The Lisfranc is a ligament of the foot that runs between two bones called the medial cuneiform and the second metatarsal. The name comes from French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin (1790-1847), who was the first physician to describe injuries to this ligament.
Tearing of the Lisfranc ligament can lead to instability and disruption of the joints in the middle of the foot. The goal of surgery is to restore normal alignment to the foot. Whether the injury results in a subtle malalignment of the bones or a more obvious dislocation of joints, the surgery is intended to put the bones back into their original position.
Surgery for a Lisfranc injury is indicated when there is significant displacement of the midfoot joints with instability. Most commonly this displacement is identified on X-ray. CT and MRI scans can also be helpful in diagnosis. Surgery is needed to realign and stabilize the joints. Some injuries may require a patient to have a fusion of the joints, which encourages the bones to grow together in the areas of damaged cartilage.