What is hammer toe surgery like?

Fairly simple: Depending on the severity of the hammertoe a piece of bone is removed from the toe and often times a digital implant is inserted to hold the toe in position.

Hammertoe repair: An incision is made overlying the contracted joint. The soft tissue attachments are released exposing the joint. The joint may be left separated or fusion of the ends may be attempted. For fusion, the cartilaginous ends of the bone are removed and the ends are approximated and stabilized via a wire, screw, pin, or implant. The contracted tendons may need to be cut or lengthened.