Forefoot amputation

Surgical Principles The greatest possible foot length must be preserved. Already a few centimetres have a tremendous effect on standing and the dynamics of walking (Figure 2). One must also always aim at achieving tension-free coverage of the stump with skin from the sole of the foot. At the level of the toes, only partial amputations are permissible at the first digit or exarticulation at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The resection of individual metatarsal bones is always carried out at the metaphysis. Surgical scars should not be localized on the weight-bearing areas. Simple orthopaedic adjustments to sports- or ordinary shoes should suffice after surgery.