Foot Makeover Chronicles: Hammer Toe Surgery With Screws

If you’re suffering from a hammer toe deformity, the thought of having to undergo surgery might be daunting. However, advances in medical techniques have made it possible to treat this condition safely and effectively using surgical screws.

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The team at Northern Ankle Foot Associates has the experience and expertise necessary to fully restore your feet with our advanced hammer toe surgery using screws. Visit our website to schedule an appointment today!

What Are The Causes Of Hammer Toe?

Hammer toe is a condition characterized by an abnormal bend or curling of the toe at the middle joint, resembling the shape of a hammer. This deformity can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Several factors contribute to the development of the hammer toe, such as:

Muscle Imbalance

Muscle imbalances in the toes can occur when the muscles and tendons responsible for controlling the movement become unevenly matched. Normally, the muscles and tendons work in harmony to allow the toe to flex and extend. However, certain habits like wearing poorly fitted shoes, walking on hard surfaces, or participating in activities that place excessive stress on the toes can lead to imbalances. Over time, this can cause the muscles on one side of the toe to become stronger than the opposing muscles, resulting in an abnormal bending or curling of the toe.

Tight Footwear

The correlation between constrictive shoes and hammer toe formation lies in the footwear’s design. Shoes with cramped toe compartments and elevated heels coerce the toes into unnatural positions, subjecting them to undue pressure. This persistent pressure gradually distorts the toe’s alignment over time. Opting for well-fitting shoes with spacious toe boxes and lower heels is pivotal to averting the risk of hammer toe.

Genetics

Genetic inheritance plays a role in determining susceptibility to hammer toe. Familial tendencies, such as a history of short or elongated toes, increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Certain anatomical traits passed down through generations set the stage for the potential misalignment of the toes.

Arthritis

Various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, contribute to hammer toe by altering the joints in the toes. Inflammatory processes and structural changes stemming from arthritis trigger joint deformities, compromising the toes’ natural alignment.

Trauma

Instances of trauma involving the toes, foot, or ankle can lead to hammer toe through the disruption of the intricate network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments responsible for toe movement. Unaddressed injuries or inadequately rehabilitated trauma can disturb this delicate equilibrium and prompt toe misalignment.

Age

Age influences the development of the hammer toe as natural age-related changes affect ligaments, tendons, and joint tissues. The diminished elasticity of these structures with advancing age impairs their ability to maintain proper alignment, rendering the toes more susceptible to deformities.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions exert their influence on the hammer toe by impairing muscle control and toe alignment. Conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the aftermath of a stroke can disturb the harmonious coordination between the brain and the muscles, leading to irregular toe positioning.

Surgical Options For Hammer Toe With Screws

Using screws in a surgical procedure, hammer toes can be corrected, discomfort is reduced, and the toes’ functionality and look are improved. When noninvasive treatments have failed, surgical options are typically considered. Screws are often used in these surgeries to help support and secure the bones, which aids in alignment and speeds up recovery.

Arthroplasty (Joint Resection)

This surgical procedure involves removing a piece of bone from the afflicted joint and is typically used to treat flexible hammer toes. The alignment of the toe is corrected when a bone is removed, which leads to less discomfort and better performance. The technique helps the toe joint become more mobile and flexible.

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Potential downsides include a longer healing time and the recurrence of the condition in certain situations. When joint mobility is highly valued and the deformity is relatively minor, arthroplasty is generally the treatment of choice.

Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion)

In arthrodesis, the surgeon aims to permanently eliminate movement in the affected joint by fusing the bones together. When joint flexibility is severely impaired, as in severe cases of hammer toe, this method can be helpful. During the operation, the bones are held in place using screws, pins, or plates to ensure they heal in the right places.

Although arthrodesis results in permanent stability, it limits motion in the affected joint. When other treatments have failed or when the hammer toe is particularly inflexible, this is the best alternative.

Tendon Transfer

The muscular imbalances that cause hammer toe can be corrected surgically through a procedure called tendon transfer. Forces operating on the toe joint can be better balanced by shifting or relocating tendons, leading to better alignment and function.

When muscular imbalances are the root cause of the deformity, this method has been shown to be quite successful. The alignment of the toes and the functionality of the foot as a whole can be greatly enhanced with tendon transfer.

How Is Hammer Toe Surgery With Screws Done?

The steps involved in hammer toe surgery with screws includes:

Preparation And Anesthesia

Prior to the procedure, meticulous preparation is conducted, involving thorough medical evaluations and discussions with the surgical team to ensure the patient’s suitability for surgery. Anesthesia options, such as local or general anesthesia, are carefully selected to ensure the patient’s comfort during the operation. Specific instructions, including fasting requirements and medication management, are provided to the patient in preparation for the surgery day.

Incision

The surgery begins with the physician making a small incision over the damaged toe. The toe joint that has to be fixed is accessible through this incision. The incision is made in such a way that it allows for the best possible access to the joint while causing as little damage as possible to the neighboring tissues.

Toe Joint Access

Once the incision is made, the surgeon gently navigates through the layers of tissue to access the targeted toe joint. This delicate process requires precision and care to avoid damage to neighboring structures and maintain the integrity of the joint area.

Joint Realignment

The essence of the procedure entails precise correction of the crooked toe joint. The surgeon’s meticulous manipulation of bone and soft tissue restores the joint’s proper alignment. In order to successfully align the toes and repair the hammertoe deformity, this procedure requires a high level of surgical competence. The procedure’s final result depends on this stage going well.

Screw Insertion

Screws are inserted into the bones to secure the corrected position. These screws play a pivotal role in maintaining stability during the healing process. Their presence ensures that the corrected alignment is maintained while the bones heal and potentially fuse together. The choice of screw materials and their placement are carefully considered to ensure optimal support and healing.

Closure And Dressing

Now is the time to close the incision using sutures or staples. A sterile dressing is applied to the surgical site to protect it from infection and aid in the healing process. Patients are provided with clear instructions on how to care for the dressing post-operatively to promote a healthy recovery.

Recovery And Rehabilitation

Patients are constantly observed as they come out of anesthesia and enter the recovery room immediately following surgery (Recovery and Rehabilitation). The patient’s comfort is prioritized. Thus, efforts are made to control their pain.

Immobilization of the treated toe with custom shoes, a cast, or a splint may be necessary for optimal recovery. Patients are urged to follow their rehabilitation plans and listen to their doctors for the best chance for a full and speedy recovery, especially in the first phases of treatment.

Pros And Cons Of Hammer Toe Surgery With Screws

Using screws in hammer-toe surgery has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account before making a decision.

Pros

• Improved Stability: Screws provide stability to the corrected toe joint, reducing the risk of misalignment during healing.

• Enhanced Correction: Using screws allows for precise alignment of bones, resulting in better correction of the hammer toe deformity.

• Reduced Recurrence: Screws minimize the chances of the hammer toe deformity recurring after surgery by maintaining the corrected alignment.

• Quicker Healing: Properly placed screws promote faster healing by limiting movement at the surgical site.

• Earlier Weight-Bearing: Patients may start partial weight-bearing and walking sooner after surgery with screws compared to other fixation methods.

• Minimize Scarring: Screws can lead to smaller incisions, resulting in less noticeable scars, with both cosmetic and psychological benefits.

Cons

• Infection: Risk of infection around screws, emphasizing the importance of post-operative wound care

• Implant-Related Issues: Screws can cause discomfort, irritation, or prominence, potentially requiring additional interventions or removal.

• Non-Union or Malunion: Despite screw fixation, there’s a possibility of improper bone healing (non-union) or healing in an incorrect position (malunion).

• Delayed Healing: Improper screw use can interfere with natural healing, potentially leading to delayed recovery.

• Possible Allergic Reactions: The rare occurrence of allergic reactions to screw materials is managed through proper patient assessment and material selection.

Ready To Revitalize Your Toes? Discover Hammer Toe Surgery Today!

Hammer toe can greatly impact a person’s comfort and mobility, and when left untreated, it can get worse over time. The good news is that there are many surgical options available to treat hammer toe, such as hammer toe surgery with screws. This procedure involves the placement of temporary screws to reposition the toe bones and ensure proper joint alignment.

Although this surgery can be beneficial, there are some risks associated with it such as infection, nerve damage, and pain. Before making any decision it is important that you carefully research your options and consult with your medical professional.

Hammer toe can be an uncomfortable impossibly debilitating condition. If you want to revitalize your toes, you can trust Northern Ankle Foot Associates with your foot care needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the best treatment plan possible and getting you your foot back. Book an appointment with our amazing doctor and explore details on hammer toe surgery today to get started!