What is a Lisfranc Injury?
The midfoot region of your foot contains a cluster of bones and ligaments called the Lisfranc joint complex, which connects the midfoot and forefoot. A Lisfranc injury occurs when this midfoot cluster suffers a bone break or torn ligament. While many injuries are severe, others are more simplistic. Either way, they are a midfoot menace.
Who is Most at Risk?
While anyone can injure the midfoot, those who commonly suffer from these types of injuries are soccer and football players. They can also occur when you accidentally stumble. Another common way to injure your midfoot is by falling from a tall structure like a ladder, off a roof or a scaffold.
What Types of Injuries Occur?
The types of injuries include:
- bruising
- sprains
- fracture
- multiple fractures
- joint dislocation
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a Lisfranc injury are:
- swollen and painful area on top of the foot
- bruising on the bottom of the foot
- worsening pain when you stand, walk, or push off the foot
What are the Treatment Options?
Depending on the severity of the injury, the following treatments may be required:
- For sprains, it is recommended that you rest, ice, and elevate the foot. However, if this does not relieve the swelling or the pain, you will need to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.
- You might have to wear a cast or boot for approximately six weeks and avoid putting any weight at all on your injured foot.
- For fractures or joint dislocations, there are two surgery procedures that are the most likely necessary treatment options:
- Internal fixation: With the use of plates or screws, the midfoot bones are repositioned back into their correct position. These plates and screws may be removed within three to five months after surgery.
- Fusion: For severe injuries, with unrepairable damage, the bones will be fused together, allowing them to heal.
- For either of these surgical procedures, a six to eight-week time period of bearing no weight on the foot will be needed.
We don’t often think about the middle of our feet as being injury-prone, and instead, focus on the heel or toes. However, a Lisfranc Injury can stop you in your tracks and keep you stopped for quite a while. If you are currently experiencing midfoot pain or swelling, contact us immediately. Let our expert orthopedic surgeons get you back to walking and doing the activities you enjoy.