Hammer Toe Surgery

Restoring Alignment for Pain-Free Movement

A hammer toe is a common deformity where the toe bends or curls downward. This condition causes significant discomfort, pain, and the development of painful corns and calluses on the joint surfaces due to friction from footwear. At The Bunion Boss Clinic, our expert surgeons offer advanced surgical options designed to permanently straighten the toe, restore its natural function, and allow you to wear shoes comfortably again.

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Our Surgical Approach: Permanent Correction

Surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and the toe becomes rigid. Our approach focuses on restoring proper toe alignment for lasting comfort and function.

1. Joint Correction: Arthroplasty or Arthrodesis

  • Procedure Overview: For flexible hammer toes, a simple joint resection (arthroplasty) may be performed, where a small piece of bone is removed from the affected joint to allow the toe to straighten. For rigid deformities, a fusion (arthrodesis) of the joint may be necessary to permanently hold the toe in a straight position.
  • Goal: To permanently straighten the bent toe joint, eliminating the source of friction and pressure.

2. Soft Tissue Balancing: Tendon Lengthening

  • Procedure Overview: Often, tight tendons or ligaments contribute to the hammer toe deformity by pulling the toe into its bent position. During surgery, these contracted soft tissues are carefully released or lengthened to help the toe lie flat.
  • Goal: To relieve tension on the toe, ensuring it remains straight after the bone correction and prevents recurrence.

3. Pin Fixation: Temporary Stabilization

  • Procedure Overview: A small, thin, temporary pin (K-wire) may be inserted through the toe to hold the corrected joint in place while it heals. This pin extends out of the tip of the toe.
  • Goal: To maintain the precise surgical alignment during the initial healing phase, ensuring the bones and soft tissues stabilize in their new, correct position.
  • Removal: The pin is typically removed in the office during a follow-up visit, usually after 3-4 weeks, once sufficient healing has occurred.

Patient Benefits and Recovery

Hammer toe surgery is highly effective at eliminating pain and restoring the toe’s natural appearance.

Benefits of Successful Surgery

  • Pain Elimination: Permanent relief from the pressure and pain caused by corns and calluses.
  • Restored Alignment: The toe is straightened, improving foot appearance and function.
  • Wider Shoe Comfort: Freedom to wear various footwear without pain or friction.

The Recovery Journey

  • Weight Bearing: Patients can often walk immediately in a surgical shoe or boot.
  • Pin Removal: If pins are used, they are typically removed after 3-4 weeks.
  • Full Recovery: Return to regular shoes and full activity occurs around 6-8 weeks.

Our Surgical Approach

Joint Correction

Arthroplasty or Arthrodesis: The surgeon removes a small piece of bone from one of the toe joints (arthroplasty) or fuses the joint straight (arthrodesis) to permanently correct the bend.

Soft Tissue Balancing

Tendon Lengthening: Tight tendons or ligaments that are pulling the toe into the bent position are carefully released or lengthened.

Pin Fixation

Temporary Stabilization: A small, temporary pin may be placed inside the toe to hold the corrected position while the joint heals. The pin is removed in the office after a few weeks.

Functional Loss

Gait Difficulty: The altered shape can affect balance and stride, leading to pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsalgia).

Advanced Techniques for Optimal Outcomes

We utilize state-of-the-art techniques and approaches, including 3D pre-operative simulations, corrective osteotomies, and comprehensive pain management, to guide every step of the way.

Expert Team

Minimally Invasive

Lasting Relief

Personalized Care

Take the First Step Today

Ready to take the first step toward pain-free feet?

Don’t let bunion pain control your life any longer. Our expert team is ready to guide you through a successful recovery with compassionate, specialized care.

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Call Us: 833 783 6561

Patient Reviews

Delighted patients share their stories

My experience was one of the best as i followed Dr Cedeno instructions and his treatment my plantar fasciitis issue has been resolved. Both locations are easy to find and the staff are very friendly knowledgeable and kind. If you have any type of discomfort or feet pain this is definitely the doctor for you! I am extremely pleased and grateful for Dr. Cedeno help!
Veronica
Veronica
This was my first appointment, but I found everybody including the doctor to be very friendly and caring. They ended up giving me a Steroid injection with ultrasound in my elbow. I liked them very much and will definitely go back and see them again. Dr Buzas Seems to be a very skilled physician who really cares.
Susan Gebeloff
Susan Gebeloff
Dr Cendeno was very knowledgeable, he took the time to explain my diagnosis in detail and answered all my questions. Office staff was welcoming and kind.
Nikki McCartin
Nikki McCartin
Dr Cedeno and his team are simply the best. You can tell through their practices that they truly care for patients which is hard to find these days! I highly recommend them for services.
Nikki McCartin
Nikki McCartin