Lisfranc injuries in athletes: a review

Abstract

Lisfranc injuries remain one of the most potentially debilitating foot injuries, often resulting in long-term chronic pain, arthritis and a delayed return to work. About 20% of injuries sustained by athletes are in the foot, with midfoot injuries being the second most common type. About 3.5% of severe injuries in this category are career ending. Male athletes have a higher incidence of severe injuries, twice more likely needing surgery and three times more likely to end their career early. Female athletes have a high incidence of stress injuries due to the known ‘female athletic triad’ contributing to it. Low-energy injuries are often treated non-operatively. Severe injuries need operative management as well as metalwork removal in most cases later. The importance of early recognition, correct classification, whether to manage non-operatively and the postoperative rehabilitation are the key components of a chance to a good recovery and possible return to sports in athletes. As the diagnosis is similar for both athletes and non-athletes, this review will summarize the relatively little evidence on the epidemiology, management and outcomes for Lisfranc injuries in athletes.