OBJECTIVETo summmarize the clinical experience of open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of tarsometatarsal joint injury ane evaluate the effects of operative treatment to tarsometatarsal joint injury.

METHODSFrom March to July in 2009,9 patients with tarsometatarsal joint injury were treated by open reduction and internal fixation included 7 males and 2 females with an average age of 33.5 years old ranging from 20 to 47 years. According to Quenu-Kuss classification, there were 5 cases of type A, 3 of type B, 1 of type C. All patients were treated by cannulated screws and Kirschner wires through 1 to 2 microtubule straight incision on dorsum of foot. The foot function were assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 5 to 12 months with an average of 8 months. Complications concluded 1 case with infection, 1 case with post-traumatic arthritis. The failure of Kirschner wires was not discovered in 9 cases. According to AOFAS system,the total scores increased from preoperative (15.5 +/- 4.2) to postoperative (92.0 +/- 5.2) (t = -45.95, P < 0.01). The results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 1, and poor in 1.

CONCLUSIONOpen reduction and internal fixation for the reatment of tarsometatarsal joint injury should have satisfying results.