14
January
2022
|
18:33 PM
America/New_York

Understanding Taysom Hill's Lisfranc Prognosis and Outlook

Saints News Network discusses New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill's Lisfranc injury and speaks with HSS foot and ankle surgeon Scott J. Ellis, MD, who did not treat Hill, about a typical prognosis and outlook.

Dr. Ellis explained, “The different types of Lisfranc injuries include purely ligamentous injuries of the midfoot (i.e. tears of those ligaments otherwise termed more generally “sprains”) and combined bone + ligamentous injuries in which there have been fractures of the metatarsals or cuneiforms in addition to the ligamentous tears.”

According to Dr. Ellis, to repair a Lisfranc injury, “The two options for treatment generally are ORIF in which case the joints of the midfoot are put back into position (i.e. “reduced”) and then held with screws to allow for healing versus fusion in which case the joints of the midfoot are fused. There is debate as to which is better. However, ORIF is generally done for lesser and more ligamentous injuries whereas fusion is indicated in injuries with bone fractures and more severe ligamentous injuries.”

Dr. Ellis noted on a typical return, “The timetable can vary depending on the severity of injury, with worse injuries and those requiring fusions probably taking longer to recover. With ORIF and screw removal, it is possible that players could return to play around 5 to 6 months after the injury. However, the average return to play demonstrated in studies is 10 to 11 months which I think is a more realistic timetable.”

He added, “If the bone heals well and in the correct position, Hill probably can make a return. Studies show that roughly 80 to 90 percent of NFL players will return to full competition after a Lisfranc injury. More specific studies indicate that defensive players are more likely to return than offensive players, but this does not include quarterbacks who can potentially function well without constant sprinting or running.”

Read the full article at Si.com.