Hammertoe Procedure by Gary W. Chessman DPM, FACFAS
Gary W. Chessman DPM, FACFAS discusses surgical options for relief of painful hammer toe. A hammer toe or contracted toe is a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the second, third, or fourth toe causing it to be permanently bent, resembling a hammer. Hammertoe is commonly caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe area or from wearing high heel shoes where the toe may be forced against the front of your shoe, resulting in an unnatural bending of your toe and a hammer-like or claw-like appearance. Hammertoe may also result from muscle imbalance, usually in combination with one or more other factors. Muscles work in pairs to straighten and bend the toes. If the toe is bent and held in one position long enough, the muscles tighten and cannot stretch out. Arthroplasty is one of the most common types of hammer toe surgeries. A small section of the bone from the affected joint is detached, and this should solve the problem. Arthrodesis, a type of hammer toe surgery for more severe cases, straightens the toes by fusing a small joint with a device (such as a pin) until it heals.
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Often patients will present with a painful toe or painful lesion under the toe. A hammer toe procedure is usually performed on one the lesser digits. Conservative care options include wearing non-constrictive footwear, using appropriate footwear with orthotics or orthopedic inserts and on occasion, appropriate padding may be rendered. Should you, the patient, become frustrated with these conservative efforts, surgical intervention may be contemplated. If surgery is indicated, a simple procedure often will provide lasting relief. During your preoperative visit, there is a discussion of risks and benefits including relief of pain. The risks are soft tissue or bone infection, recurrence of this problem, as well as painful scars or perhaps permanent numbness. The risks and benefits will be reviewed and all questions are encouraged a
