Left First Toe Amputation (Ray, Cadaver)
Laura Boitano, MD; Samuel Schwartz, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

Minor lower extremity amputations typically involve either toe or ray resections. The first ray is an essential component in the normal anatomy and biomechanics of the foot. By definition, the first ray consists of the hallux and the first metatarsal. The surgical procedure discussed in this educational video is a left first toe ray amputation on a cadaver. Toe amputation is a significant predictor of future limb loss. Ray amputation appears to be preferred over finger amputation in selected cases. However, the literature does not provide precise indications on when to consider a ray over a toe amputation. The choice is therefore left to the operating surgeon, based on their clinical expertise and the patient’s conditions and expectations, taking into account the underlying pathology.