Lateral Extensile Approach to the Calcaneus is Safe after Sinus Tarsi Incision: A Report of Two Cases

CATEGORY: Trauma; Hindfoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: While the optimal surgical approach for operative treatment of calcaneus fractures is controversial. Regardless of index approach, post-injury sequelae such as malunion may require subsequent extensile exposures for reconstruction. In the tenuous soft tissues overlying the Whether a lateral extensile approach is safe following a previous sinus tarsi exposure has yet to be demonstrated. METHODS: In this case report, two individuals underwent an initial sinus tarsi approach for reduction and fixation of calcaneus fractures, but went on to malunion or subtalar arthritis. A 'sham' surgery consisting of skin incision and initial flap elevation was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a lateral extensile approach to the calcaneus after previous sinus tarsi incision. RESULTS: In each instance, the patients experienced uneventful skin incision healing, and subsequently had successful reconstruction with distraction subtalar arthrodesis via lateral extensile exposures. CONCLUSION: The lateral extensile approach to the calcaneus may be safely performed following sinus tarsi exposure.