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Lisfranc (Midfoot) Injury

What is a Lisfranc Injury?

The tarsometatarsal joint or Lisfranc joint is the region in the middle of the foot formed by the articulation of the tarsal bones (a cluster of seven bones) and metatarsal bones (a group of five long bones). This region supports the arch of the foot. Lisfranc or midfoot fractures are breaks in the bones of the midfoot. They also involve torn ligaments that support the midfoot. The injury can be simple or complex, involving many bones and joints of the midfoot. A Lisfranc injury is sometimes mistaken for a sprain in the foot when you twist your leg and fall.

Causes

A Lisfranc injury can occur due to the twisting of the foot (low-energy injury), a fall from a height or a traumatic motor accident (high-energy injury).

Symptoms

Lisfranc injuries are characterized by pain and the inability to bear weight. The appearance of bruises and swelling on the bottom of the midfoot are commonly observed symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will first examine the physical condition of the foot by inspection and palpation (feeling), then order X-rays, CT or MRI scans to provide more information about your condition.

Treatment

The early stages of injury can be treated with rest, application of ice, elevation of your foot, NSAIDs (to help with pain and inflammation) and immobilization. The bones may be surgically aligned in their correct position and held with screws and pins, or a tarsometatarsal joint fusion may be recommended if all nonsurgical procedures fail to show efficacy in treating the injury.

  • The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • American Association of Hand Surgery
  • American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
  • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery
  • Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Sentara
  • Sentara
  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
  • 5801 Harbour View Blvd
    Suite 200
    Suffolk, VA 23435

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

  • 501 Discovery Drive
    Chesapeake, VA 23320

    Monday-Friday
    8am-5pm

  • 150 Burnett’s Way
    Suite 100
    Suffolk, VA 23434

    Monday-Friday 8am-5pm