied to cuboid fractures. We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who underwent a reconstructive shelf arthroplasty of the cuboid and fifth tarsometatarsal joint for a severe injury to the lateral column of the midfoot.
Conclusion
In this case, we describe shelf arthroplasty for cuboid fractures. It is a reconstructive salvage procedure that is indicated when ORIF cannot be achieved. This useful approach to a complex injury must remain in the armamentarium of orthopedic surgeons. As we have demonstrated, it can effectively restore a damaged lateral column, providing length and, in our case, enabling the patient to return to her pre-injury level of activity.
