| WHAT ARE HAMMER TOES? |
Toe deformities are a common source
of pain and disability that may be present from birth or develop
later in life. They come in a variety of forms. In most cases
pain arises because the toe(s) become mis-shapen leading to
pressure and friction from footwear on the skin. At an early
stage the deformity may be flexible but in time it will tend
to stiffen and arthritis may develop. |
| AIMS OF SURGERY |
To correct position of toe, prevent
footwear irritation and improve appearance. |
| ANAESTHETIC |
Local anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic
with sedation General Anaesthetic |
OVERVIEW |
| Operation time |
10-30mins |
| Incision placement |
On the top of the toe over the affected
joint(s) |
| Stitches |
We use dissolvable stitches where
possible. |
| Will I have wires? |
Wires are required on some occasions
dependent upon the severity of the problem. |
| When do I go home? |
Usually you are able to go home
the same day if with the support at home of a responsible adult.
|
| Time off work |
Varies according to the nature of
your work and the surgery required but usually is 4 weeks. |
| INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY |
Pain, deformity and difficulty with
shoe fit. |
| ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS |
You can manage your symptoms with
toe covers and splints or by using broader and deeper footwear. |
| GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY |
- Infection (minor&serious)
- Scar problems
- Postoperative pain
- Loss of sensation
- Postoperative swelling
|
- Failure of the operation
- Medication side-effects
- Blood clots
- Chronic pain / swelling
|
|
| SPECIFIC RISKS RELATED TO THIS OPERATION |
Recurrence
Stiff toe joint |
Elevated toe
Swelling |
Pain under the ball of the foot due to change of weight distribution
|
| RECOVERY TIME |
Most patients can return to normal
footwear (eg training or lace up shoes) and driving 2 weeks
following surgery so long as there have been no post operative
complications |
|
