What is the surgery like for hammer toe?

Out patient: Surgery. Depending on severity of the deformity the surgeon will choose the procedure. The surgery will straighten the toe.

Removing the joint: Depending on whether you have a flexible or a rigid deformity will dictate the choice of procedure. In both instances the buckled joint is removed, but depending on severity, it may or may not be fused. Typically an outpatient procedure but the bone has to heal after this planned fracture which is generally 6-8 weeks - in a special shoe/boot. Ask your surgeon for specifics.

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.

Bent toe.: If you catch hammertoes in the early stages, a small, in-office procedure to release one of the tendons will often allow the toe to lie straight again. If the toe deformity has become rigid, the surgery is more involved. It's an outpatient procedure in an operating room, and can involve bone cuts, pins, screws, or other implants. The hardware may remain, or may be removed once you heal.