Hammer Toe Correction

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam
• X-rays of joint

The day of the procedure:

• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• Arrange for help at home after the procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.

During Procedure

Anesthesia

Anesthesia

Usually local, but it could be a spinal

Description of the Procedure

Several surgical options are available for hammer toe, depending upon the individual condition. Sometimes hammer toe can be corrected with surgical procedures on the soft tissues, such as the tendons of the toes. This is usually best in patients under 30, with limited toe deformity. Two common methods of hammer toe correction involving surgery on the bones themselves are joint arthroplasty and joint fusion. The type of procedure used depends on the severity of the deformity, and a combination of procedures may be required.

Soft tissue procedures may involve the incision or release of a tendon, or reattaching a tendon in a way that corrects the deformity in the toe. For joint arthroplasty and joint fusion, the doctor does surgery on the bones. During an arthroplasty, the part of the bone on both sides of the middle joint of the toe may be removed, allowing the toe to uncurl. During a fusion, the bones are repositioned after ends of the bone at the joint are resected. The repositioning is usually held together with a pin placed within the bone, and this pin may be removed after 3 to 4 weeks. Other changes to the anatomy of the foot due to the hammer toe may also be corrected at this time, which may involve additional surgery.

Anesthesia prevents pain during the surgery

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Excessive swelling or bleeding, although the toe will normally be swollen for 4-8 weeks following surgery
• Anesthesia-related problems
• Recurrence of hammer toe
• Loss of blood supply to the toe
• Nerve injury involving the toe
• For severe complications, toe amputation may be required

Average Hospital Stay

None

Postoperative Care

• During the first couple of days, rest in bed with your foot elevated; only get out of bed to use the bathroom.
• Keep your foot elevated while resting.
• Limit standing and walking, and stay off your foot as much as possible.
• Use crutches or wear a special open-toed, wooden-soled shoe, as directed by your doctor.