Anterior Approach to the Tibia

Anterior Approach to the Tibia, anterior surface of the bones of the right leg, gray’s anatomy plate 258
Anterior surface of the bones of the right leg, Gray’s Anatomy plate 258. Image by Henry Vandyke Carter, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Position

  • supine

Landmarks

  • shaft of tibia

Incision

  • straight longitudinal incision on anterior surface of leg
  • parallel & 1cm lateral to anterior border of tibia

Internervous Plane

  • Subperiosteal plane

Superficial Dissection

  • Elevate the skin flaps to expose the subcutaneous surface of tibia
  • Taking care not to damage
    • Long saphenous vein on medial side of calf

Deep Dissection

  • Two surfaces can be approached
    • Subcutaneous medial surface
      • Incise periosteum longitudinally in the middle of the subcutaneous surface
      • Reflect it anteriorly & posteriorly
    • Lateral Extensor surface
      • Incise the periosteum longitudinally over the anterior border of tibia
      • Subperiosteally, reflect tibialis anterior laterally

Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.