A dehiscence means to split apart or a bursting open along a natural or sutured line. In regards to the foot and ankle, the term dehiscence is usually used following surgery and a wound has dehisced, or split open. When a wound becomes infected it may be more likely to dehisce with the natural inflammatory processes. Some dehiscence may be expected depending on the location of the wound and operative procedure. In other cases with a more severe dehiscence your physician may provide frequent wound care or remove stiches to allow for drainage. If your wound has seemed to dehisce following surgery you should check with your physician.