Question
I had a lisfranc fracture of left foot last June. . ."on the cusp" as far as surgery so I opted out. I was casted no weight bearing for 2 months, then weight bearing cast, then black book thing. Now I have post traumatic arthritis on top of foot. I'm able to walk, slight limp, pain increases if I'm on my feet for any lenghth of time. I get these sharp pains on top of foot, instep, sometimes by big toe, and inner/outer ankle. I'm getting charlie horses sometimes in two twos next to big toe (I fractured the 2nd/3rd metatarsals and chipped cuboid). My foot is unstable and I'm afraid of misstepping and further injury. So, surgeon has said fusion will help me pain-wise. What are your thoughts about that and how long after back fusion should I wait? (Back fusion in 2 weeks). Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Mary,

A few questions.  How old are you?  What are your activities? Any medical problems.  Are you a smoker?  Are there any fractures that never healed.  Have you tried orthotic devices? How about an ankle-foot orthosis?

As far as the timing.  I would say that you need to see how the back fusion heals.  Since the way you walk can have a serious effect on your back I would say you should wait until you have been discharged and fully recovered from the back surgery.

Please send me some answers to the questions and any other helpful info.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com