Which joints are disrupted in Lisfranc injuries?

Which joints are disrupted in Lisfranc injuries?

• A. Calcaneocuboid
• B. Talonavicular
• C. Intertarsal joints
• D. Tarsometatarsal joints (midfoot)

Answer: (D)

Disruption at the tarsometatarsal joints is what defines a Lisfranc injury. These are the joints where the bases of the metatarsals articulate with the distal row of tarsal bones (the cuneiforms and the cuboid). The injury often includes tearing of the Lisfranc ligament, which anchors the medial cuneiform to the base of the second metatarsal, leading to instability and possible fracture-dislocations across this joint complex. The other joints mentioned are not the classic site of Lisfranc disruption: the calcaneocuboid joint sits in the hindfoot, the talonavicular joint is another midfoot joint but not the primary Lisfranc articulation, and intertarsal joints are within the tarsal bones themselves. While those can be involved in complex injuries, the defining problem in a Lisfranc injury is the disruption of the tarsometatarsal joints.

Disruption at the tarsometatarsal joints is what defines a Lisfranc injury. These are the joints where the bases of the metatarsals articulate with the distal row of tarsal bones (the cuneiforms and the cuboid). The injury often includes tearing of the Lisfranc ligament, which anchors the medial cuneiform to the base of the second metatarsal, leading to instability and possible fracture-dislocations across this joint complex.

The other joints mentioned are not the classic site of Lisfranc disruption: the calcaneocuboid joint sits in the hindfoot, the talonavicular joint is another midfoot joint but not the primary Lisfranc articulation, and intertarsal joints are within the tarsal bones themselves. While those can be involved in complex injuries, the defining problem in a Lisfranc injury is the disruption of the tarsometatarsal joints.