Lisfranc Injury
The LIsfranc injury is an injury to the Lisfranc joint. THis joint is between the metatarsal bones (long bone behind the toes), and the tarsal bones (bones in the ach). The joint covered my multiple bands of tissue to hold it in place. Injury to these bands of tissue will cause instability of the foot.
Injury to the Lisfranc joint commonly occurs in automobile accidents, military personnel, runners, horseback riders, football players. The injury can also occur as simple as missing a step on a staircase. These injuries all occur from direct or indirect forces to the foot.
Types:
There are 3 types of Lisfranc injuries. Sprain of the ligaments around the Lisfranc joint is the least severe of the 3 types. Patients might experience instability of the joint in the middle of the foot. Fracture of the bone in the joint can either be an avulsion (a small piece of bone is pulled off) or complete break of the bone in the midfoot. Lastly, dislocation of the bone in the LIsfranc joint from external forces, which focus the midfoot out of the normal anatomical position. These types of injuries often are accompanied by torned ligaments.
Symptoms:
Patients who suffer Lisfranc injuries experience swelling of the foot, pain throughout the midfoot when standing. In severe injuries, patients are not able to bear weight. The foot might appear bruised on the arch, or top of the foot. Lastly, the foot might appear widened.
Diagnosis:
Lisfranc injury can sometimes be misdiagnosed as ankle sprains. Complete history with a comprehensive physical exam is important. The location of the deformity and pain can assist with the diagnosis. X ray or CT scan of the foot can offer a closer look at the deformity.
Treatments:
Conservative treatment of Lisfranc injury is reserved for mild cases of the injury. These can include the following;
Surgery is required if the symptoms do not improve after conservative treatment, or there is ligament tear, or fractures.
The LIsfranc injury is an injury to the Lisfranc joint. THis joint is between the metatarsal bones (long bone behind the toes), and the tarsal bones (bones in the ach). The joint covered my multiple bands of tissue to hold it in place. Injury to these bands of tissue will cause instability of the foot.
Injury to the Lisfranc joint commonly occurs in automobile accidents, military personnel, runners, horseback riders, football players. The injury can also occur as simple as missing a step on a staircase. These injuries all occur from direct or indirect forces to the foot.
Types:
There are 3 types of Lisfranc injuries. Sprain of the ligaments around the Lisfranc joint is the least severe of the 3 types. Patients might experience instability of the joint in the middle of the foot. Fracture of the bone in the joint can either be an avulsion (a small piece of bone is pulled off) or complete break of the bone in the midfoot. Lastly, dislocation of the bone in the LIsfranc joint from external forces, which focus the midfoot out of the normal anatomical position. These types of injuries often are accompanied by torned ligaments.
Symptoms:
Patients who suffer Lisfranc injuries experience swelling of the foot, pain throughout the midfoot when standing. In severe injuries, patients are not able to bear weight. The foot might appear bruised on the arch, or top of the foot. Lastly, the foot might appear widened.
Diagnosis:
Lisfranc injury can sometimes be misdiagnosed as ankle sprains. Complete history with a comprehensive physical exam is important. The location of the deformity and pain can assist with the diagnosis. X ray or CT scan of the foot can offer a closer look at the deformity.
Treatments:
Conservative treatment of Lisfranc injury is reserved for mild cases of the injury. These can include the following;
- Immobilization. Sometimes the foot is placed in a cast to keep it immobile, and crutches are used to avoid putting weight on the injured foot.
- Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Ice and elevation. Swelling is reduced by icing the affected area and keeping the foot elevated, as described above.
- Physical therapy. After the swelling and pain have subsided, physical therapy may be prescribed.
Surgery is required if the symptoms do not improve after conservative treatment, or there is ligament tear, or fractures.