Hammer toe deformity is the most common deformity of the lesser toes. The fundamental problem is a chronic, sustained imbalance between flexion and extension force of the lesser toes from intrinsic forces, extrinsic forces, or both. The most common indication for surgical treatment of hammertoe deformity is disabling pain that does not improve with adequate nonoperative treatment. Thus, the current article gives a brief overview of the surgical management of hammer toe.
The incidence of hammertoe deformity is undefined. However, the condition is strongly associated with the presence of a second ray that is longer than the first, and it is more common in women. Etiologies of hammertoe deformity include the following: A foot in which the second ray is longer than the first Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) synovitis and instability Inflammatory arthropathies Neuromuscular conditions Uncomfortable…
