Lisfranc joint complex

The term “Lisfranc joint complex” is prefered for some authors than the terme ‘Lisfranc joint (Tarsometatarsal joints in TA2)’, because this joint is made by an intricate anatomic configuration of skeletal and nonskeletal elements which all function to maintain the stability of the TMT joints:

The skeletal elements are composed of the tarsometatarsal, intertarsal, and intermetatarsal articular surfaces. 

The nonskeletal elements comprise:

• The articular capsules, 

• The various ligaments,:

  • The dorsal tarsometatarsal ligament (weakest part of the complex)

  • The firts cuneometatarsal interosseous ligament ("Lisfranc ligament proper")

  • The plantar tarsometatarsal ligament (“plantar Lisfranc’s ligament”): variable bundles between tarsus and the second and third metatarsal bases 

• The prolongations of the long plantar ligament (inferior calcaneocuboid ligament), and the tendons

• Expansions of the tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus