Soft Tissue Balancing After Partial Foot Amputations.

Partial foot amputations have become common procedures for the foot and ankle surgeon as part of a limb salvage practice. These procedures are highly technique driven and there are many complex factors that affect the outcome and longevity. Appropriate surgical planning must be used with every partial foot amputation to ensure a plantigrade foot with the least potential for future breakdown. When performed appropriately, these amputations have great success with lower energy expenditure and decreased mortality compared with below-knee or above-knee amputations.