Lateral Approach to Subtalar Joint

Indications

  • Subtalar fusions
  • ORIF Calcaneal fractures

Position

  • supine
  • sandbag under buttock to bring lateral malleolus forward
  • lateral support on opposite iliac crest
  • tilt table 20°

Landmarks

  • Lateral malleolus
  • Achilles tendon

Incision

  • 15cm Curved L shaped incision over the lateral aspect of the ankle
  • Start
    • vertical limb is centred midway between the posterior border of the fibula & anterior border of the achilles tendon
  • horizontal limb is centred at the intersection with the thick smooth skin on the sole of the foot & the wrinkly skin on the dorsum of the foot

Internervous Plane

  • No internervous plane
    • As it reflects both peroneal tendons anteriorly

Superficial Dissection

  • Continue my incision straight down to bone achieveing thick skin flaps
  • Being careful not to damage
    • Sural nerve
    • Short saphenous vein
  • Incise the inferior peroneal retinacula
  • Mobilise the peroneal tendons & reflect anteriorly

Deep Dissection

  • identify the subtalar joint & overlying calcalneofibular ligament

Dangers

  • Skin
  • Nerves
    • Sural nerve
  • Vessels
    • nil