The Syme amputation in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.

Eight patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia had a Syme amputation and were followed for an average of 5.9 years. The average age at amputation was 8.2 years, and an average of 3.8 surgical procedures were performed prior to the amputation in each patient. None of the pseudarthroses healed, but in spite of that the Syme amputation can be recommended when amputation is necessary. With a simple orthosis, the child can then engage in normal activities. The operation provides a longer stump than do conventional amputations, as well as better skin coverage and more potential for further growth of the tibia from the distal epiphysis.