Background: We aimed to define reference lines on standard lateral ankle radiographs that could be used intraoperatively to minimize iatrogenic nerve injury risk in medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy.

Methods: Forty cadaveric specimens were used. In 20 specimens, the sural, medial plantar (MP), and lateral plantar (LP) nerves were sutured to radiopaque wire, and a lateral ankle radiograph was obtained. On the radiograph, a line was drawn from the posterior superior apex of the calcaneal tuberosity to the origin of the plantar fascia and labeled as the "landmark line." A parallel line was drawn 2 mm posterior to the most posterior nerve, and the area between these lines was defined as the safe zone. In 20 additional specimens, an osteotomy was performed 1 cm anterior to the landmark line using a percutaneous or open technique. Dissection was performed to assess for laceration of the sural, MP, LP, medial calcaneal (MC), or lateral calcaneal (LC) nerves.

Results: The safe zone was determined to be within the area 11.2 ± 2.7 mm anterior to the landmark line. After open osteotomy, lacerations were found in 3 of 10 MC nerves and 3 of 10 LC nerves. After percutaneous osteotomy, lacerations were found in 2 of 10 MC nerves and 1 of 10 LC nerves. No lacerations of the sural, MP, or LP nerves were found with either osteotomy.

Conclusions: The safe zone extended 11.2 ± 2.7 mm anterior to the described landmark line. The MC and LC nerves were always at risk during medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy.

Clinical Relevance: Nerve injury to both major and minor sensory nerves is likely underrecognized as a source of morbidity after calcaneal osteotomy. The current study provides a ready intraoperative guideline for minimizing this risk.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1071100715595696DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

safe zone
16
medial displacement
12
displacement calcaneal
12
calcaneal osteotomy
8
lateral ankle
8
nerve injury
8
risk medial
8
sural medial
8
nerves
8
drawn posterior
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!