Return to sport following Lisfranc injuries in elite athletes-2024 International Foot and Ankle Sports Consensus and systematic review.
Kassidy J Webber, Julia M Balboni, Scott D Semelsberger et al.
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In 30 seconds
This Level V study combined a systematic review of postoperative management after sports-related Lisfranc injuries with a four-round modified Delphi consensus among orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons treating elite athletes. The review reported mean return to sport (RTS) at 8.9 months after ligament injuries; for bony injuries treated with ORIF, median RTS was 8 weeks (range 3-12 weeks). The panel unanimously agreed that athletes can expect RTS 4-6 months postoperatively and that those with unstable ligament injuries can expect full weightbearing at 8-12 weeks. The abstract reports that over 90% resumed play.
Key findings
- After ligament Lisfranc injuries, mean time to return to sport was 8.9 months.
- For bony Lisfranc injuries treated with ORIF, median return to sport was 8 weeks (range 3-12 weeks).
- The panel unanimously endorsed expected return to sport at 4-6 months postoperatively.
- Unanimous consensus placed full weightbearing for unstable ligament injuries at 8-12 weeks; the abstract reports over 90% resumed play.
Why it matters
Lisfranc injuries can substantially disrupt elite athletes’ participation, while postoperative follow-up and return-to-sport protocols have been variable. The review and expert consensus offer clinicians a structured set of rehabilitation milestones and timelines. The differing reported return-to-sport estimates also highlight the importance of interpreting timelines in the context of injury type and treatment.
What to keep in mind
The study is Level V and combines a systematic review with expert consensus; the abstract does not provide details on the evidence base or the number of athletes included.