A direct lateral approach for diagnosis and treatment of subtalar and posterior ankle pathology

The direct lateral approach to the subtalar joint through the IFT portal provides safe and speedy access to reach the posterior aspect of the subtalar joint and the ankle joint. This viewing portal allows for excellent visualization that extend from the posteromedial corner to the lateral joint space and anterolateral corner of the subtalar joint. Two working portals comprising of the posterolateral and sinus tarsi portals are safely made to enable visualization from the IFT portal. These portals are also useful to observe the CFL and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament.