Lisfranc (Midfoot) Fractures

Common Causes of Lisfranc Fractures

Midfoot fractures are more common in those who participate in sports such as sprinting, running and football. They call also occur as a result of:

• Car accidents.
• Direct force, such as something heavy being dropped onto the foot.
• Indirect force to the midfoot, such as missing a step or tripping off a curb.

Symptoms of a Midfoot Fracture

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint may result in one or more of the following symptoms:

• Swelling and/or bruising on the top of the foot.
• Pain in the midfoot when weight-bearing or when pressure is applied.
• Bruising or blistering on the arch of the foot.

Anyone with symptoms of a Lisfranc injury should be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the joint. In the meantime, the foot should be kept elevated and iced every 20 minutes to help keep the swelling and pain under control.

Diagnosis & Treatment

An accurate diagnosis of a Lisfranc injury is essential for the right treatment plan. In addition to a physical exam of the foot, your orthopedic specialist will take a medical history and ask for details about how the injury occurred. X-rays and other imaging studies are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the injury.

Nonsurgical treatments may include:

• Immobilization with a cast or medical boot. The use of crutches may be recommended to avoid placing weight on the injured foot.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Icing. If the foot is not casted, icing the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time can reduce pain and swelling.
• Elevation. Keep the foot elevated at hip level or above.
• Physical therapy.

In some cases, surgery will be necessary to repair the joint.