Lisfranc fracture-dislocations: report of two cases

Lisfranc fracture-dislocation is a rare but sometimes dramatic injury, most commonly associated with motor vehicle and industrial accidents, and falls from heights. Radiographic examination is a crucial point in the work-up of these patients. The most common findings on plain radiographs are separation of the bases of the first and second metatarsals and the "fleck" sign, a bony fragment resulting from a fracture of the base of the first or second metatarsal. These fractures are demonstrated in the two cases presented. We conclude that these lesions can usually be diagnosed with plain radiographs if scrupulous attention is paid when evaluating the normal anatomic alignments. Computed tomography should be reserved for equivocal cases.