Percutaneous fixation of forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle fracture dislocations

Open reduction with rigid internal fixation is the basic principle for surgical management in foot and ankle trauma. High-risk patients present a surgical dilemma for the foot and ankle surgeon because the possible complications are magnified in this patient population. Percutaneous fixation is a unique alternative for achieving anatomic stabilization without increased physical strain to the patient. The significant advantages of percutaneous fixation include minimizing damage to the vascular supply, maintaining and preserving a stable soft tissue envelope, and decreasing the potential risk for infection. This article provides an overview of percutaneous surgical fixation methods and their role in foot and ankle trauma for the high-risk patient.