Lisfranc Stabilisation

Surgical Treatments for Unstable Lisfranc Midfoot Injury

Before reading this page, please see Lisfranc Midfoot Injury under the FOOT menu for more information.

There are two surgical treatments for an unstable Lisfranc midfoot injury:

Lisfranc stabilisation (see images)
midfoot fusion (see Midfoot and Hindfoot Fusion for more information).

Most people undergo Lisfranc stabilisation.

Fusion is required for injuries with severe joint damage and pre-existing arthritis.

Lisfranc stabilisation scar
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Lisfranc stabilisation plate
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Xray - Lisfranc reduction
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Xray - Lisfranc stabilisation plate
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Lisfranc Stabilisation

This surgical procedure involves reducing the midfoot joints and holding them stable until healing occurs.

Strong suture material (Arthrex Lisfranc Internal Brace) or a plate and screws is inserted. The pattern of injury determines what is used.

Plate fixation is stronger than suture fixation but requires plate removal 4 to 6 months after insertion.

Surgery:

is Day Surgery or a one night stay in hospital
requires a general anaesthetic in most people
takes 30 to 45 minutes.

First 2 weeks:

bandage
post-op shoe or "moon-boot"
touch weight bearing on the heel only
crutches or frame
rest, elevation and ice (RICE)
ankle and foot movements
post-operative appointment.

Next 4 weeks:

sports shoe or "moon-boot"
crutches
RICE as needed
exercise bike and pool-based activities
post-operative appointment +/- X-rays.

Next 3 months:

shoes with insoles or orthotics
physiotherapy-guided rehab program
return to sports specific training.

4 to 6 months after surgery:

removal of plate (Day Surgery).

Benefits and risks:

most people are helped by this surgery
final recovery takes 18 months in severe injury
midfoot osteo-arthritis can develop even after Lisfranc stabilisation.

Consequences and complications:

driving restrictions (2 to 8 weeks)
numbness between the big and second toe is common after surgery
midfoot swelling and stiffness is usually present until the plate and screws are removed
see General Information about Surgery.

IMPORTANT

If you have any questions about your planned procedure, contact Dr Beamond before the day of surgery.

The information on this page is of a general nature and does not replace the informed consent process. Other consequences and risks specific (material) to the individual must be discussed prior to surgery.