A Syme's amputation is performed at the level of:

• A Mid-foot (transmetatarsal level)
• B Below-knee at the musculotendinous junction of the soleus
• C Ankle disarticulation with heel pad preservation ✓
• D Chopart amputation (talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints)

Explanation

A Syme's amputation is an ankle disarticulation through the ankle joint, removing the foot at the level of the distal tibia and fibula, while meticulously preserving the heel pad (plantar skin and subcutaneous tissue over the calcaneus) to provide end-bearing cushioning. It produces a longer, end-bearing residual limb than a transtibial amputation, allows limited ambulation without a prosthesis, and is indicated for forefoot/midfoot pathology (diabetic foot, tumour) when the heel pad vascularity is intact.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.