Lisfranc Injuries Explained By Our Albuquerque Podiatrist

Think You Have a Foot Fracture?

Lisfranc fractures are complex injuries affecting the midfoot, specifically the area where the metatarsal bones connect to the tarsal bones. At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Specialists in Albuquerque, we see these injuries resulting from high-energy trauma, sports accidents, or severe twisting of the foot. Symptoms include severe midfoot pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. These fractures can be easily misdiagnosed as simple sprains, making professional evaluation crucial.

Treatment may involve non-surgical methods for minor injuries but often requires surgery to align and stabilize the affected bones properly. Recovery can be lengthy, typically involving a non-weight-bearing period and extensive rehabilitation. Early and accurate diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications like chronic pain or arthritis. If you suspect a midfoot injury, we urge you to seek prompt evaluation to ensure the best possible outcome.

Lisfranc joint injuries are rare, complex and often misdiagnosed. Typical signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include pain, swelling and the inability to bear weight. Clinically, these injuries vary from mild sprains to fracture-dislocations. On physical examination, swelling is found primarily over the midfoot region.

The Lisfranc joint, or tarsometatarsal articulation of the foot, is named for Jacques Lisfranc (1790-1847), a field surgeon in Napoleon’s army.

Lisfranc described an amputation performed through this joint because of gangrene that developed after an injury incurred when a soldier fell off a horse with his foot caught in the stirrup. The incidence of Lisfranc joint fracture¬ dislocations is one case per 55,000 persons each year. Thus, these injuries account for fewer than 1 percent of all fractures. As many as 20 percent of Lisfranc joint injuries are missed on initial radiographs.

Causes of Lisfranc Joint Fractures

Lisfranc joint fracture¬dislocations and sprains can be caused by high-energy forces in motor vehicle crashes, industrial accidents and falls from high places.1 Occasionally, these injuries result from a less stressful mechanism, such as a twisting fall. Since Lisfranc joint fracture-dislocations and sprains carry a high risk of chronic secondary disability, podiatrists should maintain a high index of suspicion for these injuries in patients with foot injuries characterized by marked swelling, tarsometatarsal joint tenderness and the inability to bear weight.

Lisfranc joint complex injury can occur as a result of direct or indirect trauma. Direct trauma occurs when an external force strikes the foot. With indirect trauma, force is transmitted to the stationary foot so that the weight of the body becomes a deforming force by torque, rotation or compression.

How Does It Occur?

Lisfranc fractures typically result from:

High-energy trauma, such as car accidents or falls from height
Sports injuries, particularly in football and soccer players
Twisting injuries when the foot is planted and a rotational force is applied

Symptoms to Watch For

If you've suffered a Lisfranc fracture, you might experience:

Severe pain in the midfoot area
Swelling on the top of the foot
Bruising on both the top and bottom of the foot
Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
Widening of the foot
Pain that worsens with standing or walking

Treating Lisfranc Fractures

Early diagnosis of a Lisfranc joint injury is imperative for proper management and the prevention of a poor functional outcome. If surgical repair is warranted, it should be done within the first 12 to 24 hours after the injury. Alternatively, surgery can be performed after seven to 10 days to allow the reduction of swelling.

Reevaluation may be necessary if pain and swelling continue for 10 days after the injury. Proper treatment of a mild to moderate Lisfranc injury improves the chance of successful healing and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Speak With an Albuquerque Expert Podiatrist Today!

You might be confused and frustrated with your foot pain, but you can rest assured that we can help. Whether you require urgent care or want to schedule a routine checkup, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 505-880-1000 or through our online form on our website.

With experienced Albuquerque, NM podiatrists on staff, we are able to offer a wide range of podiatric services. We also specialize in heel pain, sports injuries, skin and toenail issues and many other podiatric conditions.