Tape-Fixation for the Treatment of a Dorsal Boss in Lisfranc Joints of an Elderly Patient

A dorsal boss, also known as a tarsal boss, is a bony prominence often associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints, leading to significant pain and a reduced quality of life (QOL) in elderly individuals. This condition frequently forces patients to abandon recreational activities and is typically resistant to conservative treatments. This report details a successful surgical intervention in an 83-year-old female patient with a dorsal boss and OA of the TMT joint, which involved osteophyte excision and semi-rigid fixation using ligament tape with an absorbable screw (Arthrex, Inc., Florida, USA). Post-surgery, the patient, who had experienced pain and deformity in the dorsal region of her right foot, showed significant improvement and returned to playing golf three months later. This case underscores the significance of considering a semi-rigid, flexible dorsal fixation approach in elderly patients with dorsal bosses and associated joint instability while preserving joint surfaces and facilitating early reintegration into society. The patient's favorable outcome highlights the potential advantages of this surgical method, particularly in managing dorsal boss cases that are resistant to conservative treatment.