title: Syme's amputation. Surgical technique, prosthetic considerations, and case reports.
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.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent Charity Hospital, 2351 E 22nd St, Room 312-C, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
authors.forename: Justin R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.forename: Gerard V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marzano
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged