Don't want to speculate on the kids medical problems but typically Lis Franc fractures are treated with screws to maintain a normal relationship while the injured bone/ligament heals. Its not uncommon to take the screws out with a second surgery 3 months later so they don't break when he starts putting weight on it. Just speculation on my part but if that's the reason for the surgery its not unexpected. You guys are right that this can be a bad injury especially if not diagnosed quickly and stabilized in an anatomic position (high rate of long-term midfoot arthritis).