Misdiagnosed Injuries May Result in Long-Term Disabilities

The results of a new clinical review study show the importance of obtaining a second opinion, and additional imaging for misdiagnosed foot and ankle injuries.

The study mentioned six common foot and ankle injuries that when misdiagnosed can result in arthritis, chronic pain and other disabilities with problematic long-term outcomes for patients.

The research was carried out by orthopedic surgeons and was published in the February 2017, issue of the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. The surgeons found that subtle details could complicate the identification and treatment of lateral talar process fractures (snowboarder's fracture), and other foot and ankle injuries. Every year there are more than 3 million visits to emergency rooms in the US for common ankle, and foot injuries. The research results showed that snowboarder's fractures, turf toe, and Lisfranc injuries can result in future arthritis, severe pain and disability, even several years after injury.

Lead author of the study, Jessica Reissig, DO, Department of Orthopedics, Plainview Hospital, said, "These types of trauma are a clinically significant source of morbidity and long-term disability among patients, not just those who are elite athletes. In many cases, the clinical symptoms are vague and tough to detect with standard imaging. As an osteopathic physician, I view treatment of foot and ankle injuries as acute and preventative care because a mismanaged injury leads to so many future problems for patients."