Safety Corridors and Anatomic Considerations for Circular External Fixation in the Foot and Ankle.

Abstract

Circular external fixation of the foot and ankle possesses inherent stability based on circumferential fixation or transfixion in the axial plane. Nonetheless, frame installation can potentially compromise or damage several soft tissue structures. Safety corridors allow the positioning of these fixation elements while diminishing the risk of injury to the neurovascular elements. Surgeons must possess a comprehensive understanding of the anatomic structures at risk and the safety corridors located in the distal leg, ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot regions. This review encompasses a contemporary analysis of safety corridors used in the majority of foot and ankle ring fixation configurations.