Guide Note

The Lisfranc joint is the joint just above the arch of the foot, between the tarsal and metatarsal bones. There is a Lisfranc ligament underneath the joint which holds the bones together. The joint was named after Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, a French surgeon in Napolean's army.^{1 2}

Fast Facts

1. Injuries of the joint are rare³
2. Lisfranc injuries are more common in athletes¹
3. Lisfranc injuries are often misdiagnosed³
4. Injuring the Lisfranc joint can lead to chronic damage of the foot³

Injuries to the Lisfranc joint often happen in horseback riders, football players, runners and victims of car accidents. Injury can occur from a heavy object falling on the foot or by the foot being twisted. A Lisfranc injury can be a sprain, a fracture or a dislocation.¹

• Pain at the center of the foot
• Being unable to bear weight
• Bruising at the arch and the top of the foot
• Blistering at the arch
• Foot widening and swelling¹