Supine positioning

The patient is positioned supine on a radiolucent table with a sandbag under the ipsilateral buttock.

The injured leg may be placed on a foam block, or on blankets, with the knee slightly flexed. This position allows free access to both the lateral and the medial sides by hip rotation. Moving the leg towards the edge of the table stabilizes the position of leg and ankle.

Alternatively, tilt the table to lower the side of the uninjured leg (approximately 30 degrees).

A well-padded tourniquet may be applied on the thigh. Use of a tourniquet is determined by surgeon’s preference.