Careful preoperative planning, a thorough knowledge of the pertinent anatomy, good surgical exposure, skill in the use of equipment, and elimination of distraction reduce the likelihood of an undesirable outcome after foot surgery. Careful preoperative planning requires knowledge of the indications and operative techniques, but it also consists of instrument selection, patient positioning, antiseptic preparation, prophylactic antibiotics, tourniquet use, anesthesia, risk factor optimization, and postoperative anticoagulation.
