A hammertoe is a deformity that causes bending of the toe, which makes it resemble a hammer. This deformity occurs in the second, third, or fourth toe, and it results from a muscle imbalance and wearing ill-fitting shoes.
In the beginning stages, hammertoes are relatively flexible and can be easily corrected. However, if the condition is not addressed early enough, hammertoes can become fixed, and correction can only happen with a surgical procedure.
The surgical procedure used to address a hammertoe, known as Hammertoe Correction or PIP Joint Arthroplasty, is performed by removing a small piece of bone in order to shorten the toe and enable its strengthening. Upon removal, the bones are realigned and the toe is stabilized.
A before and after photo of one of our patients
The Hammertoe Correction or PIP Joint Arthroplasty begins with anesthesia, after which the podiatric surgeon makes a small incision on the top side of the toe in order to access the bones and the PIP joint. Following the incision, a surgeon uses a cutting instrument to remove a piece of the bone, relieve pressure, and create more space for the realignment of the bones. The toe is, then, straightened, and placed in a natural position.
Once proper alignment is achieved, the podiatrist stabilizes the toe with a fixation device or a pin. The incision is then closed and the foot is wrapped in bandages. Most patients wear a postoperative shoe or boot during the rehabilitation period. Full recovery after the Hammertoe Correction takes approximately six to eight weeks.
Dr. Benjamin Tehrani has successfully helped many patients recover smoothly after the hammertoe correction he performed. If you need to have your foot or toe checked, contact us to schedule your appointment with one of the top LA podiatric surgeons.