Repairing severe hammertoe deformities is difficult, and the results depend not only on the success of the surgery but on the recovery process as well. There are numerous reasons why a hammertoe revision surgery might be needed, from additional structural problems to persistent pain. Whether surgery will be required and the issues can be re-corrected with bone grafts and pins, the surgeon will be the one to determine. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this procedure.
What Is Hammertoe and Hammertoe Revision Surgery?
A hammertoe is a common foot deformity where several smaller toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, forming a hammer-like shape. The patients often experience discomfort, difficulty walking and wearing tight shoes, and pain.
A hammertoe revision surgery is a corrective procedure performed after a failed hammertoe surgery which led to complications during recovery. It usually involves the fusion of the problematic joint with a pin or an implant.
How to Know You Need Hammertoe Revision Surgery?
Hammertoe revision surgery is often needed after an inadequate procedure. Patients that experience severe persistent pain, limited mobility in the toe joint, floating toe, and a fixed bent position of the toe should consult the doctor about the benefits of another operation.
How to Prepare for Hammertoe Revision Surgery?
The pre-operative preparation should entail a detailed examination by a podiatrist, who should gain a solid understanding of the structure of the toes. An adequate physical examination should be performed in several types to appropriately plan and execute the surgery.
Also, additional testing might be needed to assess the patient’s health. Leading up to the surgery, the patient should avoid certain medications and quit smoking.
What Does The Hammertoe Revision Surgery Procedure Entail?
There are two types of hammertoe surgeries – arthroplasty and arthroplasty with joint fusion. Both operations can cause different complications, requiring various treatments.
When too much bone is removed, the surgeon will remove the opposing joint surface, using a pin or an implant to fuse the joint. When an implant has not produced a straight form of the toe, the angled bone will be removed, and another pin or implant will be added to achieve stability.
Are There Some Potential Risks?
The majority of patients experience successful outcomes; however, you need to be aware of potential risks that can occur:
- Blood vessel and nerve injury,
- Infection at the surgical site,
- Delayed wound healing,
- Recurrence of the hammertoe deformity over time if the patient doesn’t employ techniques for preventing hammertoes.
How Long Is the Recovery Process?
The recovery after revision surgery lasts approximately 10 weeks. During the first six weeks, the patient should wear post-op stiff-soled surgical shoes, after which athletic shoes can be worn for four weeks to complete the healing process. Resuming normal activity can be done in approximately eight weeks following the operation. During this time, the pain will gradually subside.
Schedule Your Hammertoe Revision Surgery With Podiatrist in Miami
Before determining that you are the perfect candidate for a hammertoe revision surgery, we suggest scheduling a consultation with podiatry experts at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic in Miami. Thorough physical examination and knowing the patient’s medical history are essential for successful revision surgery. Contact us and get an expert opinion on what treatment options would suit you the best.
FAQ
Can Botched Hammertoe Surgery Be Fixed?
Yes, different treatment options can be implemented for better healing results.
Do Hammertoes Come Back After Surgery?
There is a small chance of recurrence, depending on the type of deformity and foot structure.
What Is the New Operation For Hammertoes?
The newest operation entails using an implant called SmartToe into the patient’s toe without using a pin. The bones get fused around the SmartToe implant.
References
- Duke Health Blog: Hammer Toe Treatment Gets People on their Feet Faster
- Advance Foot & Ankle Solutions: REVISION HAMMER TOE SURGERY
- Verywell Health: Hammertoe Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
