Hohmann’s retractor: An atraumatic tool for reduction of intra-articular fractures of foot and ankle

Abstract The foot and ankle are one of the most complex structures in the human body which are made of 26 bones, including the seven tarsal bones, five metatarsals, and 14 phalanges. Foot and ankle fractures account for one-third of lower extremity fractures in adults. These fractures are commonly seen after high-velocity injuries, crush injuries, or an axial or twisting force on the foot. Many of these fractures are intra-articular and need anatomical reduction to prevent arthritis in the future. Multiple instruments like the pointed reduction clamps, K wires, and external fixators have been used to achieve the reduction. We propose our trick of achieving the intra-articular reduction using Hohmann’s retractor. We have used this technique in 300 cases of foot and ankle injuries from the period of 2016 to 2024. We concluded that Hohmann’s retractor along with its function of a retractor can be efficiently used as a tool of reduction.