The Syme and Boyd amputations at the ankle were compared in thirty-four
children followed for three to sixteen years. Good results were found with
both techniques. The best results occurred when the heel pad was aligned in
the plantigrade position, which produced almost normal function of the heel
pad. The Boyd technique was a surer method of obtaining such alignment but
was technically more difficult. Both the Boyd and Syme techniques are
recommended for ankle amputation in children, but a distinct advantage of
one technique over the other could not be defined.