Suspected Lisfranc Injury or Midfoot Instability: When a Foot MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Lisfranc injury?

A Lisfranc injury involves damage to the midfoot joints and supporting ligaments, particularly the ligaments connecting the forefoot to the midfoot. These structures are critical for:

  • Maintaining foot stability
  • Transferring force during walking and running
  • Preserving the arch of the foot

Lisfranc injuries can range from subtle ligament sprains to significant joint instability.

How do Lisfranc injuries usually occur?

Common mechanisms include:

  • Twisting injuries with the foot planted
  • Falls from height
  • Sports-related trauma
  • Road traffic or workplace accidents

In some cases, the injury may seem mild initially, leading to delayed recognition.

What symptoms suggest a possible Lisfranc injury?

Symptoms that raise concern include:

  • Pain in the midfoot region
  • Swelling over the top or bottom of the foot
  • Pain with weight-bearing or push-off
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Bruising on the sole of the foot (a notable warning sign)

These symptoms should not be dismissed as a simple sprain.

Why are Lisfranc injuries commonly missed on initial assessment?

Lisfranc injuries may be overlooked because:

  • X-rays can appear normal, especially in non-displaced injuries
  • Swelling may obscure clinical findings
  • Pain may be attributed to general midfoot strain

Without advanced imaging, ligament disruption and subtle instability can be missed.

Why is MRI important when a Lisfranc injury is suspected?

Core Medical Principles

  • MRI is one of the most accurate imaging modalities currently available.
  • Without accurate imaging, no doctor—regardless of experience—can reliably make a precise diagnosis.
  • Without accurate diagnosis, treatment plans become generic, presumptive, and often fail.
  • Many failed treatments are due to trial-and-error care without imaging.
  • Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered when a Lisfranc injury or midfoot instability is suspected.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows assessment of:

  • Lisfranc ligament integrity
  • Joint alignment and stability
  • Associated fractures or bone marrow injury
  • Surrounding soft tissue damage

Why is clinical examination and X-ray alone insufficient?

While examination can localise midfoot pain and X-rays assess alignment, they cannot:

  • Reliably detect ligament disruption
  • Identify subtle joint instability
  • Assess associated soft tissue injury

MRI provides the detailed internal view required for accurate diagnosis.

What happens if a Lisfranc injury is not diagnosed early?

Delayed diagnosis may lead to:

  • Chronic midfoot pain
  • Progressive arch collapse
  • Long-term walking difficulty
  • Early joint degeneration

Early MRI helps guide appropriate immobilisation or referral for further management.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave and insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: Many imaging centres require referrals and involve long waiting times.

These barriers often delay definitive diagnosis.

Why arrange your foot MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

Clinic Positioning

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • A 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Equipped with convenient parking
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor assessment with direct, immediate MRI arrangement
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor just for an MRI referral
  • The doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint-related problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI aims:

  • Under $1000
  • Arranged within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover foot MRI costs?

Insurance & Cost Information

MRI scans may be covered by:

  • Personal accident insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Company insurance
  • Company flexi-benefits
  • Hospitalisation plans (policy-dependent)

Medisave limits:

  • Current: $300
  • From 1 January 2026: $600

Medisave can potentially cover more than half of the MRI cost, depending on eligibility.

When should I consider an MRI for suspected Lisfranc injury?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Midfoot pain persists after injury
  • Weight-bearing is painful or unstable
  • X-rays are normal but symptoms remain

MRI helps confirm or exclude Lisfranc injury and supports timely, evidence-based care.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.

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