1 year after lisfranc surgery

OP Authors 2025

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16-03-2025

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One Year Post-Lisfranc Surgery: Recovery, Challenges, and Outlook

A Lisfranc injury, a complex fracture-dislocation of the midfoot, requires significant surgery and a long road to recovery. One year post-surgery marks a significant milestone, but the journey is far from over. This article explores what you can expect at the one-year mark, common challenges, and the overall outlook for long-term recovery.

What to Expect at One Year:

At one year post-Lisfranc surgery, most individuals have significantly improved mobility and reduced pain. The bones should be fully healed, and weight-bearing should be largely unrestricted. However, the experience varies greatly depending on several factors:

• Severity of the injury: More severe injuries requiring extensive surgery and bone grafting will naturally take longer to heal and may result in more lingering limitations.
• Surgical technique: Different surgical approaches have varying recovery times.
• Patient compliance: Adhering to the physical therapy regimen and post-operative instructions is crucial for optimal healing.
• Individual healing capacity: Just like any surgical procedure, individual healing rates differ.

While pain should be minimal at this stage, some residual discomfort, especially with prolonged activity or weight-bearing, might persist. Swelling may also still occur, particularly after periods of increased activity. Full range of motion may not be completely restored, and some stiffness or limitations in flexibility are common.

Common Challenges at One Year:

Even a year post-surgery, certain challenges can persist:

• Persistent Pain: Chronic pain is a significant concern for some patients. This pain may be localized to the surgical site or radiate to other parts of the foot.
• Limited Range of Motion: While improvement is expected, full range of motion might not be achieved. This can impact activities requiring flexibility and dexterity.
• Weakness and Instability: Muscle atrophy and weakness are common after surgery and prolonged immobilization. This can lead to instability in the foot and ankle.
• Arthritis: Long-term, the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in the affected joints remains a possibility.
• Return to Previous Activity Level: Returning to pre-injury activity levels may not be fully possible for all patients. Some individuals may experience limitations in high-impact activities or those requiring significant agility and speed.

Long-Term Outlook and Management:

The long-term outlook after Lisfranc surgery is generally positive for many patients. With consistent physical therapy, proper footwear, and attentive self-management, most individuals can return to a fulfilling and active lifestyle. However, some limitations may persist.

Ongoing management often involves:

• Physical Therapy: Continued physical therapy is essential to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This may involve exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the foot and ankle, as well as improve proprioception (awareness of the foot's position in space).
• Custom Orthotics: Orthotics can provide support and help to correct any biomechanical imbalances that may contribute to pain or instability.
• Pain Management: For persistent pain, pain management strategies such as medication, injections, or other therapies might be necessary.
• Regular Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with the surgeon and physical therapist are crucial to monitor progress and address any emerging issues.

Important Note: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Every individual's recovery journey is unique. It is essential to consult with your surgeon and physical therapist for personalized guidance and treatment based on your specific situation. They can provide a more accurate prognosis and address any concerns you may have. Open communication with your healthcare team is key to maximizing your recovery potential.