Tarsometatarsal reconstruction is common after a traumatic event as joint pain develops and progresses to chronic arthritis. Often, the surgeon elects to reconstruct the foot, performing arthrodesis of the medial, middle, and lateral columns. However, debate exists regarding whether lateral column reconstruction should consist of arthrodesis or arthroplasty at this joint level. This is attributed to the greater amount of motion present to the lateral versus the medial and middle columns. Although many sources advocate joint salvage through arthroplasty, few techniques are described in the literature as to how to accomplish this. We present a review of the literature pertaining to lateral column arthroplasty as well as a technique performed by the authors utilizing a tensor fascia lata allograft as an interpositional spacer after joint resection. The senior author has used this technique with great success for many years.
Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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