Hammer toe surgery

NewsBot · Jun 18, 2025

Z-type shortening osteotomy of the proximal phalanx: a novel and safe joint sparing intervention to shorten lesser toes with good short-term outcome
Philipp Friederichsen et al
Foot and Ankle Surgery 18 June 2025

Background
Overlength of the lesser toes can lead to pain at the distal toe end and painful hammer and claw deformities. Fusion or resection of proximal interphalangeal joints are commonly used to address overlength, while sacrificing joint mobility. A Z-type shortening osteotomy of the proximal phalanx (SOPP) was developed as a joint-sparing alternative.
Methods
We outline this novel technique and retrospectively analyzed preliminary data from 13 patients (including 9 women) with a mean age of 42 years who underwent Z-type SOPP. Patients rated their postoperative satisfaction and assessments of radiographs and complications were made up to 1-year post-SOPP.
Results
Of 29 toes in total, mean postoperative shortening was 6.4 mm (range, 4 to 11 mm) and all showed complete union at 1 year. All patients were satisfied with the surgery and only two reported limited joint mobility. There were no reports of infection and delayed wound healing.
Conclusion
Z-type SOPP appears to be an effective and safe joint sparing treatment for lesser toe overlength in the short term.
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NewsBot · Jul 3, 2025

Influence of the presence or absence of the second hammertoe on clinical effect of hallux valgus
Jing Tian et al
Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2025 Jun 25;38(6):553-8.

Objective: To compare clinical effect of Ludloff operation on the clinical efficacy of patients with hallux valgus combined with hammertoe of the second toe.

Methods: The clinical data of 66 patients with hallux valgus treated with Ludloff surgery from July 2015 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to exclusion criteria, 33 patients with hallux valgus combined with hammertoe were finally included as case group, and 33 patients with simple hallux valgus were paired as control group. There were 11 males and 22 females in case group, aged from 24 to 62 years old with an average of (33.6±12.7) years old;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 19 to 25 kg·m-2 with an average of(21.7±3.1) kg·m-2;17 patients on the left side and 16 patients on the right side;hallux valgus angle (HVA) ranged from 25° to 47° with an average of (36.3±10.2) °;the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) ranged from 13° to 21° with an average of (16.9±3.2) °. There were 12 males and 21 females in control group, aged from 22 to 61 years old with an average of (32.2±10.9) years old;BMI ranged from 18 to 26 kg·m-2 with an average of (22.0±4.2) kg·m-2;15 patients on the left side and 18 patients on the right side;HVA ranged from 26° to 46° with an average of (37.2±9.3) °;IMA ranged from 12° to 21° with an average of (17.3±4.7) °. HVA, IMA, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation between two groups.

Results: Both groups were completed 1 year postoperative follow-up. Postoperative cutaneous margin necrosis occurred in 2 patients of case group and incision rupture occurred in 1 patient of control group. There was no significant difference between two groups (χ2=0.058, P>0.05). Both groups were achieved bone union at stageⅠat 12 weeks after opertaion, and no recurrence of bunion was observed during follow-up. Three months after operation, AOFAS forefoot function score of case group was (73.4±8.6), which was lower than that of control group (82.1±10.3), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in HVA, IMA, AOFAS and VAS between two groups at 6 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Ludloff surgery for the treatment of bunions with malleform toe of the second toe is slow in the early postoperative functional recovery, but it did not affect the long-term clinical outcome of the patients.
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NewsBot · Jul 5, 2025

EFFICACY OF PERCUTANEOUS SURGERY FOR DIGITAL DEFORMITIES IN OLDER PATIENTS WITH COMORBIDITIES
A. Herrera-Rodríguez et al
Foot and Ankle Surgery 3 July 2025

Introduction
Percutaneous forefoot surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique with the advantages of lower morbidity and earlier recovery by allowing immediate weight bearing. These benefits represent an ideal indication for older patients with high comorbidity. This study presents the functional outcomes of this surgical technique in a series of patients with these characteristics at a tertiary-level university hospital.
Methodology
A retrospective observational study of a case series of patients who underwent this minimally invasive technique between 2022 and 2023. Epidemiological variables were collected, and the outcomes were analysed based on three parameters: resolution of ulcers, disappearance of keratoses, and the ability to wear shoes. The complete resolution of all three parameters evaluated was considered satisfactory, two resolved was acceptable, and the persistence of two or more was unsatisfactory. Given the characteristics of the series collected, only clinical follow-up was performed, with no radiological follow-up in any case.
Results
The first 30 cases operated on were collected. They had a mean age of 82.8 years and an average follow-up of 6.57 months, sufficient to evaluate medium-term postoperative results. The results were satisfactory in 83% of cases. Half of the patients had two or more comorbidities—type 2 diabetes mellitus being the most prevalent—and the higher the number of comorbidities, the greater the risk of an unsatisfactory outcome. Surgical complications were few and mostly mild, affecting only 33% of patients (10 cases). Those with ulcers before surgery presented the worst outcomes.
Conclusions
Percutaneous forefoot surgery for severe digital deformities in older patients with high comorbidity is an ideal minimally invasive technique with good functional outcomes and an acceptable percentage of complications.
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NewsBot · Jul 20, 2025

Hammertoes: Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and Comprehensive Treatment Strategies
Jastifer, James R. MD; Martin, Kevin D. DO
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ():10.5435/JAAOS-D-25-00025, April 10, 2025. | DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-25-00025

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity that originates from the proximal interphalangeal joint of the lesser toes. The deformity involves an imbalance between the muscles and tendons that control toe movement, leading to deformity. Hammertoes can result from various factors, including genetic predisposition, ill-fitting footwear, trauma, or underlying medical conditions such as neuromuscular disorders or diabetic neuropathy. As the deformity progresses, patients may experience pain, difficulty walking, and development of corns or calluses on the affected toes. Treatment strategies for hammertoes range from nonsurgical to surgical, depending on the severity of discomfort and effect on patient function. Nonsurgical treatment includes wearing appropriate footwear, using orthotic devices, and performing targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch affected muscles. In more advanced cases, surgical options, such as tendon transfers, joint arthrodesis, or arthroplasty, may be considered. A comprehensive understanding of hammertoe anatomy, pathophysiology, and treatment options is crucial for the effective management of this condition.
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NewsBot · Aug 19, 2025

Digital Arthroplasty Using Double K-wire Technique for Hammertoe Correction
Kwanoo Lee et al
Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases 14 August 2025, 100558

Digital arthroplasty is a standard surgical treatment for hammertoe correction. To date, no study has been performed to evaluate a double K-wire technique for digital arthroplasty. This study examined radiographic correction for digital arthroplasty using a double K-wire technique. A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive patients undergoing digital arthroplasty through a foot and ankle surgery private practice between December of 2020 to September 2022. A total of 30 patients with 53 hammertoe corrections were included in the study with a minimum of a 1-year follow up. The average transverse and sagittal plane angle improvement postoperatively was 5.2° and 27.2°, respectively with a statistically significant difference. Based on our study, arthroplasty with double K-wire fixation corrects hammertoe deformity as confirmed by radiographic measurements.
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NewsBot · Dec 28, 2025

Percutaneous Flexor Tenotomy Plus Plantar Capsule Release for Rigid Hammertoe: A Cadaveric Study
Madeline Power et al
Foot Ankle Orthop. 2025 Dec 19;10(4):24730114251398766.

Background: Rigid hammertoe deformities in diabetic patients present a therapeutic challenge: percutaneous tenotomy often fails to address capsular contractures, whereas arthrodesis carries an elevated risk of complications. We hypothesized that combining tenotomy with plantar capsule release would provide effective correction while preserving neurovascular structures. This study evaluates the feasibility correction magnitude and vascular safety of this technique through a cadaveric model.

Methods: We perfused 10 clinical-grade lower-limb cadaveric specimens, possessing 14 rigid hammertoes (N = 14), with an India ink-latex mixture to highlight vascular structures. Specimens with significant pathology or prior forefoot surgeries were excluded. The angle of the hammertoe deformity was measured using a goniometer preoperatively, after percutaneous flexor tenotomy, and again after releasing the plantar capsule. Standard dissection was then conducted to assess the common plantar digital arteries.

Results: Mean preoperative contracture of 56.5 (range 15-86) degrees improved to 26.8 (range 0-60) degrees (47.4%) after tenotomy of the flexor digitorum brevis and longus tendons, with 1 toe releasing fully. In cases where full release was not achieved following tenotomy, plantar capsule release was performed. Full release was obtained in 92% of the cases undergoing plantar capsule release. Importantly, no iatrogenic injury occurred to the plantar medial and lateral digital arteries during the procedure.

Conclusion: In cadaveric specimens, partial release of the rigid hammertoe deformity was seen following flexor tenotomy in all but 1 toe. The addition of a proximal interphalangeal joint plantar capsule release was effective at obtaining full release, without evidence of vascular injury. As such, combining tenotomy with plantar capsule release showed effective correction in this cadaveric model and may represent a less invasive option for correcting rigid hammertoes in an outpatient setting.
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NewsBot · Feb 4, 2026

Percutaneous Hammertoe Correction Using Extra-Articular Osteotomies: A Retrospective Study of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Complications
Brian G Loder et al
Source

To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of percutaneous correction of lesser toe deformities using extra-articular osteotomies, with a focus on patient-reported outcomes and postoperative complications.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted on 98 percutaneous hammertoe correction procedures performed on 41 patients between April 2019 and April 2024. Inclusion criteria included age >18, minimum 12-month clinical follow-up, and pre- and post-operative radiographs. Procedures involving interphalangeal arthrodesis or isolated fifth toe corrections were excluded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI) pre-operatively and at least one year post-operatively. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests. Complications and concomitant procedures were also recorded.
Results
Patients had a significant improvement in overall FFI scores, from a pre-operative average of 86.3 to a post-operative average of 34.9 (p < 0.0001). Subscale improvements were also statistically significant for pain (p < 0.0001) and disability (p < 0.0001), but not for activity limitation (p = 0.06). Common concomitant procedures included percutaneous hallux valgus correction (46%) and distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomies (39%). The most frequent complications were recurrence requiring revision arthrodesis (7%) or capsular release (5%). No infections or wound complications were reported.
Conclusion
Percutaneous correction of lesser toe deformities using extra-articular osteotomies offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional open techniques. The procedure significantly improves patient-reported outcomes with a low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Further research, including long-term follow-up and comparison with open techniques, is warranted.
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Hammer toe surgery

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Hammertoe Surgery

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Hammertoe Surgery

hammer toe surgery

Hammertoe surgery??!!

Hammertoe Surgery

Surgery For Hammertoes?? to do or not?

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Hammer toe surgery

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Hammertoe Surgery

hammertoe surgery

Hammertoe Surgery

hammer toe surgery

Hammertoe surgery??!!

Hammertoe Surgery

Surgery For Hammertoes?? to do or not?

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