Medical Negligence

When it comes to foot injuries, one of the most commonly misdiagnosed—and potentially catastrophic—is an injury to the Lisfranc joint complex. Despite being relatively uncommon, Lisfranc injuries can have serious and lasting consequences if not correctly diagnosed and promptly treated. In New South Wales, failures in care around these injuries may give rise to a catastrophic medical negligence compensation claim.

What Is a Lisfranc Injury?

The Lisfranc joint complex consists of small bones and ligaments in the midfoot that help stabilise the arch. An injury to this area—often involving a fracture and/or dislocation—can severely impact a person’s ability to walk and live without pain. These injuries usually occur due to high-impact trauma such as a car accident, a fall, or a sporting injury.

Why Lisfranc Injuries Are Often Misdiagnosed

These injuries are frequently missed in emergency departments and GP clinics, often mistaken for a minor sprain or soft tissue injury. Time is critical: delays in proper diagnosis and treatment can result in long-term damage, including post-traumatic arthritis, foot deformities, and permanent disability.

Common clinical failings include:

• Not ordering weight-bearing X-rays, CT or MRI scans
• Misreading imaging results
• Failing to recognise red-flag symptoms
• Not referring to a specialist in a timely manner

Red Flags: What to Look Out For

Some of the key warning signs that may indicate a Lisfranc injury include:

• Bruising or swelling across the top and bottom of the foot
• Pain that intensifies when standing or walking
• Inability to bear weight on the foot
• A “crunch” or “pop” sensation at the time of injury
• Misalignment or widening between the toes

These symptoms should never be dismissed. If you experience any of them after a foot injury, further investigation may be urgently needed.

The Importance of a Second Medical Opinion

A second opinion can be the turning point in recognising and correctly treating a Lisfranc injury. Often, it’s the follow-up with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon that reveals the true severity of the damage and highlights the failings in earlier medical care. In many medical negligence cases, that second opinion plays a crucial role in understanding what went wrong and what could have been done differently.

When Misdiagnosis Becomes Catastrophic

In NSW, a mismanaged Lisfranc injury may be classified as catastrophic if it results in:

• Long-term loss of mobility or function
• Chronic pain or disability
• The inability to work or return to pre-injury activities
• The need for major surgery, rehabilitation, or lifelong care

In these cases, patients may be entitled to claim compensation for:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Loss of income and earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and reduced quality of life
• Ongoing care and assistance

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a Lisfranc injury that was misdiagnosed or poorly treated, and the consequences have been severe, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced team understands the complexities of these cases and is here to help.

We invite you to get in touch with us directly to discuss your circumstances. Alternatively, you can fill out the free and confidential call-back form at the foot of this page, and a member of our team will be in contact with you shortly.