Reviewed by: Medical Review Board
DEROTATIONAL FIFTH TOE ARTHROPLASTY
This procedure is performed in situations where the fifth toe has a tendency to rotate and bend towards the fourth toe (instead of being straight and parallel to the fourth toe). Because of the bending inward, or varus position of the toe, the outside of the toe is pressed against the shoe and a corn may form.
The goals of this procedure is to remove a small piece of bone so that there is no longer "bone to shoe contact", which is creating the corn. Additionally, the incision is made in such a manner that when the incision is closed, it has a tendency to make the fifth toe straighter.
HAMMERTOE INTERDIGITAL FUSION
In this procedure the cartilage on each end of opposing bone is removed, usually with a bone saw. The resulting smooth bone on each side is pressed together and fixated (stabilized) with an insertion of a K-wire. The wire is left in for approximately three weeks in order to allow the two ends of bone to fuse together.
The final result is a rigid toe that will not bend. This procedure is reserved for severe hammertoe deformities where otherwise the toe would eventually bend again, thus causing pain.
If the resultant fused toe is longer than the toes next to it, then there is a chance a corn will form on the end of the toe.
PEG AND HOLE ARTHROPLASTY
In this procedure the end of one bone is remodeled in the shape of a peg, while the bone in front of it has a hole created within it. The peg is "placed" into the hole. This creates a rigid fusion of the toe, so it will no longer bend. Sometimes a wire may also be placed in the surgical site for better fusion. The wire is eventually removed.
This procedure is generally reserved for severe hammertoes where the toe is bent upwards and a lesser procedure might result in a recurrence.
It should be noted that this type of procedure will leave the toe very straight which at times can be a mixed blessing. From a cosmetic standpoint the toe will be very straight while the adjacent toes may still have a bend in them.
Secondly, even though this procedure will shorten the toe somewhat, if the end result of the surgery leaves the toe longer than the rest, there is a good chance a corn will develop on the end of the toe.
CONTINUE....MORE SURGICAL PROCEDURES FOR HAMMERTOES
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this site is purely informational in nature. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. This information is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The information presented here may be subject to errors and omissions.
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Hunterville, NC
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NY
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NJ
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Fla
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Ontario, Canada
I found your website and articles most interesting.
Andrew
Fla.
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Judy
(location unknown)
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New York
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Memphis, TN
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Anna
Scotland
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J. Simmons
(location unknown)
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Yours truly,
J.C. Forbes
Tennessee
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Steve
Redondo Beach, CA
Thank you for your time and expertise in answering my question…..
LH
(location unknown)
First, thanks for putting together this website. Its the most informative site I have found dealing with foot problems. Last June I started having pain and swelling at …….
Joe
(location unknown)
First of all, thank you for having all this useful information available in one place. I've been through most of your website and based on my research, pain and evaluations I think I've narrowed things down quite a bit.
Pete M.
(location unknown)
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Glenda B.
Madison, Alabama
Thanks for replying so quickly. I was a bit concerned. I think your website is great, and chock full of info.....
Carol
Denison, TX
Dr. Marc, Thank you so much for your reply which seemed to be right on. I have researched many sites but you put me on the right path to the possible answer. My foot pain may not rule the rest of my life after all! I believe I'll make a sign that reads, "THE END IS NEAR!" Thanks Very Much,
Dawn
West lafayette, IN
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Michael E.
Tampa, Florida 33624
Hi. This is a great site! I'm a healthy middle aged woman who is in good health, but.....
Kelly
Texas
Just a wee word of thanks for your wonderful website...It is a terrific service...Thank you for providing your knowledge and help...With highest regards, m ebeling
Michael D. Ebeling
Tampa, Florida 33624
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Steve
UK
Dear Dr.Mitnick
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Regards,
Dragica W.
Edmonton,Canada
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Roxy
South Africa
You have an unusually clear, informative and well-written website for laypersons. Thank you for that.
Matthew W.
Mansfield Ctr, CT
First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you.
Steve
Placentia, California
First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.)
Unknown
Unknown location
I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. My foot feels better than it has in months.
Ric J.
Unknown location
I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. And your site is so intelligently arranged.
Ron R.
Pacific Grove, CA
I used to work for a podiatrist (front desk) back during summers in college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Again, I want to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. It was so great to get to your site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed EASILY and QUICKLY! Clearly you put a ton of work into it and I really appreciate it.
All the best,
Victoria
Alameda, California
By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. Kudos to you!
Anonymous
Thank you for your very interesting and informative site!
Anonymous
Hi. I come to your site often looking for information. It is really informative and I appreciate it very much. I have RA and have been having considerable amount of foot pain...... Dee RN
Thanks very much for the wonderful informative site.
Catherine
New Zealand
Thank You for my answer! I have been schedule for a bone density scan, allingment, and I am in the process of getting orthotics made, and checking out the natural remedies. Thank again! What a great web site!
Sincerely
Josette
Yes I want both pair of orthotics. You don't have an option of ordering 2 at one time so I had to place the order twice. Thanks. My husband likes these and wants to put them in all of his shoes. (referring to Superstep orthotics)
Cindy H.
Arizona
I searched the internet everywhere for a clear description and illustration of my symptoms/problem. https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/ was where I ended my search with answers. If I lived in Jersey (left 30 years ago) and didn't live in Florida I would definetly make an appointment with Dr. Mitnick.
Thanks, Kathy
Florida
1st of all THANKS A LOT for your great site......
Anna
Poland
Thank you so much for your response. I will let you know how I am doing if you would like. Your website is awesome!
M P
South Carolina
Hello! I want to thank you for such an informative website! I found you based on my ankle pain search and am happy to realize that there may be a relatively simple cause and solution....
Natalie
unknown location
...Thanks for your fantastic service.
Gary
Arlington, VA
Thank you so very much, that would be much appreciated. I love those insoles, by the way. (referring to Superstep orthotics)
Kelly W.
San Clemente, CA
Dr Marc is fantastic...He seems to know exactly what you are feeling with the problems you are having. I wish he was in my home town so I could go to him with my problems!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pam
location unknown
Great insights! Thanks Doc, you're the best.
Glen
location unknown
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Bre
location unknown
Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.
anonymous
Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!
anonymous
Staying at home after hallux surgery I spend quite a lot of time seaching info useful for avoiding problems which might come back. Today I found your site and I am .... delighted it happened. It's one of the best site I found last days.
Anna
Poland
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Esh
Seattle, WA
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Bonnie
location unknown
Also, and importantly, just want to praise this web site. Thorough and thoughtfully presented, it certainly must be of considerable assistance to anyone with a foot problem. Terrific -- and very interesting.I trust the address comes up easily for those seeking information.
Bill
New Jersey
Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.
Debbie
location unknown
Wow, that is exactly the information needed!!! thank you thank you thank you!!! I appreciate this help so very much from Marc Mitnick DPM. Excellent information and help to improve One's life.
Chrissy
location unknown
Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!
Tracy
Evansville, IA
Dear Marc
I just want to say thank you for the quick response and the good info. I find it amazing and a super nice thing that you do here by answering medical questions at no charge.
Russ W.
location unknown
Your website is full of a lot of helpful information, and I am very impressed with the time in which you responded to my post. Thank you again for your time and consideration in your response.
-Sunny.
location unknown
Thank you very much for the information, I will consider it. Excellent web site.
Jackie
San Diego, CA
Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!
Rivi,
Albany, NY
Thank you so much for all of your advice. In searching the web for people dealing with this same issue i can tell you that you are a Knight In shining Armor! If I lived in Jersey I would gladly be your Spokesperson. Hopefully next time you hear from me it will be good news. God Bless,
Jill S.
location unknown
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS, YOU ARE SO VERY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.
Jackie
Whichita, KS
thanks again, this site is very helpful.
mark
Boston, MA
Like others have stated...This site is amazing and I am so thankful that it was created.
....Keep up what your doing. Your a life saver.
Michelle
Colorado
Thanks again for the information provided on your site. It's easy for non-medical folk to understand your writing, and helps provide better communication between patient and doctor.
annielou
Colorado
Wonderful advice
by: Anonymous
This is the best site for foot problem info.
Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.
by: Max
location unknown
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.
Barb D.
Canada
I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......
Bonnie
location unknown
Again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to answer my question....your an angel!
Nancie
Wisconsin
Thank you for your response. You have provided some great insight (to my question)....
Julie
location unknown
Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!
Renae
North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...
KG
location unknown
Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.
Bessie Mae
Florida
Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,
Lynne T.
location unknown
Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.
Robert
New Jersey
Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.
a mom
location unknown
I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!
Melody
Lenoir, NC
Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!
Rustam
Bellevue, WA
I cannot thank you enough for your response, opinion, and suggestions! I want you to know how much it means to me, and I'm sure everyone else who has ever asked you a question! I feel like you're a lifesaver and have empowered me to take a stronger role and stand up for myself and my feet!
Jodi
location unknown
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