Lisfranc Foot Fracture Stories - part 3

gymnasticsnz - you may try getting prolotherapy done in your daughter's plantar lisfranc ligament. there is minimal risk and it might be helpful over multiple treatments. it helped me and the risk is low at this point.

My original injury was in July of 2006 (foot run over by truck) I had the pins put in during late Aug 2006 and removed in Feb 2007. Things seemed to be steadily improving until Feb 2008 when I started experiencing shooting pain and swelling through the arch of my foot and up into my ankle. At the time to surgeon told me that the pain was just a bit on arthritis and to rest and continue my life. I got orthodicts which seemed to help for a while but the pain would come back worse each time and with more symptoms over the next months in May 2008 again in Sept and finally starting in January building to a point 3 weeks ago that became unbearable. At this point even a hand resting on my foot is agonizing and the foot is often discolored. There turns out to be some ankle involvement (things that were torn during the original injury but not noticed) but the surgeon says the area around the lisfranc injury looks okay except for the fact there is fluid sitting there. The pain specialists believe that the injury and following surgery caused an entrapment of the saphenous nerve in the ankle and foot and are recommending freezing the nerve (does not destroy it just kill it for a while so that I can do the physical therapy or surgery to repair what is causing the entrapment (not that they seem to know at this point). At this point I think I would do anything to be out of pain but I haven't heard anyone suggest cutting the nerve yet. The term CRIPS and CRIPS like is also being floated around but I feel very over my head and they keep asking me to choose between treatments I know nothing about. Does anyone have any experience with the long-term effects of this injury on nerves? Could it just be that I should have had the joint fused originally? I'm a really active person. I used to work 12 hrs on my feet, rock climb, run, hike, yoga ect. Is there any hope of getting back to those things?

A month ago I was hit by a pyscho lady speeding and I hurt my foot. Initially ER doctor said "sprain" and scheduled a FU for a week later. When I went in the family practice doctor said "sprain...come back in 4 weeks." Went back yesterday and said "it still hurts." She said "probably not a sprain, come back in a couple of weeks." I asked for a referral and saw a sports medicine doctor (I'm a runner/triathlete) and he said it was likely this lisfranc and scheduled me for an MRI for Friday. In the meantime, what do I do? I start researching "lisfranc" and I find this board. And now I'm completely flipping out! 6 months? A YEAR?!? I don't think my injury is as bad as some (it wasn't obvious on the x-rays and I am currently able to walk around fairly good now). I can't imagine not being able to run or bike. I was thrilled to read the one posting about the person who ran a half marathon.

I'm just flipping out right now! I've never had surgery of sorts, I've always been in good shape. But now my life is going to be ruined because of this stupid lady who had to speed (and she of course, was fine). A wheelchair? A walker???

I will likely check back when I find out more and begin this whole surgery/recovery process. But in the meantime I'm losing my mind!

I made a post about cutting the nerve in my foot. I am having another surgery to remove my four other screws in my foot. I am praying this fixes the problem. I am an active 25 year old and I find my left foot just dragging and not able to keep up with me. I work on my feet all day long and I can barely do that anymore. Have a question about insurance. I am considering quiting my job due to the fact of my pain level. How is possible to find someone to cover me while I go thru this difficult time in my life.

Did you have a lisfranc injury originally. I have not heard of a nerve being the prob. Can you elaborate on the who situation

I am new to this thread, but have read many of your post (not all) with great interest. I had a car accident in January of 2001. Among other injuries, was a crushing of my foot. Dr. said if was smashed like an accordian, which resulted in Lisfrac injury The first orthopedic surgeon that did surgery on my foot, the night of the accident, evidentally didn't know what he was doing, because I just ended up with a big mess and a foot that I could hardly stand to walk on. Finally, I was reffered to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle. Went through a second surgery in which she fused 7 joints across the top of my foot. I don't even know how many screws are in my foot, but there are several. I have read with interest the fact that most of you have had your screws removed. She (my ortho) has told me that my screws should never come out because it might weaken the fusion. I did have to have one screw removed because it was starting to work itself out. She also sanded a bone spur at the same time, which had formed on one of my foot bones. I also have some nerve damage which makes my toes burn and sting like ofthers on here have mentioned having. I take Neurontin for this and it takes care of it most of the time. I know from experience, that the wait after surgery can be long and depressing, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not going to tell anyone that life will ever get back to preinjury normal, but it does get much better with time. Arthritis does continue to be a problem in some of the joints that were not fused and my foots range of motion has been limited. This makes me a little unsteady at times. A couple of years ago, I developed psoriatic arthritis which is totally unrelated to my previous injury, but has complicated matters somewhat. I did have to retire from teaching elementary school because I couldn't stand on the concrete floors day after day anymore. I've found other things that I can do, so although I had to leave a profesion I loved, I am still able to do other things to keep me busy. I can't run, but I didn't really do that before. :-D It does interest me that most of you have had your screws removed. I've had others tell me I would probably have less pain if mine were removed, but my Dr. is pretty adamant that they should stay in. I wonder if I should get a second opinion on this, even thought my current Dr. is supposed to be one of the best in her field. Thanks for listening to me ramble on, it's just nice to know we're not alone in this type injury. I'm seven years post surgery (2nd one). If I can answer any questions about the post surgery journey, I'd be more than glad to try.
Thanks,
Lisa

Yes I had a lisfranc injury on Feb of 08. I was treated by looney dr who had no idea what he was doing and left me crutching around with no cast and told me it would heal on its own. I had no idea I had this injury until I got a 2nd opinion 3 months lafter. I had surgery in June and they put 6 screws in my foot and tried to put my foot back together. They took out 2 of the 6 screws out just a few months earlier and then just last week took the additional four out. I currently have alot of bruising in my foot. During a prior visit my dr numbed one of nerves in foot and I was able to walk without pain and without a limp. I dont know if this is an answer to my constant pain I feel. Cutting the number is premanent and have put that on hold. If removing the screws doesnt help me situation. I am willing to take drastic matters and have my foot amputated. I really dont want to lose my foot but I am unable to walk or even work. I just want part of my life back!!!

Can I sue my dr for misdiagnosed lisfranc injury. I have come to realize that my foot is damaged for the rest of my life and I am so annoyed at how little he did for me. He gave me crutches and told me to have a nice day.

Well fistborn, amputation of a foot is a drastic matter. I'm not sure what could be the solution to your problem, but maybe you can find other doctors that might have more experience on this field.
I understand that you have a lot of pain and that it is stopping you from many things. But I would advise you to consider some other this before you go with the amputation. I think that should be you last option.

So what do you recommend i do. I have 7 surgeries in over a year and a half. I want closure and I want to move on with my life but I can because my left foot is like a ball and chain. It continues to drag behind me. I am about ready for the last option..

Hi,

Firstly I'd like to say how glad I am I found this club - its so interesting to hear other people's experiences and how everything seems to vary from case to case.

I got a lisfranc fracture in my right foot about 8 weeks ago (16/5), exactly one week later i had surgery to put in 4 screws and a wire thing. I was in a plaster cast to allow for swelling for 2 weeks post-op then a solid cast for a further 4 weeks. The cast was removed a few days ago. I now need another operation to have the wire removed only. I've been told I will be able to fully weightbare after the operation. The way my foot looks and feels at the moment I'm not sure how realistic that is? I am wondering if the fact I am a fast healer and dont weigh much at all could be the reason they have told me I will be able to walk after the op?? I am only just 19, on a gap year in australia and need to return to the UK in september. I would love to get the rest of my travelling in once I'm walking, I just don't know if I believe the doc when he says I'll be walking in 2 weeks.. Pevious mention of a boot seems to have been forgotten.

Als has the fact its been basically pain free other then the night it happened and immediately after the operation a good sign? Or is that just good luck?

I'm not sure what to think now, seems to good to be true? Im a bit lost with this whole thing, I've never broken a bone in my life and everything has been such mixed report and I'm not sure what I should pay attention too?!

Any advice/similar stories would be much apreciated

Thanks

Hello Lisfranc Club Members,

I have been reading these posts since I was diagnosed with lisfranc on 12 June. I originally twisted my foot while attempting to run with heels on. As I went to take off, my foot twisted. This happened on 3 May 09. I went to urgent care and they took X-rays. The nurse there thought she saw a small fracture on the X-ray, but could not make the call and they had to send it to the hospital. THe word from the hospital came back negative for fractures, so they sent me home with a post-op shoe. I went to three other doctors after that also said it was a sprained ankle although I repeatedly told them the pain was in my foot.

I am Active duty military and I was referred to physical therapy who referred me to a visiting Podiatrist. I was unable to get an appt with him until 12 June. When I met with him, he manipulated my foot a bit and when I screamed in pain, he immediately diagnosed Lisfranc, reviewed my X-rays and recommended Surgery and gave me a cam walker to wear. I had no problems walking in the cam walker and had no major swelling. I figured it was minor and maybe would require 1 or 2 screws max.

I had surgery on 7 July 09. From the photos he gave me it looks to be 5 screws and a plate. He told me at the initial meeting that I would keep the hardware in for a year. I meet with him on the 14th for a wound check. I am hoping I will get a cast at that time. right now I have gauze and wrap on my foot.

I am scheduled to be off for 30 days NWB. The military only authorizes convalescent leave initially for 30 days, but I am sure it will be extended.

I have a great support system at home which is a true blessing as I can only get up to go to the bathroom.

I know this is just day 3 of a long recovery, but I am trusting God to bring me through this with a full recovery.

Any words of encouragement, tips for coping NWB, would be appreciated.

-Tracey

Had a lisfranc fracture/ dislocation in rt foot as a result of an auto accident on 7/15/07. ER misdiagnosed it as a sprain, and gave me a cane to assist me. About a wk and a half so later, I got a call from the orthopedic surgeon telling me that the MRI he ordered showed a fractured foot. I had been walking on it for a couple weeks.

Next I got to meet a ft surgeon, who said the magic window had closed, but I still needed surgery. The surgery occured in early August and I was sent home with a foot and leg swathed in bandages, and a big screw in foot. (It was taken out in December)

Fast fwd. I now wear orthodics in my shoes, and at the end of day I'm happy to take the shoes off. I'm not restricted in any matter; however recent xrays show I have some traumatic arthritus at the site of the break. Absolutely no limb however the ft turns a bit more to the outside than the other foot.

Thanks for the reply,

I too had a late diagnosis, and my surgery was 2 months after my injury occurred. I pray that I can have a good outcome as well.

Tracey

Hi board,
I suffered a lisfranc sprain on 11/26/08 and was misdiagnosed at the time of the injury. Due to the continued pain, I made an appointment to see an orthopedic sugeon. I was properly diagnosed on 12/2/08 and had surgery on 12/18/08. The surgeon used 5 screws and fused my 1st and 2nd tarsal and metatarsal joints and used a bone graft from my knee. After the surgery I was off of my feet for two weeks in a plaster cast up to my knee. On 12/30 I had the cast and stitches removed and was fitted with a calf-high air boot. I continued being non-weight bearing for another six weeks. At the end of January '09 I slowly started bearing weight while continuing to wear the air boot. After six more weeks, I went back for x-rays and an mri to make sure that the bone had properly fused. The images showed proper fusion and I was fitted with orthotics. I went to physical therapy for another 6 weeks and eventually started jogging again. I swam regularly from the end of January to stay in shape and I think that helped with the recovery. Yesterday I completed a triathlon that consisted of 1/3 mile swim, 14 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. My time was much slower than I had done in the past but it felt great to be able to finish it without much pain. Today I had one of the screws removed that had been rubbing on one of my nerves (the surgery was not due to anything that happened during the triathlon). The surgery took 30 minutes and the pain was nothing compared to the initial surgery. I was able to walk on it with some tenderness a few hours after the surgery.
I still feel like the fusion was a better option for me than the internal fixation. I did a lot of research prior to the surgery and felt that the fusion gave me a better chance of being active once again. I also felt that internal fixation would require additional surgeries as I got older and arthritis set in.
This injury is more severe than most people can imagine but try to remain positive. I've walked barefoot on the beach, played in basketball games, hiked, swam, biked, ran, and have done mostly everything that I did prior to the injury (albeit with more padding, braces, etc & much slower than before).