Is full recovery possibe from a lisfranc fracture?

Hi there, I had 2 screws inserted 5 months ago to repair lisfranc injury. I was non-weight bearing for 7 weeks, in a moon boot for 5, and now wear a sandal with removable orthotic. My left foot is 2cm wider in circumference than the right so shoes are a problem, luckily it's still summer here in nz! I can get around ok, mostly with a limp, and by the end of the day my foot is swollen. I can't work far distances, and I get pain where the screws were inserted (inside of foot), no pain where the lisfranc is, only seems to be where the screws are. I had two surgeons tell me post-surgery that they won't remove the screws unless there is a problem, and one that said they will definitely remove them within 3-6 months after surgery - I'm 5 months now. I'm really keen for advice from anyone that had pain around the metalware area that had the screws removed, and were things better or worse? Would greatly appreciate any advice. I hope everyone's doing ok with their recoveries.

Hi! I am in NZ too! I posted a while ago here, but I am nearly 11 months on from having 4 plates and screws in my foot. I never got a second opinion but was told that the norm was to get it removed 3 months following. I had a lot of metal in my foot though so not sure if that contributed. In August I had everything taken out. I didn't suffer from too much pain before removal, but thinking back I was still taking pain killers, but mobility has improved greatly and I dont think I would have been able to recover to the point I am at if I still had my plates in. They restricted all movement in my foot. Im at the point now where only occasionally take an anti-inflammatory and am able to go on bush walks and I even try to jog sometimes. sorry if this doesnt help! Wish you all the best in your recovery!! and that you find some shoes to fit, I totally understand that feeling, the swelling does get better :)

Hello fellow kiwi!! Thanks so much for your reply, it sounds like the screws in my foot really need to come out. It was frustrating as I had 3 post op appointments at the hospital, and a different surgeon with a different opinion everytime. I think if I had seen the one that said they need to come out at my last app, they would possibly be out by now. Wow, bush walks! That's what i'm really missing! I'm seeing someone today to ask how I go about getting them out, I feel hopeful that things will get better. I'm in Wellington, where are you? Thanks again for your advice, it's so nice to hear success stories, as this type of injury seems a pretty tough one!

Im in Auckland :) Thats really annoying that you had a different surgeon every appointment. Especially with a complex injury that we know nothing about. Once I had a followup appt with someone different and he ended up having to page my surgeon. Well 11 months for me and I have done a lot of googling! And most sites I come across mention the option of removal at 3-6 months later. Where abouts were your break/s? Was it caught straight away? I don't know if I have just been lucky but I don't have a lot of pain anymore, only if I have pushed it exercising. I still get swelling and stiffness but have learnt to manage it. I was starting to try jog, but i think ill slow down on that, just because of the stress it places on the foot, but the gym has been a good place for me! I wrote a blog about my foot.. don't know if you want to read it..

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. Otherwise let me know how you appointment goes! :) Esther

I have issues ongoing since my car accident 5 years ago? I have seen many different doctors, my physiotherapist was the only one that felt the Navicular was popping out of place. Why is it the doctors run if they know you have MVA issues. I'm only looking for the proper diagnosis. Yes, I was told by a podiatrist that it was LisFranc the other Dr's saying Arthritis/ planter fasciitis . Now, my foot becomes unstable if I walk to fast, stand to long, ride a bike, I stood on one foot for the first 1.5 years,before I was introduced to rocker bottom Sketchers. These shoes saved my foot, hip, back etc after all other injuries were on going as well. Great shoes! What doctor did you see in the states. I can't seem to find a doctor that will help me. I am now sitting at home, wondering what I can do to fix this problem. My foot pops out of place while sleeping,standing, if I lightly hit my foot against anything, or pull something to me with my foot?

I had my single screw, (fractured 2nd metarsal), removed 4 1/2 months after surgery. Mine became loose so had to have it removed. I still have pain, but not the sharp, lightening pain I was experiencing before the removal. The removal surgery was Dec 14, 2012 and I'm still limping because putting my foot through full range of motion causes burning and throbbing. But personally, I'm relieved to have the screw out. It just bothered me to have that foreign object going through one bone into the next metatarsal. At least when I have pain now, I know it's not from the screw. I do read that some people do well with the hardware, however. I was told never to walk barefoot again, but that would have also been the case either way. I can relate to getting conflicting opinions from other doctors in follow-up appts. I now request my surgeon for each appointment. Recovery from hardware removal is MUCH faster, by the way. Take care. I'd be happy to answer any more questions.

Hey there. I also had ORIF w/ screws (3) about 6 months ago. I'm very athletic and was very agressive with the PT, making every attempt to speed the healing and regain my abilities. Although I had slowly healing nerve damage that was trying, the major holod-up was the sharp pain I got when I would pull my toes upward or try to walk normally, striking my heel and rolling into it. I suspected the tendon from the tibialis muscle was running across the top of my foot, over the screw heads. When my tibia flexed and/or I pulled my foot upward, it felt like the tendon was strumming across the screw heads like a guitar string...painfully. The tibialis muscle was weak due to inactivity, but I couldn't seem to work it any harder due to the pain in my foot. Although my doc was aprehensive about removing all of the hardware, I urged him to to allow full healing/mobility and eliminate the pain. GLAD I DID! I had the hardware removed 5 weeks ago and the day I got home I pulled my foot upward/toward my body, rolled my ankle in circles...the pain across the top of the foot was gone! Although I'm probably at 75% range-of-motion and strength, I've still got quite a bit of pain at/near the top of the 1st metatarsal where one of the screws was, and some maoin in the arch after a hard workout or long period of standing...hoping that goes away with time. I've read several posts from others that have kept the hardware and are running with no problems...I knew they were in the way and causing probs for me. Removal was a world of difference for me, but everyone is different...hope that helps?!

I had a lisfranc injury/fracture with two screws, also. I had the same issues. What was really weird was after walking, I could actually see the screw head through the skin. My doctor removed them a little over two weeks ago, and I have seen a great improvement. It also helps that I can now wear nikes instead of the boot. The boot irritated the screws sooooo bad that I would be in tears. I have gotten more flexibility and can walk with less of a limp, which is helping all of my joints. I'd insist that they take them out. Every doctor I have talked to has said that as soon as you're walking in a boot, if the screws cause even the slightest irritation they need to go.

My Lisfranc fusion surgery was on January 2. Everything seemed fine until the cast came off. My aircast didn't feel so great, and later my doctor was astonished that my bones are not healing. Bone is not growing as expected. This week I will begin using a bone stimulator and I have begun taking Calcium, Magnesium, and Glucosamine & Chondroitin supplements. I am 47, never smoked, 5'5" and 126 lb. I think I'm pretty healthy but this non-growth of bone is sobering news.

My foot gets purple when I'm vertical, it tingles all the time, I cannot bear weight on it without my orthotic AND a shoe even in the house. 

Thank you all for sharing your foot stories. I wonder if any of you have something similar to my situation with bone not growing?

Thanks to everyone for your replies, this is the best place to get info on this life changing injury. I am having the screws removed this Friday, which is also my birthday. I'm looking at it as 'glass half full' as I can't wait to get them out so it's a pretty awesome birthday pressie! I'm wondering if the pain immediately afterwards is the same as the orif? Would love to hear other people's experiences. I hope you're all doing well with your recoveries. Thanks Stacey

Hi, I am 2 1/2 months post injury, luckily no surgery. Yes, coming out of the boot, the foot is painful. The lack of stability is also normal. Remember, you spent alot of time off that foot, so the muscles have gotten weak. Plus, everything that was working has stiffened up. It will take time to stretch and strengthen the foot to get it up to speed. I have been out of the boot full time approx 1 1/2 weeks. Foot is still sore, stiff, swollen etc. But it improves a bit everyday. Be sure to do PT or some sort of rehab. Make it move!

I broke my foot at home on 3/17/13, had fixation surgery on 3/21/13. Was NWB for almost three months, I am having hardware removed on 6/27/13. I have 7 screws and a plate, the swelling is awful in the evenings and the pain continues but is tolerable at this point. At times I feel like electricity is running through my foot and I get these awful spasms that feels like someone is trying to cut off my circulation. My foot is very sensitive so I can't walk barefoot, I am still in the boot. I am a nurse and have to walk 4 to 6 miles a day at work and have not been able to return as of yet. I was suppose to be back by May 20th according to my Dr. but that has not happened. My foot is not the same shape or color anymore, its always red and sometimes blue, I keep it elevated a lot and at night its a nightmare, I can't handle the covers touching my foot due to the sensitivity. I can't walk straight either, it feels like my foot is turning outwards or something. This has been a horrible time for me, I wonder if I will ever be right again. My Family Medical Leave will end on  6/10/13 and I wonder if they can actually fire me if I can't return and do my duties normally. I will still be out due to hardware removal. I hope everyone having to deal with this type of injury has a better outcome than I am having so far. I am still hopeful.

Darla, first, let me convey my heartfelt sympathy. As my doctor puts it, "this is a significant injury." I broke my 2nd metatarsal 7/20/2012, with a single screw installed a week later, then removed on 12/14/2012. I also had those startling foot fireworks you mention. They ceased not long after the hardware was removed.

Have you had physical therapy? I started mine 9 weeks after the injury and it marked the beginning of hope for me. Three months after the hardware removal procedure (which had a much shorter recovery time), I resumed PT and this Friday, 6/21/2013 will be my last appt. I cannot say enough about the physical and mental benefits of PT.

I had the same foot sensitivity in bed, so when no longer required to wear the boot in bed, I wore a sock and slept with it outside the covers. The red/purple/blue kaleidoscope is interesting to watch, isn't it? It resolves eventually.

My doctor made custom orthotics several months ago and told me to walk ONLY in shoes with orthotics inserted-no more barefoot walking for me. (That could be because I'm in my 60's and may not apply to you.)

I am 10 months post injury and after 30-45 minutes shopping, I'm ready to get off my foot. I don't work, so am able to rest it frequently throughout the day. May I suggest you have a serious talk with your doctor about whether it is a realistic expectation you continue the same kind of nursing, considering the amount of walking required. The 'American Disabilities Act' may state whether your employer has an obligation to make the necessary accommodations for you to continue working. They may need to give you desk work, at least temporarily. The healing of this "significant" injury cannot be rushed and will be complicated by doing so.

Sympathizing as only a fellow LisFrancophile can,
Em

I suffered the same lisfranc injury approximately 1 month ago.  I apparently did not suffer any obvious fractures but did have a 3mm-4mm seperation of the 1st and 2nd metatarsals of the right foot.  The first night was absolutely horrible.  I was scooting around the house on my bottom due to the fact that I had no crutches or stabilization and severe pain.  I injured my foot while playing soccer as I rushed towards a ball and tried to stop suddenly.  I am 41 years old and have played since the the age of 6 and this is the first time that I have ever experienced anything like this.  I have completely torn gastrocnemius muscles and torn ankle ligaments in the past but nothing compares to this.  I have been in an air cast the last month and this week I have seen significant improvement.  The pain is still present, especially in the morning when I have had the air cast off.  I am actually preparing to play a round of golf this weekend, against the advise of the intellectual, so I am hoping not to cause any increase harm to the foot.  I can walk in a shoe but prefer to stay in the air cast for now due to the fact that the pain signifanctly reduces in the cast while I work.  I have always healed very quickly from any of my injuries and it seems that this was is healing quickly as well.  This does not discount the severity of the injury and each of us must determine what is best for our long term success for recovery.  Good luck!

Hi! Thank you for your post I am 5 days post surgery and just beginning this journey. My injury happened on 6/30/13
After ER diagnosed 3 fractures referral to ortho. Then referral to foot specialist 3 weeks in a boot I was told I needed surgery and possible fusion. I ended up with one screw and have a temporary cast. Any tips or words of encouragement appreciated. I can feel depression monster lurking. Did you try water therapy to rehabilitate? When did you start pt? What type of diet should I follow?