Lisfranc injuries in the athlete

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint in the athlete comprise a very small proportion of tarsometatarsal injuries and are unique in several different ways. The energy involved appears to be on a much smaller order of magnitude than more commonly encountered injuries leading to obvious fracture and dislocation. Second metatarsal subluxation with diastasis between the first and second metatarsal tends to be the most commonly encountered injury; however, the true extent of injury cannot be based solely on the amount of diastasis present. Lateral weight-bearing radiographs facilitate evaluation of the normal medial cuneiform-fifth metatarsal relationship, which when disrupted indicates an injury more significant than a simple sprain and the possible need for open reduction and internal fixation. Finally, the restoration of this normal radiographic relationship between the medial cuneiform and fifth metatarsal on lateral weight-bearing views correlates well with the prognosis for achieving an asymptomatic, well-functioning foot, allowing a return to a competitive level of athletic participation.