INJURY OCCURRED AT WORK IN 11/01. USING MY FOOT TO RELEASE HAND CART FROM STACKS OF FREIGHT (200lbs.)
MISDIAGNOSED FOR 3+ MONTHS. CASTED FOR 6 WEEKS ON 2/14. REMAINED ON CRUTCHES FOR 2 MONTHS. NOW WEARING UCBL ORTHOTICS. STILL HAVING OCCASIONAL FOOT PAIN IN 20-30 MINUTE STRETCHES. DR. SAYS SURGERY IS LAST OPTION BECAUSE WIRES AND SCREWS REMAIN IN FOOT FOR LIFE. FOUND CONFLICTING REPORTS THAT SAY REMOVAL OF FIXATION DEVICES. I JUST WANT THIS TO HEAL. WILL IT EVER? HE TOLD ME TO THINK OF THE PAIN AS HAVING ARTHRITIS. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Dear Jim,
I also have a lisfranc dislocation that was not diagnosed for over 3 months. It happened at work, in 1999, when I tripped on a rug!! I wore a cast for 4 weeks because of a metatarasal break. I complained that things were not right, so they sent me to physical therapy for 6 weeks. Still complaining, I finally went to Medical College of Ohio and was diagnosed at that time. I did have surgery. Was casted, non weight bearing for 8 weeks, with pins sticking out of a "window" cut in my cast. Four weeks later,after the cast, the pins were removed.
Life is different. I tire easily and cannot do what I used to do. It is very difficult to walk long distances or periods of time. It is much better than before surgery, but will never be like it used to be.
I was told by the doctors that I would have to wear lace up shoes the rest of my life. I do that, and it seems to help. The best ones I've found are Reebok DMX tennis shoes. They have a good arch (which is the most important thing) and seem to help me the most. Good luck to you. You didn't mention your age, but if it is like mine, you will have it the rest of your life.
Marilyn

[This message has been edited by mar55 (edited 06-06-2002).]

I am in my fifth week post-surgery after a Lisfranc injury playing softball. I was running - no twists, turns or trauma otherwise. Still casted - crutches - wheelchair. Pain intensity is minimal. Dull ache. Frightened at the thought of bearing weight on injured site. Curious about others' experiences with uncomplicated LF injury. I was diagnosed on the 2nd day and had surgery within on week. Screws. They will be taken out in several weeks. Any comments?? Reassurance??

Hi, just reading the few messages on Lisfranc Injuries.

March 18 2002 I had 1200 pounds of material on a table which collapsed traping my left foot and ankle.

Surgeon explained that there was a significant rotatory component to the injury.

X-rays within normal limit, showing a widening of the list frank joint without a frank subluxation or dislocation.

This represents quite a significant SOFT TISSUE INJURY.

Maximal tender in the interval between the lst and 2nd metatarsals.

May take months before it has settled and it may be up to a year before I have plateaued in terms of recovery however, he does not think I will obtain complete recovery and expects partial recovery at best.

Physio continues daily. Although the swelling has improved the pain and discomfort continues.

I continue to wear an air-support cast. When the cast is off there continues to be alot of discomfort along the dorsal aspect of the foot in the area of the ligamentous injury.

Was wondering if anyone has experience the same type of soft tissue injury without a fracture and/or is my injury similiar to those who have actually sustained a fracture and ligament tear injury.

Thank you.

As Personal email would be most welcome.

dbeere@primus.ca

[This message has been edited by Dennis Beere (edited 07-17-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Dennis Beere (edited 07-17-2002).]

1200 lbs!!! I wonder if you shouldn't have a second opinion about surgery. I was told that surgical correction is really the best way to optimize healing in these circumstances. I am not a foot doctor and of course defer to your doctor - BUT - it sounds like you may be (or have may have been) a candidate for screw fixation of the LF joint. Was that ever discussed?

It has been 4 years next month since my Lisfranc fracture. Mine happened in a car accident and I also have RSD along with it (nerve damage). I had the surgery with the pins and screws, was non-weight bearing for 4-5 months and had the hardware removed. Sadly I have had chronic pain since and need narcotics for the pain. I have trouble walking long distances and standing for long periods. I also use a cane and find that helps.

I know this is not good news, but on a happier note I am finally starting to have less pain. I pushed myself to get on the treadmill and ran for the first time since pre-accident. I'm not sure it is that or the warm weather but things are looking up. The biggest thing I learned is that you need to have the surgery as soon as possible. I was told about the degenerative nature of this injury and yes, it feels like arthritis. But I have found that exercise is probably helping me.

That's my story. Oh yeah, I'm 35 years old in case you're wondering. Good luck to all.

Hi, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
I am another lisfranc fracture/injury sufferer. I was diagnosed about 3 days after my injury and had surgery about 2 weeks later after the swelling went down. I have a couple of screws and a pin which is under the skin.

I am still in my cast and will be for at least another month. I'll get my hardware out toward the end of September. I use a walker with a kneepad while at home, and a wheelchair away from home since I am still non-weight-bearing. It has been rough.

I still have a lot of twinges and painful sensations, and I am still numb on the top of my foot and the tops of my toes. I hope this goes away with time. I can't imagine living with my foot feeling this way forever - ugh... : http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/hammer.gif

I realize that I will probably never be the same, but am looking forward to getting off my cast and testing out my foot. Has anyone here had formal therapy?? I have read that arthritis is a common development after this injury, oh boy.

I'm 40 years old, and I guess I'll suffer from the after effects of this injury for a long time too. It is really frustrating, but I am hoping it will get better. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif



[This message has been edited by whimsy (edited 08-11-2002).]

I'm another lisfranc fracture/dislocation person. The first incident was 11 years ago. The second, yes, twice, was one and a half years ago.
What I've learned:
No more high heel shoes, loafers, or sandals. I do better in oxford type of shoes.
Get a good doctor. It is worth the extra effort (and travel) to get the foot done right.
Having the foot fused was a help for me (both times).
Be careful after the cast comes off. When I started walking (in physical therapy) I felt my whole body was out of alingment. My neck and shoulder hurt. Now I am back in physcial therapy to correct by neck and shoulder problems (had shoulder surgery too). Sometimes medical staff are too specialized and don't see how the foot can create problems in the neck but I think they can be related.
My walking is limited and standing for a length of time is a pain but....I can walk.
Oh, and not everything shows up on an initial x-ray. Some of the fractures can be so small that they can be missed the first several tests so if intense pain continues, keep working with the docs.




------------------

I wanted to add that I had physical therapy twice a week for about 9 weeks. It really helped with the range of motion in the foot and ankle. Also, my ortho recommended that my shoes get adjusted. I had a steel sole stiffener plate in the shoe of my bad foot (maybe this is not the correct name--I can't remember). It was really great because it offered a "rocker" motion so less stress was put on my foot and ankle. I needed to raise my other foot about 1/2 inch because the plate in the sole makes the shoe a bit taller. Otherwise I was beginning to hurt my hip. The shoe was very helpful in the beginning, but don't really need it anymore. However, I do only wear rockport and reebok shoes.

Gidday
I had a Lisfranc fracture as well as multiple fractures to metatarsals after I fell off my ladder, while painting my house roof six years ago.

The lisfranc fracture was diagnosed and surgery carried out the same day. The surgeon inserted k-wires and I was in a non-weight bearing cast for eight weeks. I then had physiotherapy 3-4 times a week for the next couple of months. I found the best thing and sometimes the most painful thing was to get the foot moving and bearing weight.

I was able to return to work four months after my injury. Although it was sometimes painfull to stand for long periods, the pain did ease with time and use.

I feel I was lucky the lisfranc fracture was picked up and treated so early. I now have no limp unless I wear the wrong shoes or go bare footed. The main problem I have is my ankle locks up and gives a big click sometimes.

Good luck to anyone else with this injury it seems to be with us for life although with time I am sure it does improve.

I am 38 years old.

------------------


[This message has been edited by Andrew Rotherham (edited 09-06-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Andrew Rotherham (edited 09-07-2002).]