A safe technique for insertion of heel wires for hindfoot external fixation frames

Aims Anatomical atlases document classical safe corridors for the placement of transosseous fine wires through the calcaneum during circular frame external fixation. During this process, the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle (PTNVB) is placed at risk, though this has not been previously quantified. We describe a cadaveric study to investigate a safe technique for posterolateral to anteromedial fine wire insertion through the body of the calcaneum. Materials and Methods A total of 20 embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were divided into two groups. Wires were inserted using two possible insertion points and at varying angles. In Group A, wires were inserted one-third along a line between the point of the heel and the tip of the lateral malleolus while in Group B, wires were inserted halfway along this line. Standard dissection techniques identified the structures at risk and the distance of wires from neurovascular structures was measured. The results from 19 limbs were subject to analysis. Results In Group...