Morphology of the Lisfranc Joint Complex

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Lisfranc injuries are complex tarsometatarsal joint injuries with frequent complications.
• Existing documentation of Lisfranc joint anatomy and injury is inconsistent.
• The Lisfranc joint complex includes specific bones and ligaments crucial for foot stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the detailed morphology of the Lisfranc joint complex in cadavers.
• To document variations in the dorsal, interosseous, and plantar Lisfranc ligaments.
• To explore potential correlations between ligament morphology and injury susceptibility.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of 22 embalmed cadaveric feet (13 male, 9 female; age 80.3 ± 14.03 years).
• Isolation and measurement of the bones and ligaments of the Lisfranc joint complex.
• Detailed morphological assessment of the dorsal, interosseous, and plantar Lisfranc ligaments.

Main Results:

• All three Lisfranc ligaments (dorsal, interosseous, plantar) were consistently present.
• The dorsal Lisfranc ligament exhibited consistent morphology (mean thickness 10.8 mm).
• The plantar Lisfranc ligament showed significant variability (Y-variant, fan-shaped variant).
• The interosseous Lisfranc ligament was thickest (mean 13.74 mm), while the dorsal was thinnest (mean 1.36 mm).
• A connection between the interosseous and plantar ligaments was observed in 11/17 specimens.

Conclusions:

• Lisfranc ligament morphology, especially the plantar and interosseous ligaments, displays considerable variation.
• These anatomical variations may contribute to the risk of Lisfranc joint injuries.
• Further research is needed to understand the role of these variations and arthritis in uninjured Lisfranc joints.