- Discussion:
- allows access to midtarsal, subtalar, & ankle joints;
-
disadvantages:
- skin may slough about
margins of the incision, especially if dislocation
of ankle is a part of the case (as in talectomy);
- further the peroneal tendons must usully be divided;
- in most instances the
anterolateral incision is more satisfactory;
-
incision:
- begins
just lateral & distal to head of talus, curves about 1 inch inferior to
tip of lateral malleolus, then continues posteriorly & proximally, and to end
about 1 inch posterior to fibula & 5 cm proximal to tip of lateral malleolus;
- if needed incision may continue or, if desired, 5-7 cm further
proximally, parallel with and posterior to fibula;
-
deep exposure:
- dissect
down to peroneal tendons and retract them posteriorly;
- this protects lesser saphenous vein & sural nerve lying just posterior
to the incision;
