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.