Single incision fasciotomy of the lower leg

The single-incision technique uses a generous lateral leg incision 1 cm anterior to the fibula. Extensive flaps expose the anterior and lateral compartments. Longitudinal fascial incisions are made in anterior and lateral compartment fascia, taking care to avoid injury to the common, superficial and deep (fibular) peroneal nerves near the fibular head. The lateral flap is extended posteriorly to expose the superficial posterior compartment. Once the gastrocnemius is identified, its fascia is incised longitudinally. The deep posterior compartment is accessed in the plane between the lateral and superficial posterior compartment which exposes the posterior margin of the fibula. The soleus is dissected from the posterior aspect of the fibula beginning distally. During the peri-fibular dissection, the fibular (peroneal) vessels are retracted posteriorly to avoid injury.