title: The single medial approach to triple arthrodesis: a cadaver study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Triple arthrodesis is traditionally done through a two-incision approach. In certain high-risk patients, it may be desirable to do the procedure through a single medial incision to avoid lateral wound healing problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cadaver study was undertaken to determine the percentage of surface area of each hindfoot joint that could be prepared through a single medial incision. Five cadaver legs were assigned to the single-incision group, and one cadaver leg was used as the "standard" two-incision specimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Through the single-incision approach, 91% of the talonavicular joint, 91% of the subtalar joint, and 90% of the calcaneocuboid joint could be prepared. These results were comparable to the two-incision cadaver specimen results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single-incision medial approach for triple arthrodesis is a safe and effective technique in the management of hindfoot deformity and arthritis in certain high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Mercy Medical Center, Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA. cjeng@mdmercy.com
authors.forename: Clifford L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Jeng
authors.forename: Cedric J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Tankson
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Myerson
mesh_terms: D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000601:surgery; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000601:surgery