Hammertoe surgery is a procedure designed to correct a foot deformity in which one or more of the small toes develops an abnormal bend at the first joint. The surgery aims to straighten the toe, relieving the pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with hammertoe.

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Reasons for Hammertoe Surgery

Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief from symptoms. It is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe pain or difficulty fitting into shoes due to the deformity. By straightening the toe, the surgery corrects the deformity and alleviates discomfort and swelling associated with the condition.

How Hammertoe Surgery is Performed

The specific surgical approach depends on the severity of the hammertoe and the individual patient’s needs. Common procedures include tendon transfer, digital arthroplasty, and digital arthrodesis, all of which are generally performed under local anesthesia.

  • Tendon Transfer: This procedure involves rerouting the tendon beneath the toe to a position above the toe. The repositioned tendon then pulls the toe down into a more natural alignment.
  • Digital Arthroplasty: In this approach, part of the bone from the first joint of the affected toe is removed. This reduces the prominence of the joint, allowing the toe to move more freely while still correcting the deformity.
  • Digital Arthrodesis: This surgery involves removing the entire joint and fusing the two bones together. In some cases, a pin is used to hold the bones in place while they heal. Once healed, the toe becomes rigid and no longer bends.

If the hammertoe deformity is caused by a tendon that is too short, additional procedures may be needed to lengthen the tendon. This can be done in combination with one of the above surgeries to allow the toe to lie flat and improve joint function.