When is Surgery an Option & What Surgical Prodcedures Mend Toe Deformities?
There are several surgical procedures that can be performed in order to correct or diminish pain from hammer toe, mallet toe or claw toe. If you have a severe toe deformity and require surgery, you may undergo one of the following procedures: tendon transfer, digital (bone) arthroplasty/arthrodesis, or implant arthroplasty. Tendon Transfer During this procedure the deformed toe is pulled down and straightened by re-routing a tendon from the underside of the toe to the top of the toe. Digital (Bone) Arthroplasty/Arthrodesis Both of these procedures involve the surgical removal of bone from the affected joints in the deformed toe. Only half of the joint is removed during Arthroplasty, which allows for some mobility. An Arthrodesis procedure involves the complete removal of the affected joint, thus leaving this joint completely rigid and immobile. Implant Arthroplasty A silicone or metal implant is specially designed for the deformed toe and is then inserted into the toe to act as a joint
