Plantar Ecchymosis Sign: A Clinical Aid to Diagnosis of Occult Lisfranc Tarsometatarsal Injuries

Glen Ross, Robert Cronin, John Hauzenblas, Paul Juliano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

114 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diagnosis of subtle Lisfranc injuries can be difficult for the examining clinician. Radiographs do not always reveal the full extent of tarsometatarsal injuries. We describe a clinical sign found in significant Lisfranc injuries that consists of a mid-foot ecchymotic area on the plantar aspect. This implies the potential for significant injury to the plantar tarsometatarsal ligaments. We call this the plantar ecchymosis sign. Patients with this injury and sign should be aggressively evaluated, with early consideration for stress radiographs and ORIF if indicated, as the prognosis of the undertreated Lisfranc injury is poor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)119-122
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of orthopaedic trauma
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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