Who is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Surgery?

If one of your toes is bent, crooked or crossed over a neighboring toe, you may have a hammertoe deformity. In the early stages of development, we may be able to correct this concern with non-invasive treatments. However, as the problem progresses, surgical correction may be necessary. Thankfully, Marietta podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans can perform this procedure using a minimally-invasive approach, and many—but not all—patients can benefit from this technique. So, who is a candidate for minimally invasive hammertoe surgery? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Hammertoe?

This is a common deformity that develops due to imbalances in your toes that lead to shape changes. Most often, your second toe is affected, but a hammertoe can develop in any digit, making the toes appear bent, crooked or crossed. Initially, your deformity may be flexible (meaning you can straighten out the toe manually) but over time and without treatment, the hammertoe will become rigid. At that point, surgery is the best way to treat the problem and straighten out your toe again.

Hammertoe Treatment Options

With a flexible deformity, you may find hammertoe relief with shoe changes, toe straighteners or pads that keep your toe from rubbing against shoe edges. Getting fitted for custom orthotics can help correct the imbalances that led to this deformity, preventing progression. But to straighten an existing hammertoe, surgery is the only real treatment option. Even if you need surgery, there are multiple treatment options. And one of those options, minimally invasive surgery, can reduce your post-operative pain while shortening your recovery time and getting you back on your feet faster than with a traditional, open surgery.

What is Minimally invasive Hammertoe Surgery (MIS)?

Like all MIS procedures, a minimally invasive hammertoe correction is performed using highly specialized tools and techniques that allow Dr. Cowans to access your toe tendons through tiny incisions—as small as 3-mm—releasing them without causing much damage to surrounding tissue. Using this technique, you can avoid the use of pins and screws, simply maintaining your toe’s corrected position with external tape for up to 8 weeks after your surgery.  Many patients prefer minimally invasive hammertoe surgery because your post-procedural pain is minimal, you can immediately bear weight on your affected foot (although it will be in a surgical boot), and you enjoy a reduced risk for scarring and swelling. By 6 weeks after your procedure, you should be back in normal sneakers, and you may be able to resume athletic activities as soon as 10 weeks after your procedure.

Who is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for minimally invasive hammertoe surgery if you have:

• Persistent pain that has not responded to conservative hammertoe treatment options.
• Additional concerns such as corns or calluses.
• Flexible, mild or moderately rigid deformities.

This surgical approach is also indicated for adults of any age, even older adults, and for anyone who wants to reduce their risk for post-surgical pain and/or complications while getting back to their normal activities on a faster timeline.

Who is Not a Candidate?

You may not be a candidate for minimally invasive hammertoe correction if you have:

• A sever or rigid deformity:  Often, this degree of deformity responds better to open surgery, with an increased visual field and the support of implants that can maintain toe alignment following your procedure.
• Arthritis: If you have arthritis in your toe joint that has advanced and cause severe damage, MIS may not work for your correction. Instead, you may require joint replacement or fusion to correct the deformity.
• Had a previous hammertoe correction, or have additional deformities that need addressing. If you’ve previously undergone hammertoe surgery, or if you are also dealing with bunions, minimally invasive surgery is likely not your best option.

While MIS for a hammertoe won’t work for everyone, many patients wish to explore this treatment option. These guidelines can help you determine which surgical approach may best fit your needs. But the only way to truly determine your candidacy for minimally invasive hammertoe surgery is to come into our Powder Springs podiatry practice for a comprehensive evaluation. So contact our office today by calling 770-727-0614 or by following this link to request an appointment.