The Lisfranc Joint

What is The Lisfranc Joint?

The Lisfranc joint is the point at which the metatarsal bones (long bones that lead up to the toes) and the tarsal bones (bones in the arch) connect. The Lisfranc ligament is a tough band of tissue that joins two of these bones. This is important for maintaining proper alignment and strength of the joint.

Causes

How Do Lisfranc Injuries Occur?

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint most commonly occur in automobile accident victims, military personnel, runners, horseback riders, football players and participants of other contact sports, or something as simple as missing a step on a staircase.


Types of Lisfranc Injuries

There are three types of Lisfranc injuries, which sometimes occur together: sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a Lisfranc injury may include:


  • Swelling.
  • Pain in the midfoot.
  • Inability to bear weight 
  • Bruising or blistering on the arch.
  • Abnormal widening of the foot.

Diagnosis

Lisfranc injuries are sometimes mistaken for ankle sprains, making the diagnostic process very important. To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about how the injury occurred and will examine the foot to determine the severity of the injury.


X-rays and other imaging studies may be necessary to fully evaluate the extent of the injury. The surgeon may also perform an additional examination while the patient is under anaesthesia to further evaluate a fracture or weakening of the joint and surrounding bones.

Non-surgical Treatment

If you are unable to see a foot and ankle surgeon immediately, you should stay off the injured foot, keep it elevated and apply a bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel to the area every 20 minutes of each waking hour. Treatment by the foot and ankle surgeon may also include one or more of the following, depending on the type and severity of the Lisfranc injury:


  • Immobilization. 
  • Oral medications.
  • Physical therapy. 

When is Surgery Needed?

Lisfranc injuries are sometimes mistaken for ankle sprains, making the diagnostic process very important. To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about how the injury occurred and will examine the foot to determine the severity of the injury.


X-rays and other imaging studies may be necessary to fully evaluate the extent of the injury. The surgeon may also perform an additional examination while the patient is under anaesthesia to further evaluate a fracture or weakening of the joint and surrounding bones.

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