Request Appointment

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW

Ready to make an appointment? Simply complete the fields below. Someone from our office will contact you within 24-48 hours to complete scheduling.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
*Do not use for scheduling urgent appointments. For an urgent appointment request, please call the office most convenient to you.

Hammer Toe Treatment

Description

This procedure is used to reroute a tendon from beneath a flexible hammertoe to a new path along the top of the toe. Instead of pulling the toe into abend, the tendon becomes a corrective force that helps straighten the toe.

Animations

Hammer Toe Treatment

What is Hammer Toe Treatment?

Preparation
After anesthesia is administered, the patient is positioned and the foot is cleansed and sterilized. The surgeon makes two incisions on the bottom of the toe to access and release the FDL tendon (one of the two tendons that runs beneath the toe). A third incision is made along the top of the toe.

Detaching the Tendon
The surgeon reaches beneath the bones of the toe and detaches the flexor digitorum longus tendon. This alleviates the constant pulling force that has been drawing the toe into its bent shape, allowing the toe to relax.

Rerouting the Tendon
The tendon is divided into two strands. The strands are pulled up along either side of the toe and the ends are brought together on the top of the bone. The surgeon uses sutures to reconnect the ends of the tendon and anchor it in place. The tendon will now provide a downward force to prevent the toe from curling.

End of Procedure and Aftercare

The incision is closed and bandaged. Most patients can walk after surgery without the aid of a crutch or walker. Typically, patients wear a bandage or splint or two to four weeks after surgery. Recovery usually takes about eight weeks.

Related Specialties

Related Conditions

Related Physicians