Lisfranc Injury

A Lisfranc injury occurs in the midfoot, where the five long metatarsal bones that extend back from the base of your toes meet the small tarsal bones that sit in front of your ankle area. It includes a range of injuries and encompasses any combination of sprained ligaments, fractures, or dislocations affecting the Lisfranc joint complex.

The degree of discomfort and debilitation produced by a Lisfranc injury depends upon the extent of the damage and number of ligaments, bones, and joints involved. Because the midfoot endures up to 2-3 times a person’s body weight while stabilizing the arch and transferring force from the lower leg muscles to the front of the foot, a Lisfranc injury can have significant consequences.

What causes this type of injury?

A Lisfranc injury may be caused by anything from a twist and fall to sports-related trauma, an automobile accident, or something heavy landing on the foot. Besides the various combinations of bone, joint, and ligament disruption, a Lisfranc injury can damage the cartilage covering the bones.

What are the signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury?

Signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include the following:

• Pain in the midfoot and tenderness to touch
• Swelling or deformity
• Inability to bear weight
• Bruising or blistering on the arch. Bruising on the top of the arch

Diagnosis and Care

Since a Lisfranc injury might be mistaken for a simple sprain, it’s essential to see a skilled and experienced foot and ankle surgeon for a precise diagnosis and care. Stable injuries without fractures or dislocations that only involve stretched or partially torn ligaments may get treated non-surgically. However, more complex Lisfranc injuries with ligament damage, fractures, and dislocations typically require surgical intervention to realign the bones, reattach any pieces of bone, and repair the ligaments.

As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders, Dr. J. Turner Vosseller offers the latest and most effective methods of care to address a Lisfranc injury, alleviate pain, and restore optimal function.

Personalized Care

From an Experienced Orthopaedist