A midfoot fracture, often referred to as a Lisfranc injury, is a serious injury that involves a fracture and/or dislocation of the midfoot, specifically the tarsometatarsal joints. These injuries disrupt the connection between the midfoot (bones of the arch) and the forefoot (bones of the toes).
Key Aspects of Midfoot Fractures:
Lisfranc Joint: The tarsometatarsal joints, collectively known as the Lisfranc joint, are the point of connection between the midfoot and forefoot.
Cause: Midfoot fractures are often caused by high-impact injuries, such as falls, direct blows, or twisting forces on the foot, especially in a plantar flexed position (foot pointed down).
Symptoms: Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising (especially on the bottom of the foot), and difficulty putting weight on the injured foot. The pain may intensify with movement or attempts to push off.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves X-rays and potentially CT scans to assess the extent of the fracture and any dislocations.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Mild cases may be managed with immobilization in a cast or boot, while more severe cases may require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the joints