Hammer Toe Surgery: All you need to know

What is Hammer Toe?

Hammer Toe arises when the middle toe joint bends abnormally, resembling a hammer. Causes include genetic factors, ill-fitting footwear, muscle imbalances, and underlying conditions like arthritis or high arches. Hammer Toe can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Pain in the affected toe, especially when walking or wearing shoes.
  • Corns or calluses on the top of the toe, where it rubs against shoes.
  • Difficulty finding comfortable footwear.
  • Restricted toe movement.

In mild cases, Hammer Toe may not require surgery and can often be managed with conservative treatments such as wearing proper shoes, toe exercises, or using pads to reduce friction. However, Hammer Toe correction surgery may be necessary if the deformity is severe or causes significant pain.

 

When is Hammer Toe Surgery Recommended?

Surgery for Hammer Toe is usually recommended if conservative treatments fail to relieve pain or improve the toe’s appearance. Indications for Hammer Toe surgery include:

  • Persistent pain or discomfort that interferes with daily activities.
  • Inability to straighten the affected toe.
  • Development of corns, calluses, or blisters due to friction with shoes.
  • Difficulty walking or performing weight-bearing activities.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and conservative methods such as padding, custom orthotics, or toe exercises aren’t providing relief, a Hammer Toe surgery may be the right solution for you.

Types of Hammer Toe Surgery

Hammer Toe surgery is an outpatient procedure designed to correct a toe stuck in a flexed (bent) position, causing pain, irritation, or sores. 

Severe cases of Hammer Toe in both adults and children may require surgical intervention. The exact procedure chosen depends on the severity and type of Hammer Toe.

Fusion Surgery (Arthrodesis): Fusion is the most common approach for treating Hammer Toe, especially in stiff or fixed deformities. The surgeon cuts the ends of the affected bone and temporarily inserts a pin (K-wire) to keep the toe straight.

Once the bone ends fuse, the pin is removed. In some cases, a permanent rod or screw is used for longer-lasting stability.

Tendon Transfer: A tendon transfer is used for flexible Hammer Toes. The surgeon reroutes tendons from the bottom of the toe to the top to straighten the joint. This procedure is ideal for toes that can still move but need realignment.

Joint Resection: In fixed Hammer Toe, part of the bone at the joint is removed. Pins are temporarily inserted to hold the toe straight during healing. This method is used when the joint has become rigid and cannot be corrected by tendon transfer alone.

Hammer Toe Correction Surgery

Hammer Toe surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia or a nerve block, depending on the procedure and patient preferences. General anaesthesia induces unconsciousness, and a breathing tube may be inserted to safeguard the lungs during surgery.

Alternatively, a nerve block may be used to numb only the area of the foot that will be operated on, allowing the patient to remain awake. The surgical approach varies based on whether the Hammer Toe is flexible or fixed.

Surgery for Flexible Hammer Toe: For flexible Hammer Toe, the goal is to straighten the toe by repositioning the tendons. The surgeon makes incisions on the toe’s top and bottom to access the tendons. One of the tendons on the bottom of the toe is then transferred to the top to help align the joint properly.

Surgery for Fixed Hammer Toe: In cases where the Hammer Toe is stiff and immovable, the surgeon may need to remove the rigid joint. This is done by incision on the top of the toe to access the joint and remove part of the bone. Temporary pins are inserted to hold the toe straight while healing occurs.

An alternative for fixed Hammer Toe is fusion surgery, where the surgeon cuts both the ligaments and tendons and the ends of the bones at the affected joint. To keep the bones aligned as they heal, a K-wire (a type of pin) is often used, or in some cases, a permanent rod or screw may be implanted for added stability. 

Unlike the K-wire, these newer devices do not need to be removed after fusing bones. The surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, usually removed after two weeks. The foot is then bandaged to protect it during the early stages of healing.

Hammer Toe Surgery Recovery

Recovery takes about 6 weeks. Bandages are changed at follow-up visits, and stitches are removed in 2-3 weeks. If pins were used, they may be removed after 3-4 weeks. You may need to avoid driving for a few weeks, primarily if the surgery was performed on your right foot.

If you are considering Hammer Toe surgery to correct your foot deformity, choosing a skilled surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery is essential. Dr Ehab Kheir, a renowned expert in foot and ankle procedures, offers advanced surgery for Hammer Toe in Dubai and the surrounding areas. 

With extensive experience in foot deformity correction, Dr Ehab Kheir provides personalised care to help you achieve the best possible results.

If you’re searching for “Hammer Toe surgery near me,” Dr Ehab Kheir offers consultations and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with a mild deformity or a more severe Hammer Toe, his team will work with you to find the most effective treatment plan.

If you’re struggling with Hammer Toe, don’t wait for the condition to worsen—schedule a consultation with Dr Ehab Kheir today and take the first step towards better foot health.