DIGITAL/TOE DEFORMITIES
A deformed toe is one of the more common conditions known to afflict the foot, whether it be a hammertoe, mallet toe or overlap­ping toe.

OVERLAPPING TOE
An overlapping toe is one that is malpositioned from birth or acquired over time. It often produces some abnormality in the tendon, ligaments or skin, many times producing painful corns.
All of the toe deformities mentioned can lead to other positional deformities, enlarge­ment of bone tissue or bone spurs. Shoes further aggravate these conditions and can cause additional pain, inflammation, and corns.

TREATMENT
Conservative treatment can consist of one or more of the following.
1. Trimming, digital splinting and/or pad­ding of the corn.
2. Orthotics or inserts in shoes to correct improper walking.
3. Injections to relieve pain and inflamma­tion.
4. Larger or extra depth shoes to accommo­date toe deformities.
If these conservative methods are unsuc­cessful in treating your deformity, then cor­rective toe surgery should be considered.
The surgical correction of your toe defor­mity may be performed in the office, out­patient surgical center or as one-day hospi­tal surgery.

DIGITAL/TOE SURGICAL OPTIONS
These procedures help to straighten the toes by cutting the bone, tendon, joints and/or ligaments.

1. TENOTOMY AND CAPSULOTOMY
The terms tenotomy and capsulotomy refer to the cutting of tendons and joint capsules. More specifically in relation to hammertoe deformities, the tight tendons and joint cap­sules located on the top and bottom of the buckled or contracted toe joints are released.
Once these tight, soft-tissue structures are cut and relaxed, the toe can resume its nor­mal flattened posture.

2. ARTHROPLASTY
This very popular procedure involves re­moval of cartilage and bone in remodeling a deformed joint. It allows for relief of the painful area.

3. ARTHROPLASTY WITH FIXATION FOR FUSION
This procedure involves joint removal and the use of a wire (pin) to stabilize or fuse the deformed toe.

4. ARTHROPLASTY WITH TENDON RELOCATION
A joint space is created and the toe is re­aligned by relocating the flexor tendon, which pulls the toe down.

5. ARTHROPLASTY WITH IMPLANTATION
Following excision of a joint, a plastic im­plant is placed inside to act as a functional space.

6. DEROTATION/ REALIGNMENT PROCEDURE FOR OVERLAPPING TOE
A wedge of skin and a segment of bone are removed to realign the overlapping toe.

7. BONE SPUR REMOVAL
An incision is made and an instrument is used to file or excise the bone spur and re­move the source of increased pressure.

8. OSTEOTOMY
A cut is made through the bone to allow it to be realigned. Wire or pin fixation could be required.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE
After surgery, you will receive instructions regarding the care of your dressings, your level of activity and weight-bearing. As with all foot surgery, rest and elevation can help reduce pain and swelling.