The Cincinnati incision: a comprehensive approach for surgical procedures of the foot and ankle in childhood.

We are describing a transverse incision that we have found useful in performing surgical procedures involving extensive dissection of the posterior, medical, and lateral aspects of the foot and ankle. Operative procedures using this incision have been performed on 154 feet in ninety-nine patients who were less than fifteen years old and who had an average follow-up of eighteen months. The incision is transverse and extends from the anteromedial to the anterolateral aspect of the foot over the back of the ankle at the level of the tibiotaler joint. Depending on the requirements of the procedure, either the anteromedial or posterolateral portion of the incision, or the complete incision, may be used. The incision improves visualization of the medial, posterior, and lateral aspects of the foot and ankle, while at the same time resulting in excellent healing of the wound and an improved cosmetic appearance compared with the more commonly used vertical incisions.