What is a Lisfranc Fracture?
The Lisfranc joint or tarsometatarsal joint refers to the region in the middle of the foot. It is a junction between the tarsal bones (bones in the foot arch) and metatarsal bones (five long bones in the foot). Lisfranc fractures can occur due to a fall from a height or a traumatic motor vehicle accident.
What are the Symptoms of Lisfranc Fractures?
A midfoot fracture is characterized by pain and inability to bear weight. The appearance of bruises and swelling on the bottom of the midfoot are commonly observed symptoms.
How are Lisfranc Fractures Diagnosed?
Your doctor will first examine the physical condition of the foot by inspection and palpation, then order X-rays, CT or MRI scans to obtain more information about your injury.
What is the Treatment for Lisfranc Fractures?
The early stages of injury can be treated with rest, application of ice, elevation of your foot, NSAIDs, and immobilization. The bones may be surgically aligned in the correct position and held with screws and pins, or a tarsometatarsal joint fusion may be recommended if all the nonsurgical procedures fail to show efficacy in treating the injury.
Septic Joint
What is Septic Arthritis?
Septic arthritis also called as infectious arthritis, is characterized by joint inflammation due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Normally, fluid lubricating a joint, called synovial fluid, is aseptic in nature. But with septic arthritis, microbes can grow in the affected joint fluid and make the condition worse.
Types of Septic Arthritis
Based on the duration and severity of septic arthritis, it is categorized as:
- Acute septic arthritis: It is more common, may develop suddenly and is considered more severe. The bacteria generally involved are staphylococcus or streptococcus.
- Chronic septic arthritis: It is less common, develops slowly and is less severe. The involved microorganisms are mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida Albicans.
Septic arthritis may affect individuals of any age. Children below 3 years (infants) are often affected by septic arthritis as compared to children of age 3 to adolescence. Infants generally show more infection in the hip region.
Symptoms of Septic Arthritis
The common symptoms associated with septic arthritis are:
- Fever
- Redness in the affected joint
- Swelling in the joint
- Joint pain that may get worse with movement
In severe cases, patients may not be able to move the limb of the infected joint, called as pseudo paralysis.
Diagnosis of Septic Arthritis
The diagnosis of septic arthritis includes an examination of the synovial fluid of the affected joint, blood culture, and X-rays.
Treatment for Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis treatment includes specific antibiotics to treat the infection. Additional measures such as rest, keeping the joint motionless, elevating the joint and applying cold compresses may reduce symptoms. Certain exercises are also recommended for the recovery of the affected joint.
In cases of excessive accumulation of synovial fluid in the affected joint, it is drained through a sterile needle. In severe cases, surgery may be employed for draining the infected joint fluid.
