Extensile posterior approach to the ankle.

Surgical exposure of the ankle is usually obtained by an anterior approach, especially for replacement arthroplasty. The transfibular approach has been popular for arthrodesis. We describe a new posterior approach to the ankle and posterior subtalar joint based on an extra-articular vertical calcaneal osteotomy behind the subtalar joint. The posterior flap so formed is hinged medially and offers wide exposure of the back of the ankle and posterior subtalar joint. This hinge allows safe and stable reduction of the osteotomised calcaneum, and the plane of dissection follows an 'internervous plane' behind the fibula. We have had good results after using this incision in 12 patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and there have been no difficulties with wound healing.