Lisfranc Fracture: The Midfoot Injury That Packs a Punch

Lisfranc Fracture: The Midfoot Injury That Packs a Punch

Ever heard of a Lisfranc fracture? No, it’s not a new dance craze or a fancy French pastry—it’s actually a pretty serious foot injury. Named after a French surgeon from the Napoleonic era (yes, you read that right), this injury is rare but can be a real game-changer if not treated properly. Let’s break down what a Lisfranc fracture is, how to spot it, and what you can do about it.

What Is a Lisfranc Fracture?

Named after the 19th-century French surgeon and gynecologist who first described it, a Lisfranc fracture involves a serious injury to the midfoot—specifically the Lisfranc joint, where the metatarsal bones meet the bones of the midfoot. While it only makes up about 0.2% of all fractures, it’s notorious for being tricky to diagnose. In fact, up to 20% of Lisfranc injuries are either missed or diagnosed too late.

Symptoms: What to Watch For

Lisfranc fractures can be high-energy or low-energy injuries, and they come with their own set of symptoms:

• High-Energy Injuries: If you’ve had a traffic accident or a heavy blow to the foot, you might experience severe pain, swelling, and deformities. Walking will be nearly impossible, and you might also have soft tissue or neurovascular damage.
• Low-Energy Injuries: These are often subtler. You might feel or hear a ‘pop’ in the midfoot, followed by pain and swelling. Surprisingly, you might still be able to walk on it initially, but the pain could increase when you bear weight.

What Causes a Lisfranc Fracture?

Lisfranc fractures typically happen from significant impact or trauma. Think sports collisions or a harsh landing from a jump. If the foot twists forcefully or if there’s a heavy impact, the bones or ligaments in the Lisfranc joint can get overstressed or damaged. It’s like putting too much pressure on a weak spot—something’s gotta give!

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

When it comes to Lisfranc fractures, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery. Treatment usually starts with immobilization to let the bones and ligaments heal. Once the initial healing has taken place, a physiotherapist will guide you through a progressive rehabilitation plan to restore strength, balance, and mobility. Given the complexity of this injury, recovery can take several months, so patience is key!

Self-Help Tips

While you’re on the mend, here are some self-care tips to manage pain and support your recovery:

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help with pain and swelling.
• Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured foot as much as possible.
• Support: Keep your foot elevated and use ice packs to reduce swelling.

When to Seek Professional Help

A Lisfranc fracture is no small matter. If you suspect you have one, seek medical attention immediately. If the injury is left untreated or improperly managed, it can lead to long-term issues like progressive deformity, instability, and even post-traumatic osteoarthritis. For displaced or unstable injuries, surgery might be necessary to properly realign and stabilize the bones.

If you’re dealing with a Lisfranc injury or just want to make sure your recovery is on the right track, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help guide you through every step of the healing process and get you back on your feet.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call. Let’s get you back to walking without wincing and enjoying life’s adventures—foot pain free!