Correction of hammer toe

Description correcting hammer toe

Correction of hammer toe deformity correction is carried out for the legs, called hammer toe.

Reasons for correction Hammer toe

Hammer toe occurs when the tendon ruptures, which controls the movement of the finger. This leads to, that the middle toe joint is bent upward, and the outer joint inclined downwardly. Deformed fingers resemble a hammer. Correction of hammer toe is held in the following cases:

• Other treatments have led to positive results;
• The fingers causes pain;
• Deformation difficult walking;
• Position the legs causes the destruction of the skin, which may increase the risk of bone infection.

Possible complications for the correction of hammer toe

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to correction, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Excessive swelling, although the finger usually, It will be swollen for a 4-8 weeks after surgery;
• Reaction to anesthesia;
• Recurrence of hammer toe;
• Damage to the nerves or blood vessels in the toe;

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Diabetes;
• Blood clotting.
• Poor blood circulation.

How is the correction of hammer toe?

Preparation for the procedure

Doctor, probably, hold the following:

• Physical examination;
• Roentgen joint.

Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking some medicines:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or warfarin.

On the day of the procedure:

• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home;
• Organize home care after the procedure for the recovery period;
• Wear comfortable clothes, which is easily removed.

Anesthesia

The most commonly used local anesthetic, that numb the area operation.

It can also be used spinal anesthesia, that numb the lower body.

Procedure correction hammer toe

There are several surgical options for the treatment of hammer toe. Some methods use a change in the soft tissues (eg, tendons), while others are held on the bones.

Surgery of soft tissues

The procedure is used for patients younger than 30 years, Foot deformities with disabilities. Performed an incision in the skin and tendons are released. Sometimes the tendon attached to another part of the bone. Changes in soft tissue allows the finger to relax and eliminates deformation.

Operation on the bones

There are two common methods of hammer toe correction – joint arthroplasty and joint compound. The type of procedure depends on the severity of the injury. It may be necessary to combine both procedures. In both cases, the skin incision is made in the knuckle joint area.

During arthroplasty can be removed part of the bone on both sides of the middle toe joint. This will straighten the toe.

During the connection ends of the bones are separated toe, which is placed after the correction in place. Repositioning, usually, It held together with the installation of the fastener in the bone, which can be removed through 3-4 of the week. There may be other changes made to the anatomy of the foot in relation to the correction hammer pin.

After the procedure, the doctor sews up the incision sutures. Used dressing, to support the finger (fingers) feet in the proper position.

How long will the correction of hammer toe?

It depends on the type of procedure and the number of fingers, on which the operation is conducted.

Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. The doctor will give a medicine, to reduce pain after surgery.

Care after correcting hammer toe

• During the first few days after surgery, keep your feet higher;
• Limit your walking and standing for the period, said Dr.;
• Use crutches or wear a special open-toed shoes, if prescribed by your doctor;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;

The corrected toe may be slightly longer or shorter, than before surgery. The finger may have a smaller range of motion compared to the normal finger. Expected slight swelling and redness, which may persist for several months. Bandage, perhaps, It needs to be adjusted, after, How to reduce swelling. If you find, that the strain could be repeated, the doctor can extend the wearing of armbands another 2-4 of the week.

It is necessary to wear shoes with ample space for the toes. Poorly fitting shoes contribute to hammer toe relapse.

Contact your doctor after correction hammer toe

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Pain, which does not pass after administration of designated anesthetics.