Lisfranc Injuries

Lisfranc injuries are foot fractures that occur in about 1 out of every 55,000 Americans. At Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, in Austin and Bee Cave, Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Pedro E. Cosculluela, MD treats over 20 Lisfranc injury procedures each year. He offers minimally invasive and traditional open surgery to help patients return to their pre-injury levels of activity. Call the nearest office to request treatment for a Lisfranc injury today, or make an appointment online.

What are Lisfranc injuries?

A Lisfranc injury is a fracture that occurs in your midfoot. It happens when there’s damage to your Lisfranc joint –– a spot that connects your toes to the rest of your foot.

If you sustain a Lisfranc injury, it’s vital to seek treatment. The Lisfranc joint is an area where various bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves meet. It is also an area that is vital for stability of the arch of the foot. As a result, damage may affect your mobility and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Lisfranc injuries?

Symptoms of Lisfranc injuries include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the side or bottom of your foot
• Difficulty putting weight on your foot

If you have any of these symptoms and they don’t improve with rest, ice, or anti-inflammatory medication, contact Austin Foot & Ankle Institute.

How are Lisfranc injuries diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your health charts and asks about your injury, including what you were doing when it occurred, what position your foot was in, and what the pain feels like. 

Next, they examine your foot, heel, and ankle, checking for redness, bruising, or swelling. They may gently presses on your foot to pinpoint sensitive areas and has you walk back and forth a few times.

Standing radiographs of the foot will be performed during your visit to look for fractures and assess the stability of the arch. Last, your doctor may order diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs, to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your feet. Imaging determines the severity of your fracture and helps guide treatment.

How are Lisfranc injuries treated?

Treatment of Lisfranc injuries depends on the severity of the fracture and your general health. Dr. Cosculluela might recommend:

Non-surgical treatment

If you have a minor Lisfranc injury, Dr. Cosculluela prescribes immobilization with a boot or a cast. Immobilizing your foot reduces stress on your Lisfranc area and keeps you from putting weight on it. 

After wearing the cast for six or eight weeks, you return to Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. Dr. Cosculluela then takes X-rays to monitor your treatment progress. If the area is healed, you begin weight bearing and physical therapy.

Surgery

More serious Lisfranc injuries often require surgery. During surgery, Dr. Cosculluela inserts pins, plates, and screws into your foot. These devices hold your bones and soft tissues together, allowing the Lisfranc area to heal. 

After surgery, you wear a cast or a boot for several months and then enroll in physical therapy.

Call the nearest Austin Foot & Ankle Institute to receive treatment for a Lisfranc injury today, or make an appointment online.