Chopart Amputation Foot, Left & Right, Prosthesis Options, vs TMA, Lisfranc & BKA Comparison

Content:

• What is Chopart Amputation Foot?
• Left & Right Chopart Amputation
• Prosthesis Options
• Chopart vs TMA
• Chopart vs Lisfranc
• Chopart vs BKA

What is Chopart Amputation Foot?

Chopart amputation is a partial foot amputation performed through the midtarsal joint, specifically at the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints. This procedure removes the forefoot while preserving the hindfoot, including the talus and calcaneus. It is typically indicated in cases of severe trauma, infection, diabetic foot complications, gangrene, or non-healing ulcers where the forefoot cannot be salvaged but the heel remains viable.

One of the major advantages of a Chopart amputation is preservation of the heel pad, which allows for some degree of weight-bearing. However, without proper tendon balancing and rehabilitation, patients may develop equinus or varus deformities due to unopposed pull of the Achilles tendon. Because of this risk, surgical planning often includes tendon lengthening or transfers to improve long-term functional outcomes.

Left & Right Chopart Amputation

A Chopart amputation can occur on either the left or right foot, and while the surgical principles remain the same, rehabilitation strategies may vary depending on limb dominance and patient lifestyle. The affected side plays an important role in gait training, balance, and daily mobility tasks. For example, amputation on the dominant limb may initially feel more challenging during activities that require strength and coordination.

Postoperative care includes wound monitoring, prevention of contractures, and early involvement of physiotherapy. Both left and right Chopart amputations require careful prosthetic fitting and long-term follow-up to avoid complications such as skin breakdown, instability, or progressive deformity. With proper management, many patients regain functional ambulation.

Prosthesis Options

Prosthetic management is critical after Chopart amputation because the shortened foot lever arm reduces push-off power during walking. Common options include custom ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), carbon-fiber dynamic response braces, and full-length prosthetic foot plates that restore stability and assist propulsion.

Some patients benefit from a prosthesis that extends above the ankle for additional support, particularly if there is muscle imbalance or equinus tendency. Modern prosthetic designs aim to improve gait symmetry, reduce energy expenditure, and prevent secondary joint problems. A multidisciplinary approach involving prosthetists, physiotherapists, and surgeons ensures optimal functional outcomes.

Chopart vs TMA

Chopart amputation is performed more proximally than Transmetatarsal Amputation (TMA). In TMA, only the forefoot at the metatarsal level is removed, preserving more of the midfoot structure. TMA generally provides better balance and push-off compared to Chopart because more foot length is maintained.

However, Chopart may be necessary when infection or tissue loss extends beyond the metatarsals. While TMA often allows easier prosthetic fitting and fewer deformities, Chopart offers a salvage option when TMA is not feasible. The choice depends on vascular status, infection spread, and tissue viability.

Chopart vs Lisfranc

Lisfranc amputation is more distal than Chopart and occurs at the tarsometatarsal joint. It preserves more of the foot arch and tends to provide better biomechanical stability compared to Chopart. Because more midfoot structure remains intact, patients may achieve improved gait efficiency.

In contrast, Chopart amputation removes additional midfoot joints, increasing the risk of muscle imbalance and deformity. However, when disease or trauma involves the Lisfranc joint complex, a Chopart procedure may be required. Functional results depend on soft tissue preservation and postoperative rehabilitation.

Chopart vs BKA

Below-Knee Amputation (BKA) is a more proximal procedure that removes the leg below the knee joint. Compared to Chopart amputation, BKA results in greater limb loss but may provide more predictable prosthetic fitting and fewer deformity complications.

Chopart amputation preserves limb length and allows partial w