Surgical Procedures for Hammer Toe Correction

Permanent and Sustainable Hammer Toe Operations for Healthy, Pain-Free Feet

Hammer toes are among the most common toe deformities and can be functionally and cosmetically very distressing. As an experienced foot surgeon, Dr. med. Tonio Gottlieb, MD sees daily how this condition affects his patients' quality of life. When conservative treatments such as insoles, splints, or physical therapy are no longer effective, surgery may be a meaningful option. However, the most appropriate treatment must be precisely determined in each individual case. In this guide, we present the most established surgical procedures for correcting hammer toes.

What Exactly Are Hammer Toes?

Hammer toes are characterized by a persistent bending at the middle and base joints of the toes. The cause is usually a muscular and tendon imbalance at the base joint, often aggravated by improper footwear, neurological conditions, or foot deformities such as splayfoot. In addition to pain while walking, pressure points, calluses, or even open wounds may occur, significantly impairing daily life.

When Should Surgery Be Considered?

Dr. med. Tonio Gottlieb, MD:

"Although I am a highly experienced and passionate foot surgeon, I only recommend surgery when conservative treatments no longer provide sufficient relief and pain, pressure points, or limited mobility begin to dominate daily life."

Depending on the severity and cause of the deformity, and the individual needs of the patient, different surgical techniques are available. These primarily include minimally invasive techniques. Traditional open surgical methods are typically used when additional foot deformities, such as severe hallux valgus, also need to be corrected.
Ideally, the cause of the deformity can be identified and corrected. In rare cases, correction is limited to the toe deformity itself.
Here is an overview of the procedures:

1. Tendon Lengthening and Tendon Transfer – Minimally Invasive

For mild deformities, targeted lengthening or repositioning of tendons can restore muscular balance. This minimally invasive approach is particularly suitable when joint damage is not yet advanced.

2. Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)

For more severe deformities or in the presence of arthritis, joint fusion offers excellent long-term results. The toe joint is fixed in a straight position, providing a pain-free and stable alignment. This also shifts muscle pull and ensures balanced force distribution at the base joint. Patients with pronounced deformities benefit greatly from the stability and pain relief this method provides.

Postoperative care is crucial for long-term success. Immediately after surgery, the toe is immobilized using special bandages or splints. This is followed by personalized physical therapy to restore toe mobility and secure surgical outcomes. Special footwear further supports the healing process. Below are general timelines to give an initial sense of the recovery phases. Every healing process is individual, and you will receive a personalized plan tailored to your case.

Dr. med. Tonio Gottlieb, MD:

"Hammer toes no longer have to be accepted. Modern conservative and surgical treatments provide excellent options. High patient satisfaction and rapid recovery inspire me daily to find the best individual solution together with my patients."

For questions about hammer toe surgery, Dr. med. Tonio Gottlieb, MD is happy to advise you in his Berlin practice.

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Sources:

• Practice-based experience from Dr. med. Tonio Gottlieb, MD, orthopedic foot surgeon. Postoperative care phases, indications, and patient expectations based on clinical practice and website content.
• Klaue, Kaj (2015): The Foot – from Evaluation to Surgical Correction, Springer.
• Hansen, Sigvard T. Jr. (1991): Functional Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Banks, A. S. et al. (2012): McGlamry’s Comprehensive Textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Wülker, Stephens, Crachiolo (2007): Operationsatlas Fuß und Sprunggelenk, Thieme.
• Zwipp, Hans (1994): Chirurgie des Fußes, Springer.

Note on Medical Titles

In the German system, "Dr. med." is an academic doctoral degree in medicine. The international equivalent, "MD" (Doctor of Medicine), refers to the professional qualification. For more information about this foot surgeon, see Dr. med. Tonio Gottlieb, MD.