Hammertoe Correction Cost and Hammertoe Correction Procedures Information

Hammertoe Correction Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Hammertoe correction surgery is an open procedure for patients who have one or more of the middle three toes pointing up at the middle joint. This procedure is used when there has been little to no improvement after more conservative therapies have been tried. Hammertoe correction surgeries are usually performed at an outpatient surgical facility by an orthopedic surgeon. Patients are usually able to come home the day of the surgery, typically one to two hours after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks after the surgery, though the timeline varies greatly depending on the specific type of surgery.

Patient Preparation for Hammertoe Correction Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with X-rays or other diagnostic tests. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention. And, finally, let your doctor know if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You may need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Hammertoe Correction Surgery

The surgery itself can take as little as one hour, though it could take longer and depends of the severity of the problem. The preparation and recovery time may take several hours. Most patients go home the same day if there are no major problems. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Typically, hammertoe correction surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will make a small incision on the affected toe/s. There are two common procedures to correct hammertoes: joint resection and fusion. Joint resection involves cutting ligaments and tendons to allow the toe to straighten. The tip of the bone may also be removed. Small pins or rods may be inserted for stability during the healing process, and they will be removed a month after surgery. Fusion is a procedure in which ligaments and tendons are also cut to straighten the toe. The tips of the two bones at the joint are then fused using metal pins or screws. After the incision is closed — using stitches or steri-strips — your foot will be wrapped in a soft bandage. You will also have to wear a special shoe during recovery.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities, physical therapy exercises and other things you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.