Abstract
BackgroundDenervation is a surgical option in ankle arthrosis when conservative therapy has failed. Sectioning all joint branches is essential for its success. The locations of the articular branches of the saphenous (Sa), tibial (Ti), sural (Su), superficial (Ps) and deep peroneal (Pp) nerves are specified. MethodsIn 16 cryopreserved specimens, the courses of the nerves were prepared. Their articular branches were identified, and their respective locations documented by using a new reference system. ResultsThe articular branches to the ankle ranged from 5 to 30 cm measured from the foot sole. The Sa should be transected at 22.5 cm, the Su at 20 cm, and the Pp at 15 cm. The Ti should be skeletonized up to 25 cm. Epifascial dissection of the Ps is to be performed below 15 cm. ConclusionThe study specifies the joint branches of the ankle in an intraoperatively reproducible reference system and thus minimizes the required skin incisions.
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