Operative Techniques: Foot and Ankle Surgery

Osteochondral Lesion of the Ankle: OATS Procedure

Osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) procedure consists of transplanting one or various osteochondral cylinders from a donor site to a osteochondral defect to supply the smoothness and support of the articular surface that has been lost. Indications Stage III–IV osteochondral…

Ankle Arthroscopy From a Posterior Approach

Indications Isolated posterior ankle pathology such as flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendonitis, posterior impingement from a Stieda process, an os trigonum, or soft tissue Posterior osteochondral defects Ankle fusion, or combined ankle and subtalar fusion Typically posterior ankle arthroscopy is…

Single Medial Approach for Triple Arthrodesis

Indications Symptomatic adult rigid flatfoot deformity due to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon (stage III according to the classification of Johnson and Storm), which is not responding to conservative treatment Tarsal coalitions Inflammatory or posttraumatic arthritis of the hindfoot…

Triple Arthrodesis

Indications Fixed hindfoot deformities Symptomatic hindfoot arthritis Salvage procedure of the foot Treatment Options Nonoperative treatments include hindfoot and ankle bracing Physical therapy and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may help alleviate pain Examination/Imaging Weight-bearing physical examination reveals hindfoot range of motion,…

Distraction Subtalar Fusion

Indications Symptomatic osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint After calcaneal fracture In peritalar instability Symptomatic anterior ankle impingement/ankle osteoarthritis due to horizontalized talus Symptomatic valgus instability of the ankle in peritalar instability Painful tarsal coalition Indications Pitfalls Avascular necrosis of the…

Arthroscopy of the Subtalar Joint

Indications Posterior subtalar impingement syndrome due to symptomatic os trigonum Flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis Arthrofibrosis Subtalar arthrosis Calcaneal/talar fracture reduction control Osteochondral lesions Indications Pitfalls Active infections Severe subtalar malalignment Indications Controversies Talocalcaneal coalitions Triple arthrodesis Examination/Imaging Range of motion…

Arthroscopic Talus Fracture Fixation

Indications Talar neck fractures that can be reduced without making an incision using traction or manipulation only Lateral talar process fractures Medial talar fractures Posterior body fractures Minimally comminuted talar body fractures Indications Pitfalls Talar neck fractures with lateral comminution…

Percutaneous Fixation of Talus Fracture

Indications Acute talar neck fractures (Hawkins type I–III) Nonunited talar neck fractures (<9 months after injury) Indications Pitfalls Closed reduction is not feasible (e.g., interposed fragment that cannot be removed arthroscopically). Extended defect on the anterior talar neck (comminuted area)…

Sinus Tarsi Approach for Calcaneal Fractures

Indications Displaced tongue-type fractures Large extraarticular fractures (>1 cm) with detachment of Achilles tendon and/or >2 mm displacement Urgent if skin is compromised Sanders type II and III Posterior facet displacement >2–3 mm, flattening of Böhler angle, or varus malalignment…