Lane Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ right tackle, suffered a Lisfranc injury to his left foot during Sunday night’s game against the Detroit Lions. This injury forced Johnson to leave the game in the first quarter and he did not return, leaving the Eagles to secure a 16-9 victory without him. Reports indicate that Johnson will be sidelined for at least four to six weeks as he recovers from this injury.
What exactly is a Lisfranc injury? Named after French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, this injury involves damage to the Lisfranc joint located in the mid-foot where the metatarsal bones meet the tarsal bones. Different types of Lisfranc injuries can occur, including ligament tears (sprains), bone fractures, and dislocations of the bones forming the joint.
Causes of a Lisfranc injury typically involve a twisting motion on the ball of the foot, putting excessive force and stress on the mid-foot and Lisfranc joint. This can happen during activities such as running, falling, or experiencing trauma to the foot, like in a car accident. Symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include pain, swelling, and bruising in the mid-foot area, making it difficult to bear weight on the affected foot.
Diagnosing a Lisfranc injury involves physical examination, including pressing on the area and performing specific tests to elicit pain. Imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered to confirm the extent of the injury. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury, ranging from rest, ice, and elevation (RICE) to wearing a cast or boot for immobilization. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bones in the Lisfranc joint.
Fortunately, initial reports suggest that Johnson’s Lisfranc injury does not require surgery, indicating a shorter recovery time. The 35-year-old should be able to return to the field later this season. In his absence, Fred Johnson stepped in during the game against the Lions, but the Eagles will undoubtedly feel the impact of missing their two-time first-team All-Pro tackle. Only time will tell how the team will adjust without Lane Johnson in the lineup.
