ABSTRACT
An appropriate selection and execution of a surgical approach is essential for the success of any surgical procedure done for foot and ankle injuries and ailments. It divides into medial and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerves of the dorsum of the foot at different levels, and these branches supply dorsal areas of the foot and toes except for the web space between the great and second toe and the lateral side of the little toe. The anterior approach to the ankle is commonly used for arthrodesis and arthroplasty of the ankle and for fixation of Pilon fractures. The anterolateral approach provides excellent visualisation of distal tibia up to the medial shoulder and distal fibula, and is useful for fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal tibia or osteochondral fracture of talus. The posterolateral approach can be performed with patient in either the lateral or prone or recovery (sloppy lateral) position.
