Lisfranc Lesion

Lisfranc injury is named after Jacques Lisfranc de Saint-Martin, a French field surgeon during the Napoleonic wars, and refers to an injury to the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints of the midfoot. Thus, lesions of the TMT joint complex are popularly known as Lisfranc injuries and represent a heterogeneous group of injuries. Although a Lisfranc injury can involve multiple parts of the tarsometatarsal joint, the specific Lisfranc ligament is an isolated ligament that connects the medial cuneiform to the second metatarsal. Joint injuries can range from complete TMT dislocation with associated fractures and ligament tears to partial sprains without dislocation. Fractures of the tarsals or metatarsals without TMT joint subluxation should not be labeled as Lisfranc injuries. Growing awareness of the great potential for long-term disability associated with these injuries has increased the index of suspicion in their identification. It is important to recognize these injuries early and start treatment immediately, as failure to recognize and treat them could lead to midfoot arthritis, chronic pain, and functional instability. Still, even when the injury is recognized and treated, there is a significant likelihood of chronic disability and complications.