Extended lateral approach for elective hind foot surgery--a safe and versatile incision.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to review our experience of the extended lateral approach to the hind foot in treatment of non-traumatic foot disorders with particular reference to wound complications.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 51 consecutive patients who under went extended lateral approach to the hind foot for treatment of various non traumatic foot disorders. We documented the indication for surgery, co-morbidity, quality of wound healing and other wound related problems.


RESULTS
The mean age was 47.9. There were three superficial wound infections (5.8%). One had slight sensory loss close to the scar, one developed hypersensitivity over the scar. There was no wound break down or any deep infection. No sural nerve deficit was noted. Six patients had the calcaneal screw removed due to prominent metal work (11.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
The extended lateral approach to hind foot is safe in the surgical treatment of a wide variety of non-traumatic foot conditions. Despite the larger deep dissection, the arterial anatomy ensures reliable wound healing and a low incidence of wound complications.
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, UK. davidskt@yahoo.co.uk
David
D
Thyagarajan
Ganesh
G
Walkey
Andrew
A
Kelly
Ian
I
Winson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult