What You Need to Know About Lisfranc Joint Injuries
What You Need to Know About Lisfranc Joint Injuries
The Big Picture
The Lisfranc joint injury might sound rare, but missing it can lead to serious problems like arthritis and long-term pain. Understanding its causes and symptoms can help in early recognition and treatment.
Contents
- Meet the Lisfranc Joint
- How Do Injuries Occur?
- Symptoms to Watch For
Meet the Lisfranc Joint
The Lisfranc joint is where several bones in your midfoot connect, named after a French surgeon who described an amputation here. It's a complex area with multiple bones and ligaments working together to support your foot. Injuries can happen here due to falls, sports, or accidents, often leading to misdiagnosis.
How Do Injuries Occur?
Lisfranc injuries can result from both direct and indirect trauma. They often occur when the foot is bent downward and twisted, like when missing a step or during certain sports. Although high-energy accidents like car crashes can cause these injuries, most cases result from low-energy incidents like simple falls.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you have a Lisfranc injury, you might experience severe midfoot pain and swelling. You probably won't be able to put weight on the foot, and you may notice bruising on the sole. These symptoms often point to a significant injury that needs medical attention.
FAQs
What is the Lisfranc joint?
It's a complex area in the midfoot where several bones and ligaments meet.
How common are Lisfranc injuries?
They are quite rare but often missed, leading to long-term issues.
What causes Lisfranc injuries?
They can occur from falls, sports, or car accidents, often involving a twisted foot.
What are the symptoms?
Severe midfoot pain, swelling, and bruising on the sole are common signs.
Key Takeaways
Recognizing the signs of a Lisfranc injury early can prevent serious complications.
Additional References
- Court-Brown CM, Caesar B. Epidemiology of adult fractures: A review. Injury 2006; 37:691.
- Trevino SG, Kodros S. Controversies in tarsometatarsal injuries. Orthop Clin North Am 1995; 26:229.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.