What Is a Lisfranc Injury?

The Lisfranc joint is located in the middle of your foot. It is where the long toe bones and the arch bones are connected by a thick band of tissue known as the Lisfranc ligament. This joint is what keeps your foot aligned. An injury to this area can severely impact your foot’s function and strength. 

Types and Symptoms of a Lisfranc Injury

The Lisfranc joint is a critical part of the midfoot, which works to stabilize your gait and the structure of your arch. 

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint are usually the result of a forceful impact. This could be a direct (car accident or something falling onto the foot) or indirect (twisting the foot or stumbling) impact, and can often be mistaken for a simple sprain. 

Symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include:

  • Swelling on the top of the foot

  • Midfoot pain

  • Difficulty or inability to bear weight

  • Bruising or discoloration in the arch

  • Blistering in the arch or top of the foot

  • Unnatural widening of the foot

While the Lisfranc ligament can be sprained, the area can also:

  • Fracture

  • Rupture 

  • Dislocate

  • Have multiple injuries at once

The majority of Lisfranc injuries affect the cartilage, which is what allows the joints in the midfoot to move smoothly.

No matter what type of Lisfranc injury you have, it’s important to have an orthopaedic foot expert examine and formally diagnose the issue. If left untreated, a Lisfranc injury could lead to further orthopaedic issues down the line, including a collapsed arch and arthritis of the midfoot.

Treating a Lisfranc Injury

After discussing your medical history, symptoms, and examining the injured area, Dr. Elton and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will formally diagnose your condition. Part of this process could include physical manipulation of the foot or imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI.

Treatment for a Lisfranc injury depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Dr. Elton and his team will only recommend surgery if the injury is unable to be treated conservatively.

Nonsurgical treatment for a Lisfranc Injury includes:

  • Ice and elevation

  • Anti-inflammatory medication

  • Wearing a cast or boot

  • Keeping weight off the injured foot

  • Physical therapy

  • At home exercise regime 

Surgery for a mild Lisfranc injury, such as a sprain, is rare, but if bones in the joint are dislocated or broken, surgery may be required to reverse the damage. This is typically done as an internal fixation. During this procedure, Dr. Elton will reposition the bones correctly and hold the foot in proper alignment in place with screws or plates. This hardware may be removed at a later date.

In rare cases, the Lisfranc injury is so severe that the damage cannot be repaired. Dr. Elton may then discuss foot fusion as an alternative treatment plan. 

The goal of Lisfranc surgery is to realign the joints, return the bones to a normal position, and get the patient back to the activities they love. Dr. Elton will discuss all treatment options with the patient, working with them to design a customized recovery plan that fits their lifestyle.

Midfoot Pain? Contact Team Elton Today!

If you are experiencing pain or discoloration in the midfoot, contact Team Elton today! 

Dr. Elton is a Harvard-trained, patient-focused orthopaedic foot and ankle expert practicing in Eagle and Summit County. Dedicated to serving his patients, Dr. Elton and his team will work with you to diagnose your issue and get you back on your feet!

Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-7220 or request a consultation via Dr. Elton’s website. 

Foot InjuriesRachael ProtasFoot Injuries