Diagnosis of Lisfranc Injuries Often Missed: MD Podiatrist
According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “A rash of foot injuries have occurred over the last few years to several high profile athletes. A sizable percentage of them not only missed considerable playing time but some never returned to prior levels of performance. The injury being referenced here occurs frequently in football but can occur to your average Joe. The joint and ligament involved in this are the Lisfranc ligament and joint. Named after a French physician who studied this part of the body, the ligament runs from the base of the 2nd metatarsal bone over towards the bone that abuts the base of the 1st. This structure helps to secure the forefoot, which is basically the metatarsal bones, to the middle part of the foot. Consequently, the Lisfranc ligament is very important in stabilizing the arch of your foot.
“With just the right sharp, sudden twisting motion of the foot, like those made while engaged in the sport of football, the Lisfranc ligament can be damaged. With this specific motion, with considerable forces involved, the ligament may be stretched, torn, or otherwise damaged. Or a tiny piece of the metatarsal bone can be pulled off. A significant fracture or disarticulation will more than likely require surgical intervention. This is not an insignificant operation and usually requires screws, wires, or plates to secure the bones. The rehabilitation process to recover from this surgery can take many months, often half a year, with no weight-bearing allowed for almost two months.