Boyd amputation in adults

Foot ulcerations resulting in amputation are one of the most devastating consequences of diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial disease. In foot amputations, Boyd amputation has been even less accepted than Syme amputation due to its dependence on calcaneotibial osseous union in adults.

Fifteen Boyd amputations were performed for 14 adults. The indications for amputation were diabetic ulceration of the foot in eight patients, ischemic disease of the lower extremity in four and salvage of the deformed foot due to peripheral neuropathy in one patient. One patient with scleroderma had bilateral amputations due to digital ischemic necrosis.

Complete wound healing was documented in seven feet of six patients. Further revisions to a more proximal amputation level were required in seven patients.

Despite the high failure rate, we believe Boyd amputation is still a good option in some patients to try to preserve length.