LAUSR

Conservative treatment is generally successful in treating early tarsometatarsal joint arthritis. However, if such treatment fails, invasive arthrodesis or arthroplasty may be needed. Arthroscopy is a less invasive alternative and can provide a precise diagnosis of early osteoarthritis or cartilage injury. Furthermore, arthroscopic treatments such as microfracture, chondroplasty, or loose-body removal are expected to delay progression of the osteoarthritis. We describe a 52-year-old man with early tarsometatarsal joint arthritis after calcaneal fracture healing who underwent a successful arthroscopic microfracture for cartilage defects. Arthroscopic findings show cartilage defects on the fourth and fifth tarsometatarsal joints. The patient underwent shaving and microfracture. The patient continues to experience effective symptom relief 3 months after surgery.