Chronic Сhopart's joint dislocation and its treatment with the Ilizarov external fixator: a case report and literature review

Background Chronic Chopart dislocation is one of the causes of acquired painful flat foot, which is treated by midtarsal arthrodesis causing limitation of movement and smaller-sized foot. Gradual reduction based on the principles of аrthrodiastasis using the Ilizarov external fixator is used for treating chronic Chopart dislocation. The case and method Twenty-two year-old male presented with painful right flat foot fourteen months after a motor vehicle accident. Gradual reduction was used for the chronically dislocated Chopart’s joint by arthrodiastasis using the Ilizarov external fixator. Result The follow-up result after four years is presented. The longitudinal arch of the foot recovered and the foot is painless with full range of movements; the size of the foot is preserved. Conclusion Treatment of chronic Chopart dislocation by arthrodiastasis using the Ilizarov external fixator is a preferred method of treatment as the size of the foot will be preserved , movement of the joint will not be restricted, the joint will be painless. There is no need for thromboprophylaxis, no chance of compartment syndrome and less operation time in comparison to arthrodesis.