Lisfranc Injury
Comprehensive diagnosis, symptoms, causes, and treatment options
What is Lisfranc Injury?
A Lisfranc injury involves damage to the midfoot joints and ligaments that stabilize the arch and connect the forefoot to the hindfoot. Often subtle yet potentially serious, these injuries require early expert diagnosis to prevent long-term pain, deformity, and arthritis.
Symptoms
- Midfoot pain and swelling, worsened with standing or walking
- Pain during push-off or weight-bearing
- Bruising on the sole of the foot (a classic sign)
- Difficulty walking or inability to bear weight
- Progressive midfoot instability if untreated
Causes
- Twisting injuries of the foot
- Falls from height or missteps on uneven surfaces
- Sports-related trauma, especially contact sports
- Road traffic accidents or heavy object impact
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on injury severity and joint stability.
Non-Surgical Management
Only in stable injuries diagnosed on weight bearing radiographs or CT scan
Immobilization with cast or walking boot for stable injuries
Strict non-weight-bearing during early healing
Gradual, guided rehabilitation
Surgical Solutions
Unstable or displaced injuries often require:
Precision fixation of midfoot joints
Primary fusion in select severe injuries
Restoration of anatomical alignment to prevent arthritis