Topic Overview
You and your doctor may choose to use joint fusion surgery
for
hammer, claw, or mallet toes. You may make this choice
if:
- You have another toe problem, such as a
bunion, with your toe joint problem.
- Your
toe joint deformity is caused by a disease of the nerves or muscles
(neuromuscular disease).
- A previous toe joint deformity comes back
after an earlier surgery.
Description
In joint fusion, the surgeon removes
part of the toe joint, letting the toe bones grow together (fuse). Your surgeon
will:
- Give you a type of
anesthesia.
- Make a cut over the top of the
abnormal joint and remove part of the toe joint.
- Straighten the toe
so the bones will fuse together.
- Possibly put a wire or other
device through the joint to keep the toe straight. The wire may stick out of
your toe so that it can be removed without another surgery.
- Close
the cut with stitches.
In about 2 weeks, your surgeon will take out the
stitches, and in about 3 to 6 weeks, he or she will take out the wire. During this
time, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for caring for your
toe.
The procedure may vary depending on which toe is abnormal and
how severe the abnormality is. Always talk to your doctor and surgeon about
what will happen during your procedure.
What to expect
You will be able to move around by
walking on your heel. Avoid putting weight on your toe, as the bones need time
to fuse together. Your toe will strengthen over the next few months. Talk to
your doctor about how active you can be during this period of time and when you
will be able to return to work or school.
You may have to wear a
special type of shoe or a walking cast during your recovery.
After
the surgery, you will not be able to bend the toe joint, and your toe may not
touch the ground. Most people think this is better than the pain and disability
caused by the toe joint problem. But it may cause slight instability or
imbalance when you walk.
How well it works
The success of surgery for hammer,
claw, or mallet toes has not been widely studied. The specific results and
risks vary depending on the type of surgery, your surgeon's experience, and how
severe your deformity is.
If you want surgery to improve the way your foot looks,
not necessarily to relieve pain, you may be less satisfied with the outcome.
Complications
Your bones may
not fuse together. If this happens, you may need another operation.
The wound or wire site may become infected. If this happens, you will
probably need antibiotics, and your surgeon may remove the wire earlier than
normal.
Swelling may last for a long
time.