Hammertoe Repair

What is a hammertoe repair?

A hammertoe repair is a surgical procedure for a misshapen toe. When you have a hammertoe, the middle joint of the toe bends up in a way that makes the toe look like it is forming an upside-down V. The bent joint may rub the top of your shoe. Hammertoes can develop on any toe, but they usually happen in the second toe.

After the surgery:

• The deformed toe will be in a better position.
• You will have less pain in your toe.
• It is easier to find shoes that fit.

When is it used?

Reasons for doing this procedure are:

• The shape and position of your toe cause pain.
• One or more of the bones in your toe have become deformed. This may make it hard or painful to walk. You may have trouble finding shoes that feel comfortable.

Instead of this procedure, other treatments may include:

• splinting or taping the toe into the right, normal position
• using padding to change where the weight falls when you walk on the foot.
• wearing shoes that are soft and roomy at the toe and avoiding tight shoes or shoes with high heels

You may choose not to have treatment. Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Some medicines (like aspirin) may increase your risk of bleeding during or after the procedure. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow any instructions your healthcare provider may give you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

You will be given local or regional anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. Local and regional anesthesia numbs part of your body while you stay awake.

The type of surgery you have depends on how misshapen and inflexible the toe is. Your healthcare provider may:

• Cut a tendon away from the bone. (Tendons are strong bands of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone.)
• Remove a small piece of bone from the toe.
• Realign tendons to reposition your toe.
• Fasten the bones with pins.
• Join (fuse) the bones in the toe. If the bones are fused together, you will no longer be able to bend the toe, but the toe will be flat.

What happens after the procedure?

You can usually go home from the hospital the same day you have the operation. A dressing will be on your toe to keep it in its new position.

The toe may be quite swollen for a while after the surgery. For the first several weeks you will need to try to stay off the foot as much as possible. Your healthcare provider may want you to use crutches or a special shoe after surgery.

If a pin was put into your toe, you will be in a cast for 4 to 6 weeks. Then the pin will be removed and it will be another 2 to 3 months of rehab before you are back to full activity. If the bones in your toe were fused, it will take several weeks for your toe to heal.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• how and when you will hear your test results
• how long it will take to recover
• what activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• how to take care of yourself at home
• what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and any risks. Some possible risks include:

• Anesthesia has some risks. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.
• The bones could go back to a painful or awkward position again.
• You may have infection or bleeding.
• The nerves or arteries in the area may be damaged. If the nerves are damaged, you may have numbness in the toe.
• The surgery may fail and you may need more surgery.

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.