Hammertoe Repair

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KEY POINTS

• A hammertoe is when the middle joint of one of your toes raises up so that the toe bends in a shape like a hammer. The bent joint may rub the top of your shoe and cause a callus.
• The type of surgery you have depends on how misshapen and inflexible the toe is. You will be given local or regional anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain.
• Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities and how to take care of yourself at home. Ask questions about what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is a hammertoe repair?

A hammertoe repair is a surgery to correct a misshapen toe. A hammertoe is when the middle joint of one of your toes raises up so that the toe bends in a shape like a hammer. The bent joint may rub the top of your shoe. Hammertoes are most common in the second toe.

After the surgery:

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

When is it used?

You may have this surgery if:

• 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 to walk.

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• 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. Local and regional anesthesia numbs the part of your body where you will have the surgery. Before the procedure you may be given medicine to help you relax, but you may be awake during the procedure.

You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.

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.
• Join (fuse) the bones in your toe with bone grafts or metal pins or plates. In this case, your toe will stay straight and you will no longer be able to bend it.

What happens after the procedure?

You can usually go home from the hospital the same day you have the surgery. Depending on what type of surgery you have, you may have a dressing, splint, or cast to keep your toe in the right position while it heals.

Your toe may be 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 and keep your foot elevated above your heart when you can. Your healthcare provider may want you to use ice for a few days after surgery. Your healthcare provider may want you to use crutches or a special shoe after surgery.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are 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. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• 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.

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