Syme's amputation: a neglected procedure

Abstract

Over a 9-year period nine patients underwent Syme's amputation, one patient undergoing a staged bilateral procedure. Six of the ten amputations were carried out for the complications of peripheral vascular disease, including one with Buerger's disease who had bilateral amputations. Three patients had amputations for infected diabetic gangrene and one amputation was performed as a result of trauma. Five patients had previously undergone surgery to improve their peripheral circulation. Two patients required a subsequent below knee amputation. The indications for and technique of Syme's amputation are discussed.