A Lisfranc joint injury occurs in the middle region of the foot, and can affect the bones or the ligaments in that area.
The Lisfranc joint is located in the middle of the foot, creating the arch. There are many small bones and ligaments that make up this joint. Because of this, an injury that damages even one bone or ligament in this region can affect several others.
A Lisfranc joint injury may be caused by a sprain of the main supportive ligament in this region, known as the oblique interosseous ligament. Unlike a simple sprain, an injury to the oblique interosseous ligament can be more serious and lingering. An injury to the middle of the foot may also cause a dislocation of the Lisfranc joint. One or more bones may also break at the area where they connect at the Lisfranc area. A Lisfranc joint injury may be caused by a direct impact to the region, such as during a car accident. An injury to the middle of the foot may also occur from indirect impact, such as during a fall when there is also a twisting of the foot.
If a Lisfranc joint injury is left untreated, the bones may heal improperly, resulting in some deformation of the foot.
Arthritis is a common complication that can occur with Lisfranc joint injury — even if you have the condition treated and any surgery completed is successful. If there is chronic pain in the middle foot area, even after surgery, fusion surgery may be necessary. This will reduce the range of motion in the foot but will help to reduce the pain.
In many cases, the issue can be treated conservatively with rest and NSAID medications to reduce the pain. You might also keep your foot elevated as much as possible and use ice as directed by your medical provider. Your physician may order a cast be worn on the foot for six weeks. During this time, you will not be allowed to put any pressure on the affected foot, so you may have to use crutches or another type of walking aid. After six weeks, a walking cast or other orthotic device may be used. You might also be required to go to physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion following any immobilization.
If any bones are broken or there is severe damage to ligaments causing dislocation within the joint complex, surgery might be necessary. The affected bones might be realigned to their proper position and then fixed in place through the use of screws and plates. This hardware will typically be removed at a later date to allow for full movement of the foot. If the damage is severe, bones may be fused together. Either way, there will be a recovery period following the surgery that may include rehabilitation therapy. You will most likely wear a cast and avoid putting pressure on the foot for 6-8 weeks before moving forward with therapy.
Foot & Ankle Specialty Group is a podiatry office in Rancho Santa Margarita and Newport Beach that has been serving the community since 2001. Founded by American Board of Podiatric Surgery Fellowship member Dr. Salma Aziz, D.P.M, M.S., our modern, family-friendly practice is about getting people back to activity. Along with Dr. Aziz, our team includes Dr. Petrina Yokay and Dr. Jessica Arneson. We are a professional, nurturing female surgeon group focusing on healing the foot and ankle of injuries and conditions. To learn how we can help you, we invite you to contact our office.
