Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
| Chopart Injury Type | Direction | Structures at Risk | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medial | Foot adduction | Talonavicular ligaments; tibialis posterior | Moderate — most common |
| Longitudinal | Axial load | Both joints; navicular; cuboid | Poor — high arthritis risk |
| Lateral | Foot abduction | Calcaneocuboid ligaments; peroneus brevis | Moderate |
| Plantar | Plantar force | Plantar ligaments; spring ligament | Poor if spring ligament torn |
| Crush | High-energy compression | All structures; soft tissue | Worst — often requires fusion |
| Injury Severity | Treatment | Weight-Bearing Timeline | Return to Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable sprain (no subluxation) | NWB cast 6 wks → boot 4–6 wks → orthotics | Progressive at 10–12 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Unstable ligamentous (stress subluxation) | Surgical K-wire stabilization → boot | NWB 6–8 wks; progressive to 12 wks | 6–9 months |
| Fracture-dislocation | ORIF with screws or bridge plate | NWB 8–12 wks; progressive thereafter | 9–12+ months |
| Comminuted / irreducible | Primary talonavicular arthrodesis | NWB 10–12 wks; full WB at 4–6 months | 12–18 months |
| Missed/delayed (>6 wks) | Reconstruction or triple arthrodesis | Extended recovery; variable | 12–24 months; guarded |
Quick answer: Chopart Joint Injury is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatrist | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan | 5,000+ patients/year
The most important clinical decision with Chopart Joint Injury isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Chopart Joint Injury isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
What Is the Chopart Joint?
The Chopart joint (transverse tarsal joint or midtarsal joint) consists of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. These two joints work together to allow midfoot pronation and supination. The Chopart joint is an amputation level used historically in surgery — the foot can be amputated through the Chopart joint while preserving a functional hindfoot.
Mechanism of Injury
Chopart joint injuries occur from high-energy trauma (motor vehicle accidents, falls from height, severe twisting injuries). Isolated ligamentous injuries from athletic activities also occur and are frequently underdiagnosed. The “nutcracker” mechanism — compression of the lateral column with longitudinal force — is classic.
Classification
Chopart injuries range from isolated ligamentous sprains to complex fracture-dislocations involving the navicular, cuboid, talar head, and calcaneal anterior process. Main-Jowett classification describes medial, lateral, plantar, crush, and combined patterns.
Why They Are Missed
Subtle Chopart injuries are frequently missed on initial X-rays — the midfoot anatomy is complex and subtle subluxations or avulsion fractures are easy to overlook. Any midfoot sprain that is more painful than expected or doesn’t improve in 1–2 weeks should prompt MRI or CT evaluation.
Treatment
Isolated ligamentous injuries: 4–6 weeks non-weight-bearing in a boot, then gradual loading. Fracture-dislocations: emergent reduction and fixation — delayed treatment leads to poor outcomes. Complex midfoot fracture-dislocations often require primary fusion of the talonavicular joint for best functional results.
FAQs
Is a Chopart injury like a Lisfranc injury? Similar concept but different location — Lisfranc involves the tarsometatarsal joints (more distal); Chopart involves the transverse tarsal joints (more proximal/hindfoot). Both are frequently missed and require careful evaluation.
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AAOS OrthoInfo: Chopart Joint Injury
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.