One possible difficulty specific to a hammer toe correction is the small chance that the hammer toe curls up and returns following the procedure. With any surgical procedure, common complications include infection, nerve damage, blood clot formation, and a poor reaction to anesthesia. Are There Risks Associated with a Hammer toe Correction Surgery? If possible, make accommodations so you will not have to go upstairs during recovery. At home, a caregiver may be necessary to aid in your recovery for one to two days following the surgery. Before your procedure, make sure you arrange for transportation from the hospital. The pins are removed once the joint has adequately fused.Īs you are experiencing the tranquil effects of anesthesia, the outpatient procedure does not hurt, and you will be able to go home the same day. Pins will remain in place following the procedure to help the bones grow together. Scar tissue will form between the phalanges during the healing process, stabilizing the joint. This holds the bones in place while the joint heals. Once the bones have been correctly aligned, the surgeon inserts a fixation device or pin into the toe. The surgeon carefully straightens the toe, moving the bones into a relaxed and natural position. Then your surgeon uses a cutting instrument to carefully remove the head of the proximal phalanx at the PIP joint.īy shortening this bone, the surgeon relieves pressure on the joint, creating more space so that the bones can be aligned properly. What Happens During a Hammer Toe Correction Procedure?ĭuring a hammer toe correction procedure, your surgeon creates a small incision on the upper side of the affected toe to access the phalanges and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Understanding the cause and extent of your hammer toe is crucial in developing your treatment plan.
![hammer toe hammer toe](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0flVtETQYAs/UfkCd0YLp1I/AAAAAAAABHk/ONzL-JeQ6z8/s1600/hammer%2BtoesWITH%2BMARK.jpg)
Imaging screening helps narrow down any potential causes for your condition. Be prepared to experience some mild irritation as your doctor may need to aggravate your condition.Īfter a physical examination, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic testing. They will complete a routine physical assessment to determine the extent of your condition.
#Hammer toe how to#
How to Prepare for aīefore the procedure, your doctor will examine your blood work and medical history. While joint fusion straightens out the toe, it may limit the future flexibility of the toe. This procedure frees the joint and allows the affected toe to straighten out. Hammer toe correction surgery straightens the affected joint by trimming ligaments, tendons, and bone. Surgery can help alleviate pain when a hammer toe becomes fixed, immobile, and painful. Irregular toe positioning can cause corns, calluses, and create substantial discomfort when wearing shoes. Book your Resurgens Orthopaedics appointment now! Getting the care you need starts with an appointment with one of the expert physicians at the Foot & Ankle Center. Only consider surgery after all non-surgical options have been attempted. Orthotics, exercises, or simple lifestyle changes may help alleviate pain from the stiffened toe. The fusion includes the use of pins and screws to bind together the bones.
![hammer toe hammer toe](http://www.dryangsurgeon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Dr.Yang-Foot-deformity.jpg)
Then the ends of the two bones affected by the problematic joint are cut to straighten the crooked toe. During this procedure, a surgeon cuts affected ligaments and tendons to strengthen the toe. Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty, or hammer toe correction, is the most common surgical procedure to correct a hammer toe.Ī PIP joint arthroplasty uses bone fusion to alleviate pain and correct the hammer toe. Post-Hammer Toe Correction Surgery and RecoveryĪ hammer toe is an abnormality of the second, third, or fourth toe that bends the middle joint into a "C" shape position. What Happens During a Hammer Toe Correction Procedure?Īre There Risks Associated with a Hammer Toe Correction Surgery? How to Prepare for a Hammer Toe Correction Surgery Why is a Hammer Toe Correction Procedure Performed?
![hammer toe hammer toe](https://www.singaporesportsclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/hammer-toe.jpg)
What is Hammer Toe Correction/(PIP) Joint Arthroplasty? What You Need To Know About Hammer Toe Correction This minimally-invasive outpatient procedure corrects hammer toe, a toe deformity that causes the toe to become fixed in a bent position.