Why is this procedure done?
Your toes are made of small bones. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold the bones together. Other strong bands called tendons connect muscles to bones. A hammer toe is a deformity of a toe. The joint between the first and second bones in the toe rises upwards. This causes the toe to look like a hammer. The ligaments and the tendons become tight and shorten. ‚
There are two types of hammer toes: ‚
- At first, you may be able to bend and straighten the toe. This is a flexible hammer toe.
- Over time, you may not be able to move the toe. This is a rigid or fixed hammer toe.
This problem can happen in the second, third, and fourth toes. It is most common in the second toe. Often with a hammer toe, the skin thickens at the top of the toe. This is a corn. Thickness on the underside of the toe is a callus. For severe hammer toe, you will need surgery to straighten the joint. This procedure is called hammer toe correction. This surgery will move and straighten your toe back to the right position. ‚
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What will the results be?
- The pain and pressure on your toes improves.
- Your toes will look better.
- Corns and calluses will not form
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- Your doctor will clean the area around your toes. Your doctor will make a cut to see the bones and tissues of your toe. The doctor may cut and reattach tissues and tendons. The doctor may remove part of a bone or may move the end of the toe bones. The doctor may use metal plates and pins to hold the bones in place.
- Your doctor will close the cut with stitches and cover it with clean bandages.
- Your doctor may use a splint or heavy bandage to support your toes.
- The length of the surgery depends on how the procedure is done and how many toes need repair.
- It most often takes 15 minutes for each toe.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may go home when your doctor says you can.
- You may be sore and numb. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- The joints and bones of your toe get stuck and no longer move. This is contracture.
- Nerve damage
Helpful tips
- Your doctor will give you a card stating you have metal hardware inside your toes. Carry this card with you when you go to airports and buildings with metal detectors.
- Follow your doctors advice about wearing comfortable shoes.
- Avoid heels higher than 2 inches.
- Wear shoes with wide toe boxes.
- Shoes should be 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00160 ‚
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ‚
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-smaller-toes/Pages/Hammertoe.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚