This article will let you know what to expect before, during, and after hammertoe surgery.
Bunion surgerycan sometimes be done at the same time as hammertoe surgery.
Abunioncan cause hammertoe if the big toe puts pressure on the second toe over time.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Who Is a Good Candidate for Surgery?
Over time, your toe muscles weaken and may be unable to straighten.
Some X-rays may be ordered to evaluate your bones and joints.
This may include a tenotomy, which cuts the tendon rather than the bone to straighten the toe.
That might include what the surgical plan entails and what to expect after recovery.
Your surgeon may suggest a meeting with a physical therapist before surgery as well.
The physical therapist can help teach you how to use such devices before surgery.
Location
Your surgery will likely be in a hospital or surgical center.
As part of your preparation, make arrangements for someone to bring you home from surgery.
What to Wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital or surgery center.
Youll be asked to change into a hospital gown before the procedure.
check that to bring a comfortable, no-slip shoe for the unaffected foot after surgery.
Check with your surgeon for further recommendations.
Medications
Review your current medications with your healthcare provider or anesthesiologist before the surgery.
You may also want to make some adjustments to your home before surgery.
You’ll need to plan to take some time off of work after the surgery.
Talk with your surgeon about how long you should make arrangements to be away from work.
The procedure steps will vary depending on whether your hammertoe is flexible or fixed.
The surgeon makes incisions in both places.
One of the two tendons on the bottom is then transferred and attached.
The joint is held straight temporarily by pins.
Another option is a fusion.
The surgeon cuts the ligaments and tendons as well as the ends of the bone at the joint.
Typically, a K-wire is used to keep the bones joined together until the ends heal.
Hammertoe surgery should take less than an hour.
Hospitals and surgery centers may vary on discharge policies.
You’ll be given a surgical shoe or boot to wear at home.
Recovery
Recovery usually takes about six weeks for most people depending on what your surgery entailed.
Stitches are usually removed two to three weeks after surgery.
Pins may be taken out in three to four weeks as well.
You might also need crutches or a walker depending on how well you could walk.
Keep your bandages clean and dry.
If you have any discomfort, your healthcare provider may suggest continuing taking over-the-counter pain medicines.
Avoid wearing tight shoes or high heels.
Ask your healthcare provider about exercises you might do to help increase your mobility and prevent a recurrence.
A few may have a fixation unit that becomes loose or painful and needs to be corrected.
For many people, it can successfully treat a serious case when other conservative treatments fail.
They can help you determine whether hammertoe surgery is the best treatment for you.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Hammer toe.
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American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.Hammertoe surgery.
MedlinePlus.Tests and visits before surgery.
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.How to prepare for foot or ankle surgery: before surgery.
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.How to prepare for foot or ankle surgery: day of surgery.
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.Flexor to extensor tendon transfer.
MedlinePlus.Hammer toe repair discharge.
Doty JF, Fogleman JA.Treatment of rigid hammer-toe deformity: permanent versus removable implant selection.Foot Ankle Clin.
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