The extended knee hemilithotomy position for gastrocnemius recession.

The focus of this communication is to share an alternative positioning method that we have used over the past 3 years for gastrocnemius recession with the patient supine on the operating table. The technique uses a candy-cane leg holding system to situate the patient in the extended knee hemilithotomy position. We have found that this position provides excellent visualization of the surgical site, furnishes the anesthesiologist with optimal access to the patient, negates the need to turn the patient from prone to supine when adjunct procedures are to be undertaken, and allows the involved extremity to remain sterile throughout the operation, without an increase in complications or cost.