Lisfranc Sprain with Second Metatarsal Base Adaptive Stress Response in High-Level Athletes: Case Series and Novel Perspective on a Distinct Entity of Chronic Low-Energy Lisfranc Injury

Abstract

Lisfranc injury is increasingly being recognised in the high-performance athletic cohort, particularly in contact sports. In this cohort, there is a pattern of low-energy Lisfranc injury which combines magnetic resonance findings of both ligamentous sprain and adaptive bone stress response that infers a longer timeframe of stress than the duration of symptoms would suggest. This has not been previously described, and the authors believe that this is an unrecognized subset of midfoot sprain in the context of sustained stress to the midfoot. This retrospective case report describes MRI findings of three index cases of this entity in professional athletes presenting with acute foot pain. Two responded with conservative management whilst the third ultimately required surgery. All athletes were eventually able to return to play.