|
When a toe has a muscle imbalance between the tendons on the top and bottom, the result is a hammertoe. During the earlier stages of this deformity, the toe is still flexible. Unfortunately, if the ailment continues to go untreated, what was once flexible a can slowly become rigid and unmovable. When the problem gets to this stage, there is little else to do than undergo hammertoe surgery. Flexible Procedures If performed while the toe, or toes, is still in the flexible stage, a simple tendon release is often the choice. During this technique can take the bottom tendon, known as a flexor, and reposition to the top of the toe. This relieves the buckled joint and allows the toe to lay flat. There are times when the top or bottom tendon are released from the joint but not repositioned. A simple tendon release is the easiest in terms of recovery. There is usually no more than a small incision, which is closed with a single stitch and covered with a Band-Aid. Those who have to have several toes operated on at the same time, recovery may take slightly longer. Rigid Procedures However, for those who put off hammertoe surgery until the joint is rigid, the operation becomes slightly more complex. One method used is arthroplasty. In this procedure, the surgeon removes part of the joint in order to straighten the toe. In extreme cases, the doctor may remove the entire joint and insert an implant. As the area heals, scar tissue connects the joint or implant to the area, which allows the toe to be flexible once again. Sometimes an arthroplasty is not an option. In this case, the doctor will perform a fusion operation. Instead of removing the joint, or part, and inserting an implant in its place, the doctor has to remove cartilage and some of the bone around the joint. After removing the damaged bone and cartilage, the toe is straight and the doctor inserts a pin into the bone. Several weeks later, the doctor removes the pin. You will regain some flexibility in the toe, although it is limited. Recovery For the most part, recovery only takes a couple of weeks. For those who have hammertoe surgery for a rigid phalanx, the surgeon will place a bandage over the foot, which does not require removal until you return for your follow up visit. You should stay off the foot as much as possible during your recovery and should be able to return to stiff soled walking shoes in a couple of weeks. Those who had to have bones fused will experience several more weeks of recovery. It is common to feel as though the toes are floppy after the procedure. This feeling will go away as the area heals and is nothing to be concerned about. The most common complaint is swelling. If you begin to see callouses or corns from wearing your shoes, you may consult a podiatrist to ensure you are not getting the early stages of hammertoe. By catching it early, your doctor can use preventative treatment and you may avoid having hammertoe surgery. When in need of hammertoe surgery, NY residents go to Downtown NYC Foot Care. To learn more, visit http://www.downtownnycfootcare.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=169.
Related Articles -
hammertoe, surgery, NY,
|
