Sports Medicine · Clinical Decision Maker

CASE 003
MIDFOOT INJURY

SUSPECTED LISFRANC INJURY · BASKETBALL

He can take a few steps after a planted-foot twist. Explore five clinical decisions and different midfoot injury pathways.

Foot anatomy illustration highlighting the midfoot in red, with a magnified view of the surrounding bones and ligaments.
Midfoot anatomy and ligament detail · Educational illustration, not diagnostic imaging
Case snapshot

A collegiate basketball player plants the foot during a change of direction. His forefoot twists while the foot remains planted. He reports midfoot pain and difficulty pushing off, but can take several steps.

Clinical evidence and limitations

This is an educational branching simulation, not a validated diagnostic algorithm or return-to-play clearance instrument. Findings are fictional. Management must be individualized by a qualified clinician, with imaging/referral when indicated. Severity cannot be reliably graded from one test alone.

References: Lisfranc injury diagnosis (PubMed) · Lisfranc return-to-sport literature (PubMed). This case emphasizes recognition of subtle Lisfranc injuries, plantar ecchymosis, focal TMT tenderness, weight-bearing imaging when appropriate, and avoiding premature loading.