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Syme’s Amputation

Surgical Technique, Prosthetic Considerations, and Case Reports

Justin R. Hudson, DPM^*, Gerard V. Yu, DPM, Roger Marzano, CPO, CPed and Andrew L. Vincent, DPM

^* Submitted during third-year residency, St Vincent Charity Hospital, 2351 E 22nd St, Room 312-C, Cleveland, OH 44115.
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery; Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons; Director of Podiatric Medical Education and Residency Training, St Vincent Charity Hospital, Cleveland, OH; Faculty Member, The Podiatry Institute, Tucker, GA.
Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist, American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics; Certified Pedorthist, Board for Certification in Pedorthics; Vice President of Clinical Services, Yanke Bionics, Akron, OH.
Submitted during second-year residency, St Vincent Charity Hospital, Cleveland, OH.

Abstract

Amputation at the level of the ankle joint is a valuable but underused procedure for a variety of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. The procedure provides a comfortable and durable stump that allows the lower-extremity amputee to function with minimal disability. This article reviews the indications for Syme’s amputation, provides a detailed surgical description of the procedure, and discusses postoperative prosthetic considerations. In addition, three case reports are presented in which Syme’s procedure was successfully used as an alternative to higher-level amputation. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(4): 232-246, 2002)