Syme's amputation revisited: a review of 46 cases

We assessed 46 Syme's amputees attending our prosthetic clinics in terms of the clinical and radiological condition of their stumps, their level of function and problems with the prosthesis. Twenty-five were compared with a matching group of 25 transtibial amputees in regard to activity, function and prosthetic behaviour. Function was similar in the two groups, but Syme's amputees had a higher incidence of prosthetic failure. Overall, Syme's amputees were pleased with their prostheses and their function. Childhood amputations were associated with fewer long-term problems in terms of function and stump problems. Syme's amputation is indicated for congenital foot deformities, fibular hemimelia and severe injury to the foot as long as the heel pad remains viable.