Melbourne Demons AFL Player Sidelined With Lisfranc Foot Injury

By Emily White|2025-02-25T07:13:49+00:00August 21st, 2023|

Lisfranc foot injury podiatrist Melbourne

Earlier this month, Melbourne Demon’s AFL defender-turned-forward Harrison Petty suffered a Lisfranc injury to his left foot. The traumatic injury occurred during a clash between Melbourne and North Melbourne in Round 21 of the 2023 AFL Season. 23-year-old Petty had kicked two goals shortly before his ankle was awkwardly caught during a tackle to the ground by North’s Ben McKay. Petty immediately signalled for help, limped off the field and was taken straight down to the medical room where his foot was fitted into a CAM walker.

Scans later revealed that the significant rotational force through his left foot caused a high grade Lisfranc injury. GM of AFL Football Performance reported that Petty will require surgery to stabilise his foot followed by a significant period of rehabilitation which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

What is a Lisfranc foot injury?

A Lisfranc foot injury is an acute injury involving damage that causes a disruption in the integrity of the Lisfranc joint complex. The Lisfranc joint complex is an intricate network of ligaments and bones that connects the forefoot to the midfoot. It is named after the French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, who first described the injury in the early 19th century. The injury can range from a mild sprain involving one midfoot joint to a much more severe and complex injury involving fractures and dislocations to multiple midfoot joints and bones. This type of injury, though relatively rare, demands attention due to its potential for long-term debilitating complications if not promptly diagnosed and properly treated.

Causes of a Lisfranc foot injury

Lisfranc foot injuries are caused by either direct or indirect trauma. Direct injuries are more common and occur as a result of an external compressive force such as having a weight dropped on the foot, falling from a height or from a motor vehicle accident. Indirect injuries are less common and are the result of a twisting force applied to a foot in a plantar flexed (extension of the ankle so that the foot points) position, such as when the foot gets caught on something and then rotates. Indirect injuries are seen in athletes participating in high-impact sports, such as AFL, basketball or soccer, but it can affect anyone, regardless of their activity level.

Signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc foot injury

The signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury can vary, making diagnosis challenging. Common indicators include pain and swelling in the midfoot, which can be mistaken for a simple sprain. However, what sets a Lisfranc injury apart is pain that persists despite rest, and the sensation of instability in the midfoot. Bruising on the bottom of the foot might also occur, indicating potential ligament or bone trauma.

Lisfranc foot injury treatment options

The treatment approach for a Lisfranc foot injury depends on its severity. In cases of mild sprains or minor fractures, conservative measures may include:

Rest and elevation to relieve pain
Ice or even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation
Immobilisation with a CAM walker or brace
Extensive rehabilitation

In more severe Lisfranc injuries, such as complete fractures or dislocations, our podiatrists may need to refer for a surgical opinion. Surgical techniques can involve the use of screws, plates, or pins to realign the bones and stabilise the foot as it heals.

Preventing Lisfranc foot injuries

While not all Lisfranc injuries can be prevented, certain steps can reduce the risk, particularly for individuals engaged in physical activities. Adequate warm-up exercises before sport can help prevent sudden strains on the midfoot. Wearing appropriate footwear that provides proper support and cushioning can also play a significant role in injury prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight can lessen the strain on the foot’s structures, while regular foot and ankle exercises can improve overall strength and stability.

How our Melbourne podiatrists can help

Given the complexity of the foot’s anatomy, diagnosing a Lisfranc injury requires careful assessment. The podiatrists at our Melbourne clinic will perform a physical examination, assessing the foot’s range of motion, stability and alignment and palpating areas of the foot to assist in diagnosis.

If an acute injury such as a Lisfranc injury is suspected, our podiatrists will likely need to refer for radiographic imaging such as an X-ray, CT scan or an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Once diagnosis has been confirmed our podiatrists will then formulate a treatment plan involving a period of immobilisation and rehabilitation or in more severe cases a referral to a specialist for a surgical opinion.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of a Lisfranc foot injury are crucial to prevent long-term complications that could impede mobility and daily activities.

So if you or someone you know has had an acute trauma to their foot and is experiencing midfoot pain, come and see us at Melbourne Podiatrists and Orthotics for thorough assessment and quality treatment.