techniques

Last reviewed 05/2021

Common sites for amputation in the leg are:

  • above knee - ideally, 22-25 cm below the greater trochanter. A myoplastic flap is used. The bone is amputated at a level proximal to that of the muscle and skin. The muscle is sutured over the exposed bone. Skin flaps are then closed over the muscle.

  • below knee - ideally, 10-12 cm below the tibial tuberosity. A long posterior flap of muscle and skin is wrapped forward over the amputated bone and sutured in place.

  • foot (Syme's amputation) - the malleoli are cut level with the inferior surface of the tibia. A skin flap is fashioned from the heel pad, creating a weight-bearing stump.

  • mid-foot - the amputation is made at mid-tarsal level.

  • toe - the toe is removed together with all or part of the proximal phalanx. Dorsal and ventral skin flaps are sutured together over the bone.