Surgical ApproachesJamal Al-Asiri

The Foot

Fore foot: Medial approach to MT1 Dorsal approach to MT1 Dorsal intermetatarsal approach

Mid foot: Dorsal double parallel incisions

Foot: 1st MTP Joint (Dorsomedial & Dorsal) Indications

Bunionectomy, DSTP, Osteotomies, Arthroplasty, Fusion

Position Supine + Tourniquet

Landmarks/Incision MT Head + EHL Dorsomedial

▪ Direct medial over MTP joint▪ Medial to EHL▪ Plantar to dorsal digital nerve▪ Parallel to Phalanx distal and

MT shaft proximal Dorsal

▪ Medial to EHL▪ Directly over MTP joint▪ Inline with the phalanx +

shaft Plane

None

Foot: 1st MTP Joint (Dorsal & Dorsomedial)

Foot: 1st MTP Joint (Dorsal & Dorsomedial) Superficial

Dorsomedial▪ Incise deep fascia inline▪ Directly down to MTP joint▪ Retract EHL + Dorsal Digital

nerve Dorsal

Incise deep fascia inline Retract EHL Lateral Directly down to MTP joint

Deep Reflect periosteum off phalanx

+ MT Dangers

EHL Dorsal digital nerve FHL (too much phalanx

stripping plantar side) Deep Peroneal Nerve (1st

webspace)

Dorsal double parallel incisionsPositioning     

supine, with a bump under the affected hip. Incisions:• The first incision is longitudinal, in the space

between first and second MTs or over the second MT.• It is approximately 5 cm in length, lateral to

the extensor hallucis longus (EHL), with the distal end of the incision 3 cm distal to the first TMT joint.

• The superficial sensory branches of the superficial peroneal nerve are isolated and preserved.

• The inferior extensor retinaculum is excised, and the neurovascular bundle found between the EHL and EHB is isolated. The EHL is retracted medially to visualize the Lisfranc joint.

• If the third TMT joint is still unstable, a second longitudinal incision is created over the third-fourth MT space or over the fourth MT.• The lateral superficial sensory branches of the

superficial peroneal nerve are protected.• The (EDL) is elevated to expose the (EDB),

which can be split longitudinally or elevated from lateral to medial.

The Foot

Hind foot (Talus): Anterolateral to the talus Anteromedial to the talus Posteromedial to the talus Posterolateral to the hindfoot

Anteromedial Approach to the Talus

Postion: Supine

Incision: 10cm longitudinal curved

incision on the medial aspect of the ankle just anterior to the tip of the medial mal

Interval: Between Tib ant& Tib post

Dangers: Saphenous nerve and long

saphenous vein

Anterolateral Approach to the Talus

Postion: Supine with sandbag under

the hip Incision:

10 cm slightly curved incision on the anterolateral aspect of the ankle 2cm anterior to the anterior border of the fibula, toward the base of the 4th metatarsal

Interval: Peroneal muscles (superficial

peroneal nerve) and extensor muscles (deep peroneal nerve); Detach and reflect the extensor digitorum brevis from it origin on the calcaneus

Dangers: Dorsal cutaneous branches

of superficial peroneal n.; Deep peroneal n. & dorsalis pedis art

Posteromedial approach to the talusAnatomyThis rarely-used approach is extremely useful and follows the plane between flexor hallucis longus and the Achilles tendon. The neurovascular structures lie posteromedially behind the medial malleolus and must be protected

IncisionSkin incisionUsing the Achilles as the lateral boundary, and the neurovascular structures posteromedially, a skin incision is made centered over the subtalar joint using image intensification.

Posteromedial approach to the talusSuperficial dissectionThe structures that run behind the medial malleolus are very important here. The most posterior structure, flexor hallucis longus, is identified so the surgeon can go posterior and lateral to it and medial to the Achilles tendon.Deep dissectionThe tendon sheath of the flexor hallucis longus must be opened. This allows the retraction of the tendon together with the neurovascular bundle and gains exposure of the fracture.Lateral to the tendon sheath of the FHL is the posterior tubercle of the talus.The surgeon must be careful not to be too proximal and mistake the distal tibia for the talus. Fixation and debridement can now be completed.

Posterolateral approach to the talusIncisionThis approach is very useful as it is a true internervous and intermuscular approach which is very safe. It is useful as an approach to the posterior talus, the posterior aspect of the distal tibia, the posterior distal fibula and the posterior portion of the calcaneus.The skin incision is made vertically between the peroneal tendons anteriorly and the Achilles tendon posteriorly.

In the depth one encounters the sural nerve which must be protected together with its lateral calcaneal branch, which - if cut - results in a painful neuroma. Deeper and medially one encounters the belly of the flexor hallucis longus. For an approach to the talus and the subtalar joint and the Volkmann’s triangle the flexor hallucis longus must be retracted medially.

The Foot

Hind foot (Calcaneus): Extended lateral approach to

calcaneus Medial approach to the calcaneus

Extended lateral approach to calcaneus

AnatomyVascular supply

The perforating branches of the peroneal artery contribute to the vascularity of the lateral skin and soft tissue of the foot. The undermining of skin edges runs the risk of skin edge necrosis and therefore full-thickness flaps have to be developed to prevent this complication.

The lateral calcaneal artery is responsible for the majority of the blood supply to the corner of the L-shaped flap of this approach. The heel pad is mostly supplied from the posterior tibial artery branches medially.The sural nerve needs to be protected in the horizontal part of the approach.

Extended lateral approach to calcaneus

IncisionSkin incisionThe posterior arm of the incision is placed midway between the fibula and Achilles tendon. The horizontal arm is placed in line with the base of the fifth metatarsal.They meet at a corner where skin handling must be optimized.Development of flapThe undermining of the edges must be avoided. One creates a full-thickness flap and, as the flap is developed, one divides the retinaculum and detaches the CFL and talocalcaneal ligaments from bone. The peroneal tendons and the sural nerve are within the flap and are not exposed. As the flap is developed upwards, one exposes the subtalar joint and the sinus tarsi.

Extended lateral approach to calcaneus

IncisionSkin incisionThe posterior arm of the incision is placed midway between the fibula and Achilles tendon. The horizontal arm is placed in line with the base of the fifth metatarsal.They meet at a corner where skin handling must be optimized.Development of flapThe undermining of the edges must be avoided. One creates a full-thickness flap and, as the flap is developed, one divides the retinaculum and detaches the CFL and talocalcaneal ligaments from bone. The peroneal tendons and the sural nerve are within the flap and are not exposed. As the flap is developed upwards, one exposes the subtalar joint and the sinus tarsi.

Medial approach to calcaneusIncisionSkin incisionThe center of the incision is 2 cm beneath the medial malleolus and 2 cm proximal to the navicular.To achieve adequate visualization of the sustentaculum, it needs to be about 5 cm in length, following the neurovascular structures.

Superficial dissectionOnce beneath skin, identify the posterior tibial tendon, the neurovascular bundle and the flexor hallucis tendon. The interval to develop is between the neurovascular bundle, specifically the posterior tibial nerve and the flexor hallucis tendon, which is retracted distally.

Medial approach to calcaneus

Deep dissectionThe sustentaculum is a bony prominence which is obvious once one is beneath the medial neurovascular structures. Usually, fixation is placed into the calcaneus immediately below the sustentaculum, which has been fractured and displaced plantarwards.Image intensification will verify the surgeon’s position in this deep approach.The small bony fragment mandates use of mini fragment fixation.

The Ankle

Lateral approachMedial approachPosterolateral approach**Posteromedial approachAnterior approach

Lateral approachIncisionIf a lateral plate is required for the lateral malleolus, the incision should be placed either slightly anteriorly or posteriorly, so that the plate does not come to lie directly beneath the incision.If a posterior plate is planned, place the incision slightly posteriorly, so that the soft-tissue dissection can be minimized.Proximal extensionIn case a distal fracture extends proximally, the incision can be extended proximally.The plane of dissection is the same, but particular care must be taken with the superficial peroneal nerve. In this case it is advisable to identify and protect the nerve.

Lateral approachSuperficial surgical dissectionThe dissection plane is between the peroneus tertius anteriorly and the peroneus longus and brevis posteriorly. The figure shows a long incision, such as would be used for suprasyndesmotic fractures.Handling the damaged soft tissue is crucial. Use small retractors only in good soft-tissue conditions. Retracting with protecting sutures is a safe method.Note Be careful not to damage the superficial peroneal nerve, which lies very closely anteriorly, especially in the proximal part of the incision. In more anterior incisions, it should be identified and protected.  When dissecting posteriorly, be careful not to damage the short saphenous vein and the sural nerve.

Lateral approachDeep surgical dissectionFree the periosteum at the fracture site. In order to minimize devascularization, reflect only as much of the periosteum as is needed to expose the fracture site. Unnecessary stripping of the periosteum reduces the blood supply of the bone.If it is necessary to extend the dissection, keep it close to the periosteum, in order to avoid damage to terminal branches of the peroneal artery.

The fracture site is now exposed and should be cleaned before it is reduced.

Medial approachIncisionStart the incision 2 cm distal to the anterior tip of the medial malleolus. Curve the incision towards the anterior edge of the medial malleolus and in the direction of the middle of the distal tibia.Find the saphenous vein and nerve, and use a vessel loop to retract them.Surgical dissectionExpose the anterior part of the fracture site, free the periosteum from the edges of the medial malleolus to the distal tibial joint surface and inspect the joint.If necessary, make a vertical incision at the anteromedial edge of the joint capsule. Dissect the capsule as far as necessary to visualize the fracture and the joint surfaces.Remove the periosteum posteriorly only sufficiently to control reduction.

Posteromedial approachIncisionThis approach is indicated in cases of posterior comminution and/or a posterior extension of a medial malleolar fracture.Start the incision 1 cm distal and 1 cm anterior to the middle of the tip of the medial malleolus. Curve the incision dorsally over the tip of the medial malleolus and in the direction of the posterior crest of the distal tibia.NoteBe careful not to damage the saphenous vein and nerve, especially distally.Superficial surgical dissectionDeepen the approach through the subcutaneous fat and the fascia, in a direct line with the posteromedial crest of the tibia.Deepen the dissection of the fracture site without stripping off the periosteum.

Posteromedial approachDeep surgical dissectionFollow the fracture line to the posterior edge of the distal tibia. Open the crural fascia at the edge of the posterior tibia, proximally as far as necessary, and distally as far as the proximal insertion of the flexor retinaculum.Retract the tendons of the tibialis posterior muscle and the flexor digitorum longus muscle and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle, using blunt retractors.Develop the dissection until the fracture line at the posterior part of the tibia is entirely in view.Dissect the periosteum only as far as required for the control of the reduction at the metaphysis. If necessary, follow the fracture line anteriorly. Protect the saphenous nerve and vein.

Tibia/Fibula

Distal Tibia: Anteromedial approach Anterolateral approach Posteromedial approach Posterolateral approach

Anteromedial approach

Skin incisionThe incision for the anteromedial approach starts about 5–8 cm proximal to the ankle joint, lateral to the tibial crest. It runs in a straight line over the ankle joint towards the base of the navicular, following the medial border of the anterior tibial tendon. A straight incision provides a better approach to the anterior part of the tibia than a curved incision.

Anteromedial approachSurgical dissectionDeepen the dissection to the periosteum along the medial border of the anterior tibial tendon, leaving the tendon sheath intact.Minimal exposure and careful handling of the periosteum are essential to prevent any further vascular damage of the fracture fragments.The tibiotalar joint is opened in the sagittal direction, usually in line with the fracture line between the two main anterior articular fragments.Any transverse incision of the anterior capsule to further expose the joint should be kept short as this risks devascularization of the anterior fragments (supplied by branches of the anterior tibial artery).

Anterolateral approachSkin incisionThis incision is centered at the ankle joint, parallel to the fourth metatarsal distally, and parallel to and between the tibia and fibula proximally. Dissection through the skin and subcutaneous tissues should proceed sharply with maintenance of full thickness skin flaps. Since the anterior compartment muscles arise from the anterior fibula, the incision is usually not extended more than seven centimeters above the ankle joint. Distally, the incision can extend as far as the talonavicular joint.Take care not to damage the superficial peroneal nerve which lies directly beneath the skin. This nerve invariably crosses the surgical incision proximal to the ankle joint. It should be identified, mobilized, and protected throughout the surgical procedure.

SPN

Anterolateral approachSurgical dissectionDistally, the extensor retinaculum is incised and the anterior compartment tendons are all retracted medially. Proximally, the entire anterior compartment musculature, including the peroneus tertius, can then be mobilized and retracted medially. The fascia of the extensor digitorum brevis can be incised, with the muscle carefully dissected and retracted medially. This allows exposure of the talar neck for pin placement and distractor application. Proper location of the arthrotomy, preplanned to lie over the fracture, is critical to avoid unnecessary and damaging devascularization of fracture fragments. Proximally, the dissection is limited by the origin of the anterior compartment muscles from the fibula and from the interosseous membrane.

Posteromedial approachIncisionThe incision is centered at the ankle joint, between the Achilles tendon and the posteromedial border of the distal tibia. Proximally the incision parallels the posteromedial border of the tibia. Distally the incision parallels the path of the posterior tibial tendon.Superficial surgical dissectionDeepen the incision through the subcutaneous fat and fascia and reveal the deep fascia over the tendons of tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus, the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle and the flexor hallucis longus tendon.For access to the posteromedial quadrant of the distal tibia, it is necessary to carefully incise the deep fascia proximally, protecting the neurovascular bundle.

(2) (3)

Posteromedial approach

2) It may also be between the posterior tibial tendon and the flexor digitorum communis (see illustration).

Deep dissectionThe interval used for deep dissection is dependent on the location of the major fracture fragments.1) It may be between the tibia and the posterior tibial tendon. This is useful for proximal exposure only as the distal posterior tibial tendon should not be dissected from the posterior tibia.

3) Or it may be between the flexor digitorum comminus and the flexor hallucis longus.The latter of these three intervals requires direct exposure and protection of the neurovascular bundle along its length. The neurovascular bundle can be retracted anteromedially or posterolaterally.

Posterolateral approach

Posterolateral approachSkin incisionSkin incision is made along the posteromedial border of the fibula and can extend from the tip of the fibula as far proximally as is required. It should never be more medial than the lateral border of the Achilles tendon.

Protect the sural nerveIt is important to be aware of the course of the sural nerve as it courses from the center of the calf proximally to just posterior to the fibula distally.Identify the sural nerve under the superficial fascial layer and usually include it in the lateral flap. If the dissection is extended more proximally, it may be necessary to work on either side of this nerve.

Posterolateral approachExposure of the fibulaSuperficial surgical dissection to the fibulaIf the fibula requires fixation, this option is chosen. Maintain full thickness superficial flaps to reduce the risk of skin necrosis.

Superficial dissection should be taken down to the attachment of the peroneal fascia on the posterolateral border of the fibula. Incise the fascia, and retract the peroneals medially.

Posterolateral approachApproach to the tibiaSurgical dissection to the tibiaAccess to the tibia is through a separate plane which is developed on the posteromedial border of the peroneal muscles. These are now retracted laterally.

Exposure of the posterior aspect of the tibia is achieved by developing the interval between the peroneal tendons and muscles laterally and the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) medially.

Posterolateral approachDeep surgical dissection to the tibiaFHL is recognizable from the very distal extent of its muscle belly. It can also be identified by moving the great toe. With sharp dissection of the FHL along its lateral border, the entire posterior aspect of the tibial surface can be exposed by retracting this muscle medially. This also provides protection of the posteromedial neurovascular bundle.Tibia: Exposure of the joint surfaceVisualization of the articular surface or small fragments preventing reduction of the articular pieces can be difficult.The posterolateral fragment is rotated laterally around the usually intact posterior tibiofibular ligament. The interval between the boney fragments is developed giving access to the center of the fracture.

Anterior approach

Tibia/Fibula

Tibia shaft: Anteromedial approach Anterolateral approach Posteromedial approach Posterolateral approach

Anteromedial approach

Anteromedial approachSkin incisionApproach the anteromedial surface through a longitudinal incision 1-2 cm lateral to the tibial crest. Distally, continue along the medial edge of the tibialis anterior in a gentle curve in the direction of the medial malleolus.The deep dissection should stay superficial to the fascia layer of the anterior compartment.The length of the incision depends on the planned plate length.

Take care not to compromise the saphenous vein and nerve, which are at risk at the distal extend of the approach.Entrance into the anterior tibial tendon sheath should be avoided, as this can cause unwanted adhesions.

Anteromedial approach

DissectionFull thickness skin and subcutaneous tissue flaps are then mobilized in a medial direction. In this way the anteromedial aspect of the tibia is directly exposed. The periosteum is left intact, or minimally reflected from the fracture edges, if necessary for a direct anatomical reduction.

Anterolateral approach

Skin incisionA longitudinal incision lies 1-2 cm lateral to the tibial crest and continues distally straight over the ankle joint along the line of the anterior tibial tendon. The length of the incision depends on the plate length.The distal extension of the anterolateral approach is helpful for distal tibial fractures, but is obstructed by muscles and neurovascular structures of the anterior compartment.

Anterolateral approach

DissectionThe fascia is incised just lateral to the tibial crest and the dissection is carried down extraperiostally along the lateral surface of the tibia.The periosteum is left intact, though it may require mobilization near the fracture site for exposure of fracture edges. This is commonly done in preparation for direct anatomical reduction.

Anterolateral approachRetraction of the tibialis anterior muscle should be limited, to show only the essential part of the anterolateral surface of the tibia.Near the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the tibia, the anterior compartment vessels (Anterior Tibial) and nerve (Deep Peroneal) come together and approach the lateral tibial surface. They wrap obliquely anteriorly and distally around the tibia. In the distal metaphyseal area, they lie on the periosteum, under the myotendinous portion of tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus. If this exposure extends into the distal third of the tibia, the surgeon should identify and protect the neurovascular bundle. With care, it can be mobilized from the tibial surface, along with the anterior compartment muscles. This makes it possible to pass a plate more distally on the anterolateral surface, all the way to the ankle joint, if necessary.

Posteromedial approachSkin incisionThe length of the incision varies according to fracture location and selected plate. The posteromedial boarder of the tibia is first palpated throughout its length. The incision is then made in parallel 1-2 cm posterior to the posterior tibial boarder.

DissectionSubcutaneous dissection follows carefully so as to identify and/or protect the saphenous vein and nerve. These are typically mobilized anteriorly.

Posteromedial approachThe fascia is then incised in line with the skin incision and the superficial and deep posterior compartments are mobilized. Gastrocnemius, soleus and flexor digitorum will be identified and mobilized with a soft-tissue elevator, depending on the level of the fracture.

The dissection should be done in an extra-periosteal plane.Dissection is not necessary beyond the posterolateral aspect of the tibia.In this way, the middle 3/5 of the posterior tibia can be effectively exposed.

Posterolateral approachSkin incisionThe length of the incision varies, but it should begin over the lateral boarder of the gastrocnemius muscles and extend distally to a point that is midway between the achilles tendon and the fibula.

The interval between the lateral and posterior compartments is usually easier to find distally. Further dissection proximally is undertaken as required.

Posterolateral approachDissectionThe plane of  the dissection will be between the superficial posterior and lateral compartments. The fascia is incised and the gastrocnemius and soleus are mobilized medially leaving the peroneal muscles laterally. In this way, the posterolateral aspect of the fibula is exposed.

Often there are crossing perforating branches of the peroneal vessels, which must be ligated.

Posterolateral approachArising from the posterior aspect of the fibula is the Flexor hallucis longus (FHL), which is mobilized posteromedially. Medial dissection is continued until the interosseus membrane is encountered.

NoteOne should proceed with caution when mobilizing the deep posterior compartment. It is crucial that the entire compartment is mobilized from the fibula, interosseous membrane and tibia.Beginning outside the fracture zone, expose the posterior and medial surfaces of the fibula, and follow these to the interosseous membrane. Retract the deep posterior compartment contents from lateral to medial, to protect the neurovascular structures.

Posterolateral approachWith the interosseous membrane identified, mobilize the remainder of the deep posterior compartment medialwards until the posterior aspect of the tibia is encountered. Extend the exposure proximally beyond the fracture as far as necessary for plate fixation. Be aware of the common peroneal nerve crossing the fibular neck very proximally.At the conclusion of the dissection the surgeon should have access to the posterior aspects of both the tibia and the fibula.

Tibia/Fibula

Proximal Tibia: Anterolateral approach Posteromedial approach

Anterolateral approachSkin incisionMake a straight incision lateral to the patella.

Opening the fasciaOpen the deep fascia anterior to the ilio-tibial tract.

Anterolateral approach

Anterolateral approachRelease the proximal attachment of the tibialis anterior muscle. If necessary release the ilio-tibial tract by incising it or taking a small flake of bone from Gerdy’s tubercle.Avoid the peroneal nerve which runs posterior to the biceps femoris tendon at its attachment to the fibular head.CautionDo not attempt to expose the postero-medial side of the tibia from the antero-lateral approach.Opening the jointTo expose the joint make a horizontal capsulotomy between the the deep edge of the meniscus and the tibia. At the time of closure re-attachment of the meniscus and capsule is mandatory.

Posteromedial approachSkin incisionWith the knee in slight flexion make a straight or slightly curved incision running from the medial epicondyle towards the postero-medial edge of the tibia. The incision can be extended as needed both proximally and distally as indicated by the dashed line.

Deep dissectionAfter opening of the fascia identity and expose the pes anserinus.

Posteromedial approachDeep dissectionAfter opening of the fascia identity and expose the pes anserinus.

Opening of the knee jointIdentify the meniscus and incise the capsule between the meniscus and the edge of the tibial plateau thus gaining access to the knee joint.

Compartment syndrome

Double-incision, 4-compartment dermato-fasciotomy

Single-incision, parafibular 4-compartment dermato-fasciotomy

Relevant anatomy (muscles)

Double-incision fasciotomyTechniquePosteromedial IncisionThe two posterior compartments are approached through a single longitudinal incision in the lower leg, two centimeters behind the palpable posteromedial edge of the tibia. 

After reaching the fascia, undermine anteriorly to the posterior tibial margin, in order to avoid the saphenous vein and nerve. The deep posterior compartment here is superficial and readily accessible. The fascia of the deep posterior compartment is carefully opened distally and proximally, under the belly of the soleus muscle, paying special attention to the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle.

Double-incision fasciotomyThrough the same incision, the fascia of the superficial posterior compartment is opened widely, two centimeters posterior and parallel to the incision in the fascia of the deep compartment.

Double-incision fasciotomy

TechniqueAnterolateral incisionThe anterior and lateral compartments are approached through a single longitudinal incision on the outer aspect of the leg, two centimeters anterior to the fibular shaft and long enough to expose the whole length of the compartments. The incision lies approximately over the anterior intermuscular septum that divides the anterior and lateral compartments and allows easy access to both.

Double-incision fasciotomy

A small incision is made in the fascia of the anterior compartment, midway between the septum and the tibial crest. The fascia is opened proximally and distally, respecting any visible superficial nerve.

Double-incision fasciotomyThe lateral compartment fasciotomy is in line with the fibular shaft. Directing the scissors towards the lateral malleolus helps avoid the superficial peroneal nerve as it exits from the fascia in the distal third of the leg near the septum and courses anteriorly. Look for this nerve, which may be branched, and protect it.

Single incision fasciotomyTechniqueA) An incision is made from the fibular neck to the lateral malleolus.NoteProtect the common peroneal nerve as it crosses the fibula proximally, and the superficial peroneal nerve distally.B) The lateral compartment (LC) is opened.C) Retracting the anterior skin exposes the fascia of the anterior compartment (AC), which is opened, with care being taken to avoid the superficial peroneal nerve (SPn).

Single incision fasciotomyD) The posterior skin is retracted to expose the fascia of the superficial posterior compartment (SPC), which is opened.

E) The lateral compartment is retracted anteriorly. The soleus is released from the fibular shaft and is retracted posteriorly, exposing the fascia of the deep posterior compartment (DPC), which is opened. Confirm that the deep posterior compartment muscles are released by passively extending and flexing the great toe. This motion changes tension in flexor hallucis longus, which should be felt easily through the open fasciotomy.