Midfoot injuries

Last evidence check May 2010

Serious midfoot injuries are relatively rare but can be disabling. Some are associated with high energy trauma and may have severe swelling, soft tissue loss or compartment syndrome.

Most are related to specific trauma but stress fractures of the navicular, cuboid and rarely the cuneiforms can present.

Careful integration of information from history, physical examination and imaging, along with prior awareness, will avoid missing these uncommon injuries.

Good management will generally be based on the application of standard trauma principles, but particularly with rarer injuries the early involvement of a foot and ankle surgeon can be helpful in choosing and implementing the best treatment plan.